Shazam Machines Produces Numerous Types of Money Change Machines

question 140

Essay

Shazam Machines produces numerous types of money change machines. All machines are made in the same production department and many use exactly the same processes. Because customers have such different demands for the machine characteristics, the company uses a job-costing system. Unfortunately, some of the production managers have been upset for the last few months when their jobs were charged with the spoilage that occurred over an entire processing run of several types of machines. Some of the best managers have even threatened to quit unless the accounting system is changed.
Required:
What recommendations can you suggest to improve the accounting for spoilage?

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Definitions:

Direct Labor-Hours

The total hours worked directly on the production of goods or delivery of services.

Variable Overhead

Costs that vary with production volume, such as supplies and utilities for manufacturing.

Rate Variance

The difference between the actual rate of expense or income and its expected (standard) rate, often used in variance analysis.

Direct Labor-Hours

The cumulative hours employees directly participating in the production process have worked.