Activity-Based-Costing (ABC)charges Products for the Cost of Capacity Used,NOT for Idle

question 124

Essay

Activity-based-costing (ABC)charges products for the cost of capacity used,NOT for idle capacity.
Required:
a)The use of which activity level,budgeted (same as expected)or maximum capacity,is consistent with ABC? Explain.
b)How might the use of ABC based on maximum capacity activity level enhance a firm's ability to compete on price? Explain.

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Definitions:

Manufacturing Overhead

All indirect costs associated with the production process, such as utilities, maintenance, and management salaries, not directly tied to direct materials or direct labor.

Predetermined Overhead Rate

A rate used in cost accounting to allocate overhead costs based on an estimated activity level.

Direct Labor-hours

The hours that workers contribute directly towards the manufacture of goods over a specified period.

Fixed Manufacturing Overhead

Costs associated with production that do not vary with the level of output, such as depreciation of machinery and the salary of the factory manager.