Charles Industrial Metal Co (CIM Co) is a large supplier of industrial metals. The company is split into two divisions: Division F and Division N. Each division operates separately as an investment centre, with each one having full control over its non-current assets. In addition, both divisions are responsible for their own current assets, controlling their own levels of inventory and cash and having full responsibility for the credit terms granted to customers and the collection of receivables balances. Similarly, each division has full responsibility for its current liabilities and deals directly with its own suppliers.

Each divisional manager is paid a salary of 120,000 per annum plus an annual performance-related bonus, based on the return on investment (ROI) achieved by their division for the year. Each divisional manager is expected to achieve a minimum ROI for their division of 10% per annum. If a manager only meets the 10% target, they are not awarded a bonus. However, for each whole percentage point above 10% which the division achieves for the year, a bonus equivalent to 2% of annual salary is paid, subject to a maximum bonus equivalent to 30% of annual salary.

The following figures relate to the year ended 31 August 2020:

Division F Division N

000 000

Sales 14,500 8,700

Controllable profit 2,645 1,970

Less apportionment of Head Office costs (1,265) (684)

Net profit 1,380 1,286

Non-current assets 9,760 14,980

Inventory, cash and trade receivables 2,480 3,260

Trade payables 2,960 1,400

During the year ending 31 August 2020, Division N invested 68m in new equipment including a technologically advanced cutting machine, which is expected to increase productivity by 8% per annum. Division F has made no investment during the year, although its computer system is badly in need of updating. Division Fs manager has said that he has already had to delay payments to suppliers (i.e. accounts payables) because of limited cash and the computer system will just have to wait, although the cash balance at Division F is still better than that of Division N.

Required:

(a) For each division, for the year ended 31 August 2020, calculate the appropriate closing return on investment (ROI) on which the payment of management bonuses will be based. Briefly justify the figures used in your calculations.

Note: There are 3 marks available for calculations and 2 marks available for discussion.

(b) Based on your calculations in part (a), calculate each managers bonus for the year ended 31 August 2020.

(c) Discuss whether ROI is providing a fair basis for calculating the managers bonuses and the problems arising from its use at CIM Co for the year ended 31 August 2020.