Powerhorse, Inc

question 105

Essay

Powerhorse, Inc., manufactures steel hitches for horse trailers. The company's direct labor rates have been set by the terms of the current labor contract. Direct labor rate standards have been assigned for each job classification. In July 20xx, a young apprentice was being trained during regular working hours to become a machine operator on one of the turret lathes. A timekeeper determined that the apprentice had spent a total of 48 hours as a novice machine operator in July. Standard time for the same work output is 34 hours. The apprentice earned $6.80 per hour in July. The standard direct labor rate for machine operators working on turret lathes is $9.50 per hour.
a. From the data provided, determine the direct labor efficiency variance and the direct labor rate variance that resulted from the temporary substitution of the apprentice for the regular machine operator. (Note that, according to the labor contract, the apprentice is not entitled to the same rate as a regular machine operator during the training period.)
b. Did the company benefit financially from the situation? Why or why not? (Show calculations.)

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Definitions:

Income

The monetary gain received from work (wages or salary), capital, or other sources during a specific period of time.

Quintile Distribution

Quintile distribution is a method of dividing a population into five equal groups or quintiles, based on variables such as income or wealth, to analyze economic inequality.

Income Receivers

Individuals or entities that earn income through various means such as employment, investments, or ownership of assets.

Gini Ratios

A gauge of how evenly income is distributed across a population, with a scale from 0 indicating absolute equality to 1 showing total inequality.