Spruce Bank Is Planning to Automate Some of Its Back

question 65

Multiple Choice

Spruce Bank is planning to automate some of its back office functions and reduce operating costs.The installation of new computers and software will require an initial investment of $1,000,000.The savings generated because of reduced personnel cost is $200,000 per year.The bank uses an 8 percent rate of discount to evaluate cost saving projects which are expected to last 10 years. On further analysis, it is estimated that the project has a finite life of 5 years, i.e.further investment will be required to generate the same savings.Should they undertake the project if they assume a five-year horizon for evaluating the project?

• A)Yes, because the NPV of the project is $500,000.
• B)Yes, because the NPV of the project is $342,016.
• C)No, because the NPV of the project is -$500,000.
• D)No, because the NPV of the project is -$201,458.
• E)No, because the IRR of the project is greater than 15 percent.

---

Definitions:

First-In, First-Out Method

An inventory valuation method that assumes the first items placed in inventory are the first sold; useful in managing and valuing inventory.

Conversion Costs

The combined costs of direct labor and manufacturing overheads required to convert raw materials into finished goods.

Equivalent Units

A concept in cost accounting used to calculate the cost of partially completed goods by converting them into a number of fully completed units.

Conversion Cost

The sum of labor and overhead expenditures incurred to convert raw materials into finished goods.