b. In the past, the 15 technicians employed in the production of Fludex consisted of 7 senior technicians and 8 assistants. During November. the company experimented with fewer senior technicians and more assistants in order to save costs. Would you recommend that the new labor mix be continued? Yes No 3. Compute the variable overhead rate and efficiency variances. b. The materials were purchased from a new supplier who is anxious to enter into a long-term purchase contract. Would you recommend that the company sign the contract? Yes No 2. For direct labor. a. Compute the rate and efficiency variances Becton Labs, Inc., produces various chemical compounds for industrial use. One compound, called Fludex, is prepared using an elaborate distilling process. The company has developed standard costs for one unit of Fludex, as follows: During November, the following activity was recorded relative to production of Fludex: a. Materials purchased, 8,700 ounces at a cost of $53,070. b. There was no beginning inventory of materials; however, at the end of the month, 2,350 ounces of material remained in ending inventory. c. The company employs 15 lab technicians to work on the production of Fludex. During November, they worked an average of 130 hours at an average rate of $12.50 per hour. d. Variable manufacturing overhead is assigned to Fludex on the basis of direct labor-hours. Variable manufacturing overhead costs during November totaled $6,000. e. During November. 3,600 good units of Fludex were produced. Required: 1. For direct materials: a. Compute the price and quantity variances