Company K has two operating departments, Fabrication and Finishing. In addition, the company has two supporting departments. The Power department provides electricity to all departments, whereas the maintenance department is responsible for the repairs and maintenance work of the entire company. The Power department costs are allocated based on kilowatt hours used. Maintenance department costs are allocated based on the number of internal work orders. The supporting departments' costs are allocated to the operating departments using a single rate. The data below summarizes the support hours utilized by each department as well as their budgeted variable and fixed costs: Fabrication Finishing Maintenance Power Department fixed costs 345,750 235,500 645,000 2,340,000 Department variable costs 84,000 32,625 270,000 615,000 Internal work orders 375 540 - 165 Kilowatt hours 66,750 41,250 18,000 - Required: 1. Based on the data provided, calculate the total costs of the operating departments, after the allocated supporting departments costs, using: a. Direct method b. Step down method with Maintenance department first 2. Provide one strategy for deciding which supporting department to be allocated first.