Michael Cianci, Manager of Division C of the FX Corporation

question 60

Essay

Michael Cianci, manager of Division C of the FX Corporation, is considering a new investment for his division. The division currently has an investment base (i.e., assets) of $4,000,000, and operating income of approximately $600,000 per year. The new investment of $500,000 supports corporate strategy and is expected to increase operating income by $50,000 next year, an acceptable level of return from the standpoint of the corporation as a whole.
Required:
1. What is the current return on investment (ROI) for Division C?
2. What will be the ROI of the division if the new investment is undertaken?
3. Suppose the manager's compensation consists of a salary plus a bonus proportional to divisional ROI. Would the manager's compensation be higher with, or without, the new investment?
4. Suggest changes to corporate management that will better align performance evaluation and compensation with corporate goals.

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Definitions:

Tropical Rain Forest

A lush, species-rich forest biome that occurs in tropical areas where the climate is very moist throughout the year. Tropical rain forests are also characterized by old, infertile soils.

Unit Area

A specific measurement used to describe the quantity of an object or substance within a defined area of space.

Keystone Species

A species whose presence in an ecosystem largely determines the species composition and functioning of that ecosystem.

Poison Arrow Frogs

A group of brightly colored frogs that are known for their powerful toxins, which indigenous people have used on the tips of arrows or darts for hunting.