The Procurement Manager Was Able to Bring Down the Cost

question 118

Multiple Choice

The procurement manager was able to bring down the cost of direct materials by purchasing materials of a slightly lower grade quality than the company had used previously. The lower grade of materials, however, meant a higher defect rate on the assembly line, and higher wastage of materials during production, which in turn lowered operating income. This situation could have produced which of the following variances?

• A) Favorable materials price variance
• B) Favorable labor price variance
• C) Unfavorable labor efficiency variance
• D) Favorable materials efficiency variance

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Definitions:

Marginal Benefit

The enhancement in satisfaction or benefit achieved by using or producing another unit of a product or service.

External Costs

Costs of an economic activity that are not borne by the participants in the activity but are imposed on others, such as pollution.

Competitive Free Market

A market structure where many firms offer products or services that are similar, allowing for free entry and exit, with prices determined by supply and demand forces.

Marginal External Cost

The cost imposed on a third party not involved in a transaction or activity due to an additional unit of production.