Questions21.qxdQuestions21.qxd

Requirements

1. (a) Calculate each of the three proposed transfer prices and comment on how each might affect the willingness of EMD's chief executive to engage in inter- divisional trade. (10 marks)
2. (b) Outlineanalternativemethodofsettingtransferpriceswhichyouconsiderto be appropriate for this situation, and explain why it is an improvement on the other proposals. (5 marks) (Total 15 marks) ICAEW P2 Management Accounting and Financial Management 2

English Allied Traders plc has a wide range of manufacturing activities, principally within the UK. The company operates on the divisionalized basis with each divi- sion being responsible for its own manufacturing, sales and marketing, and work- ing capital management. Divisional chief executives are expected to achieve a target 20% return on sales.

A disagreement has arisen between two divisions which operate on adjacent sites. The Office Products Division (OPD) has the opportunity to manufacture a printer using a new linear motor which has recently been developed by the Electric Motor Division (EMD). Currently there is no other source of supply for an equiva- lent motor in the required quantity of 30 000 units a year, although a foreign manu- facturer has offered to supply up to 10 000 units in the coming year at a price of 9 each. EMD's current selling price for the motor is 12. Although EMD's production line for this motor is currently operating at only 50% of its capacity, sales are encouraging and EMD confidently expects to sell 100 000 units in 2001, and its max- imum output of 120 000 units in 2002.

EMD has offered to supply OPD's requirements for 2001 at a transfer price equal to the normal selling price, less the variable selling and distribution costs that it would not incur on this internal order. OPD responded by offering an alternative transfer price of the standard variable manufacturing cost plus a 20% profit margin. The two divisions have been unable to agree, so the corporate operations director has suggested a third transfer price equal to the standard full manufacturing cost plus 15%. However, neither divisional chief executive regards such a price as fair.

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EMD's 2001 budget for the production and sale of motors, based on its standard costs for the forecast 100 000 units sales, but excluding the possible sales to OPD, is as follows:

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(000)

Sales Revenue (100 000 units at 12.00 each) 1200

Direct Manufacturing Costs

Bought-in materials 360

Labour 230

Packaging 40

Indirect Manufacturing Costs Variable overheads 10

Line production managers 30

Depreciation

Capital equipment 150

Capitalized development costs 60

Total manufacturing costs 880

Sales and Distribution Costs

Salaries of sales force 50

Carriage 20

General Overhead 50

Total costs 1000

Profit 200

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Notes

1. (1) The costs of the sales force and indirect production staff are not expected to increase up to the current production capacity.
2. (2) General overhead includes allocations of divisional administrative expenses and corporate charges of 20 000 specifically related to this product.
3. (3) Depreciation for all assets is charged on a straight line basis using a five year life and no residual value.
4. (4) Carriage is provided by an outside contractor.

Requirements

1. (a) Calculate each of the three proposed transfer prices and comment on how each might affect the willingness of EMD's chief executive to engage in inter- divisional trade. (10 marks)
2. (b)Outlineanalternativemethodofsettingtransferpriceswhichyouconsidertobeappropriateforthissituation,andexplainwhyitisanimprovementontheotherproposals.(5marks)
3. ICAEWP2ManagementAccountingandFinancialManagement2