Reference no: EM132631859

Becton Labs, INC produces various chemical compounds for industrial use. One compound, called Fludex, is prepared using an elaborate distilling process. The company has developed standard costs for one unit of Fludex, as follows:

                                  Standard Quantity           Standard Price or Rate                Standard Cost

Direct materials                      2.5 ounces                        $20.00 per ounce                     $50.00

Direct Labor                             1.4 hours                            $12.50 per hour                    17.50

Variable manufacturing overhead  1.4 hours                              $3.50 per hour                     4.90

Total                                                                                                                           $72.40

During November, the following activity was recorded related to the production of Fludex:

1. Materials purchased, 12,000 ounces at a cost $225,000
2. There was no beginning inventory of materials; however, at the end of the month, 2,500 ounces of material remained in ending inventory
3. The company employs 35 lab technicians to work on the production of Fludex, During November, they worked an average of 160 hours at an average rate of $12 per hour
4. Variable manufacturing overhead is assigned to Fludex on the basis of direct labor hours. Variable manufacturing overhead costs during November totaled $18,200
5. During November, 3,750 good units of Fludex were produced

Required:

For direct materials

Question 1: Compute the price and quantity variances

Question 2: The materials were purchased from a new supplier who is anxious to enter into a long-term purchase contract. Would you recommend that the company sign the contract? Explain

For direct labor:

Question 3: Compute the rate and efficiency variances

Question 4: In the past, the 35 technicians employed in the production of Fludex consisted of 20 senior technicians and 15 assistants. During November, the company experimented with fewer senior technicians and more assistants in order to save costs. Would you recommend that the new labor mix be continued? Explain.

Question 5: Compute the variable overhead rate and efficiency variances. What relation can you see between this efficiency variance and the labor efficiency variance?