Alton Van Lines Is Considering the Acquisition of Two New

question 88

Essay

Alton Van Lines is considering the acquisition of two new trucks. Because of improved mileage, these vehicles are expected to have a lower operating cost per mile than the trucks the company plans to replace. Management is studying whether the firm would be better-off keeping the older vehicles or going ahead with the replacement, and has identified the following decision factors to evaluate:
1. Cost and book value of the old trucks
2. Moving revenues, which are not expected to change with the acquisition
3. Operating costs of the new and old vehicles
4. New truck purchase price and related depreciation charges
5. Proceeds from sale of the old vehicles
6. The 8% return on alternative investments that Alton will forego by tying up cash in the new trucks
7. Drivers' wages and fringe benefits
Required:
A. Relevant information.
B. Opportunity costs.
C. Sunk costs.
D. Factors to be considered in the decision.

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Definitions:

Social Loafing

The occurrence when people put in less effort towards attaining an objective while working in a team compared to working solo.

Meaningful Task

A task perceived as significant and valuable by an individual, often leading to increased motivation and engagement.

Social Loafing

The phenomenon where individuals exert less effort to achieve a goal when they work in a group than when they work alone.

Identifiable Contributions

Specific inputs or efforts by individuals or groups that can be directly linked to a particular outcome or result.