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Skills level · Performance Management

Performance Management · 2025

Every objective and theory question in this paper, with answers where we have them, and the topic notes to revise each one.

14 questions14 theory27 topics to revise
Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, Pathfinder, 2025

May 2025 diet

0 objective and 7 theory
Time allowed: 31/4 hours (including 15 minutes reading time). Attempt five out of seven questions.
0 objective7 theory135 theory marks set
No.SectionMarksCovers
Q1Section A (compulsory)30Relevant cost of a one-year engineering project (hire v buy machine, labour, materials); why reported profit differs;...
Q2Section B20Sales mix and sales quantity contribution variances for a car-wash business; discuss in Nigerian economic conditions.
Q3Section B20LP formulation, simultaneous equations, shadow prices as overtime limits, single-product choice.
Q4Section B20ABC v labour-hour rate; expected selling prices; reasons for ABC.
Q5Section C15ROI and RI for an investment centre from brand contribution; advantages of ROI.
Q6Section C15Flexible budgets using high-low and step cost; variance report and follow-up.
Q7Section C15Throughput accounting ratio with bottleneck, optimum mix with contract minimum, ways to raise bottleneck capacity.

Theory questions Written questions

1
Theory question 1Section A (compulsory)
30 marks
a 20b 4c 2

A company has been asked to provide a quotation for an engineering project that will take one year to complete. An analysis of the project has already been completed and the following resource requirements have been identified: (i) A specialised machine will be required for a total of 10 weeks. Two of these weeks are at the start of the project and three of them are at the end. The machine could be hired from a reputable supplier, who would guarantee its availability when it is required, for ₦40,000 per week. Alternatively it could be purchased at a cost of ₦2,500,000. If it was purchased, it could be sold in one year’s time for ₦1,500,000. If the machine was purchased, it could be hired out to other companies for ₦25,000 per week and it is believed that it would be hired out for a total of 30 weeks. (ii) The machine has a running cost of ₦7,200 per week. This cost is incurred by the user of the machine. (iii) It is the company’s policy to depreciate non-current assets by 25% per year on a reducing balance basis. (iv) Skilled labour would be required for a total of 9,000 hours during the year. The labour required could be recruited at an hourly rate of ₦120. Alternatively some of the employees currently working on other projects within the company could be transferred to this project. The hourly rate is ₦100 per hour. If these existing employees were to be transferred to this project, replacement will be needed on the existing project work. Replacements on the existing project work would cost ₦110 per hour. (v) Unskilled labour would be required for a total of 12,000 hours during the year. These employees would need to be recruited on a one year contract at a cost of ₦80 per hour. (vi) The project would need to be supervised and it is estimated that there would be a total of 500 hours of supervision required during the year. One of the existing supervisors could undertake this work, but will require a total of 300 hours overtime during the year to carry out the supervision on this project as well as his existing duties. The supervisor earns a salary of ₦500,000 per year 61 for working 2,000 hours and is not paid for overtime work. If this project goes ahead, the supervisor will be paid a bonus of ₦5,000, which would not be paid if the project is not undertaken. (vii) The direct materials required for the project are as follows: Material A The total amount required for the project would have to be purchased at a cost of ₦150,000. Material B The total quantity required would be 10,000 square metres. The company purchased 25,000 square metres of this material for a project two years ago at a total cost of ₦1,000,000. The earlier project used 20,000 square metres of the material and the remainder is currently held in inventory. The company does not foresee any other use for this material in the future and could sell it for ₦20 per square metre. The current purchase price of the material is ₦50 per square metre. (viii) The company has already incurred expenditure of ₦250,000 in analysing the resource requirements of the project. (ix) It is the company’s policy to attribute overhead costs to projects using an absorption rate of 40% of prime costs. (x) It is the company’s policy to add a 25% profit mark-up to total costs when setting its prices. Required:

a

Prepare a statement that shows the relevant cost of the project. For each of the resources indicated in notes (1) to (10) you must clearly explain the reason for the cost value that you have used. Ignore the time value of money and taxation.

20 marks
b

Assume that: (i) The company used your calculations as the basis of the quotation and added ₦1,250,000 for profit. (ii) All costs incurred were the same as forecast. Explain why the financial profit reports at the end of the year would not show a profit of ₦1,250,000 for the engineering project.

4 marks
c

Explain why contribution margin theory is used as a basis for providing information relevant to decision making.

2 marks
d

Explain the relevance of opportunity costs in decision making. (4 Marks) 62

Suggested answer

a) Product Machine hours required A B C Total Type 1 180 315 180 675 Type 2 120 175 120 415 Machine utilisation rate: Machine type 1 = 675/600 = 112.5% Machine type 2 = 415/500 = 83.0% Machine type 1 has the highest utilisation rate and the rate is above 100. Therefore, machine type 1 is the bottleneck/limiting factor. b) 73

(a) i. The relevant cost is the lower cost option. This is to buy the machine and rent it out when it is not being used. (wka) 250,000

ii. Machinery running cost 10 weeks x ₦7,200 per week The relevant cost is the running cost to be incurred in the future if the project is undertaken. 72,000

iii. Depreciation This is not relevant as it is not a cash cost.

iv. Skilled Labour External project labour: 9,000 hours x ₦120 The existing hourly rate is irrelevant as the company would continue to pay its existing employees regardless of the decision. The relevant cost is the lower cost option External replacement labour 9,000 hours x ₦110 990,000

v. Unskilled labour would have to be recruited for the project. This is the relevant cost because it is only incurred if the project goes ahead: 12,000 hours x ₦80 960,000

vi. Supervision Existing salary would be unchanged so this is irrelevant. Overtime would be worked but this is unpaid so this is also irrelevant. The bonus is only paid if the project goes ahead so it is a relevant cost 5,000

vii. Material A The relevant cost that would have to be purchased 150,000 Material B The current inventory can be used on this project, the relevant cost is its resale value of ₦20 per square metre: 5,000 square metres x ₦20 = 100,000 5,000 square metres x ₦50 The original cost of the inventory is irrelevant as it is a past (sunk) cost. 250,000 350,000 74 Viii. Analysis cost This is not relevant because it is a past (sunk) cost.

ix. Overhead costs These are not relevant unless they are specific to the project. Overheads that are absorbed are non-specific to the project. They are not incremental costs.

x. Profit This is not relevant because it is not a cost. Total relevant cost 2,777,000

Workings The relevant cost of the project is as follows:

(i) Specialised machine Hire cost ₦40,000 x 10 weeks = (₦) 400,000 Net cost if purchased Original cost₦2,500,000 Residual value ₦1,500,000 1,000,000 Less Rental income: ₦25,000 x 30 weeks (750,000) 250,000

(b) Explanation of why the financial profit reports will not show a profit of N1,250,000 for the engineering project at the end of the year The financial profit reports will not show a profit of N1,250,000 for the following reasons:

i. Financial profit calculation will consider depreciation whereas the analysis above did not;

ii. Financial profit will consider the project’s share of general overheads, absorbing them at 40% of prime cost, but the calculation above did not;

iii. Financial profit will not consider the principle of relevant costing when determining the cost of materials for the job, but will charge them using the company’s inventory valuation policy;

iv. The salary cost for unskilled, skilled and supervisor will be considered for the proportion of time they spent on the engineering project. 75

(c) Contribution is the difference between sales and variable costs, both of which are dependent on activity. Fixed costs, which tend to be independent of activity, are ignored. Since most decisions involve changes in the level of activity the relevant costs and revenues are those affected by changes in the level of activity. Thus the net effect of these relevant costs and revenues is contribution.

(d) An opportunity cost is the value which represents the cost of the next best alternative or the benefit forgone by accepting one course of action in preference to others when allocating scarce resources. If there is only one scarce resource, decisions can be made by ranking alternatives according to their contributions per unit of the scarce resource. However, in reality there will be many scarce resources, and different alternatives will use alternative combinations of those scarce resources. In these situations opportunity costs are used to identify the optimum use of those resources.

Examiner’s report This is a compulsory question that dwells on relevant costing and contribution margin theory. The question being a compulsory question was attempted by almost all the candidates. Performance of the candidates was average. The major pitfalls were the inability of most candidates to determine relevant costs of various cost elements including relevant cost of machine as it relates to hiring and outright purchase; relevant cost of skilled labour and unskilled labour and other relevant costs of materials for the purpose of determining minimum cost of a project. It is hereby recommended that candidates use ICAN Study Text and other Performance Management text-books in preparing for future Institute’s examination.

Marking guide Q1 a. Relevant costs (20 ticks @ 1 mark = 20 marks) 20

b. Profit maximisation quantity using Marginal and contribution analysis (Any 2 points @ 2 marks = 4 marks) 4

c. Importance of contribution margin theory (2 points @ 1mark per point) = 2 marks) 2

d. Relevance of opportunity costs in decision making (1 point @ 4 marks per point = 4 marks) 4 30 Total 30 76

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, May 2025, Question 1
2
Theory question 2Section B
20 marks
a 2c 10

Adebat Cleaning Services is a company that operates a car wash service in Ikeja, Lagos State. The economic condition in Nigeria in recent times has affected all households and businesses. Due to deregulation, petroleum products prices have gone up astronomically and food inflation has also reached an all-time high of over 200%. Costs of vehicles have gone up beyond the reach of an average citizen, having increased by over 300% due to the depreciation on the naira exchange rate to other international currencies. The economic situation has further reduced the disposable income of citizens by over 50%. As a result of this harsh economic environment, car owners find it difficult to replace their cars and now result to constant maintenance, including regular car wash. Adebat Cleaning Services operates two types of car wash, Complete-wash and Mini- wash. The Complete wash entails cleaning of both the inside and outside of the cars, while Mini wash is the washing of the outside of the cars only. Adebat charges ₦1,000 and ₦500 for the Complete and Mini wash respectively. The company’s budget and actual figures for 2024 were as follows: Budget Actual Number of cars: Complete – wash 6,000 6,800 Mini – wash 4,000 7,000 ₦ ₦ Revenue 8,000,000 10,640,000 Variable costs: Staff wages (3,840,000) (4,018,800) Cleaning materials (200,000) (400,000) Energy costs (240,000) (340,800) (4,280,000) (4,759,600) Contribution 3,720,000 5,880,400 Fixed costs: Rent, rates and depreciation (1,200,000) (1,200,000) Operating profit 2,520,00 4,680,400 The budgeted contribution to sales ratios for the two types of car wash are 45% for complete-wash and 56% for mini-wash. 63 Required:

a

Explain briefly the sales mix contribution variance and the sales quantity contribution variance.

2 marks
b

Calculate: (i) Total sales mix contribution variance. (4 Marks) (ii) Total sales quantity contribution variance. (4 Marks)

c

In the light of the situation in Nigeria and using the results of your calculations in (b) above, discuss the sales performance of Adebat Cleaning Services in 2024.

10 marks
Suggested answer

(a) The sales mix contribution variance: This variance measures the effect on profit of changing the mix of actual sales from the budgeted mix. The sales quantity contribution variance: This variance measures the effect on profit of selling a different total quantity from the budgeted total quantity.

(b) Variances

(i) The sales mix contribution variance Calculated as (actual sales quantity – actual sales quantity in budgeted proportions) x standard contribution per unit. Standard contributions per car wash: Complete = ₦1,000 x 45% = ₦450 per valet Mini = ₦500 x 56% = ₦280 per valet Actual sales quantity in budgeted proportions (ASQBP): Complete: 13,800 x (6,000/10,000) = 8,280 Mini: 13,800 x (4,000/10,000) = 5,520 Car wash Type AQAM AQBM Difference Standard Contribution Variance ₦ ₦ Complete 6,800 8,280 (1,480) 450 666,000 A Mini 7,000 5.520 1,480 280 414,400 F 251,600 A

(ii) The sales quantity contribution variance Calculated as (actual sales quantity in budgeted proportions – budgeted sales quantity) x standard contribution per unit. Car wash Type AQAM BQBM Difference Standard Contribution Variance ₦ ₦ Complete 8,280 6,000 2,280 450 1,026,000 F Mini 5,520 4,000 1,520 280 425,600 F 1,451,600 F 77

(c) Discussion on sales performance of the business i The sales performance of the Adebat Cleaning Services was very good in 2023, as shown by the favourable sales quantity variance of ₦1,451.600. 5y6 ii Overall, total sales revenue is 33% higher than budgeted ((₦8m – ₦10.64)/₦8m). This is because a higher total number of car wash was carried out in the year. iii The difference in sales quantity from the revenue data is substantially from the mini car wash. The Mini car wash is 75% ((7,000 – 4,000)/4,000) higher than budgeted, whereas the number of Complete car wash is only 13% ((6.800 –6,000)/6,000) higher than budget. iv We have an adverse sales mix variance of ₦251,600 because although the number of Mini car wash went up substantially, but they generate a lower contribution per unit than the Complete car wash. v However, the performance is simply a reflection of the economic situation in Nigeria. We are told that disposable incomes in Nigeria have decreased by 50% over the last year. This means that people have less money to spend on non-essential expenditure such as car wash. Consequently, they are opting for the cheaper mini car wash rather than the more expensive Complete car wash. At the same time, we are also told that people now carry out regular maintenance of their cars because of inability to buy a new one, hence a regular car wash Thus, the total quantity of car wash is higher than budgeted, particularly the mini wash.

Examiner’s report The question is on Sales mix contribution variance and sales quantity contribution variance and their importance on the sales performance of Adebat Cleaning services. The question was attempted by most of the candidates. The Performance of the candidate was average. The major pitfall observed was the inability of candidates to understand the computation and use of the proportion of actual sales in budgeted mix from where the variances can be generated for both total sales mix contribution variance and total sales quantity contribution variance. It is hereby recommended that candidates use ICAN Study Text and other approved text-books on Performance Management when preparing for future Institute’s examination. 78

Marking guide

a. Explanation of Sales mix contribution and sales quantity contribution variances. (Two explanations @ 1 marks for each explanation = 2 marks) 2

b. i. Computation of Sales Mix contribution variance (8 ticks @ ½ mark = 4 marks) 4

ii. Computation of Sales quantity contribution variance (8 ticks @ 2 marks = 4 marks) 4 8

c. Using the results in b above, the performance of the company in 2025: Implication of Sales mix variance Implication of Sales quantity variance Sales Price Variance. (4 points at 2½ marks = 10 marks) 10 20 Total 20

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, May 2025, Question 2
3
Theory question 3Section B
20 marks
b 5c 5

Twins Nig. Ltd, a company based in Aba, produces industrial vanish. The selling prices and associated unit variable costs for vanish Grade A and Grade B are shown below: Grade A Grade B N N Selling price 2,100 1,500 Material X (N240 per kg) 480 240 Skilled labour (N144 per hour) 720 288 Unskilled labour (N60 per hour) 120 180 Variable overhead (N84 per machine hour) 168 338 The fixed overhead cost is N600,000 per month and the company plans to maximise profits. Available resources for the following month is as follows: Material X 2,500 kg Skilled labour 4,800 hours Unskilled labour 3,900 hours Machine hours 5,000 hours Required:

a

(i) Identify the objective function and the constraints to be used in a linear programming model to determine the optimum production plan for the following month. (5 Marks) (ii) Produce, using simultaneous equations, the optimum production plan and the resulting profit for the following month. (5 Marks) 64

b

Management is now considering negotiating overtime work with both the skilled and unskilled labour. Advise management what maximum amount should be offered per hour of overtime, separately, for skilled labour and for unskilled labour. (Show calculations).

5 marks
c

Assume that the company has the choice of producing either Grade A of the vanish or Grade B, but not both. Calculate which Grade of the vanish should be produced in order to maximise contribution. What quantity should be produced and the resulting total contribution?

5 marks
Suggested answer

a) i) * Contribution per unit Selling price 2,100 1,500 Variable cost per unit (1,488) (1,044) Contribution 612 456 * LP Model Objective function: Maximise contribution (C) = 612A + 456B Subject to constraints:

i) Material X: 2A + B ≤ 2,500 ii) Skilled labour: 5A + 2B ≤ 4,800 iii) Unskilled labour: 2A + 3B ≤ 3,900 iv) Machine hours: 2A + 4B ≤ 5,000 v) Non-negativity: A, B ≥ 0

ii) The equation of the binding constraints are: 5A + 2B = 4,800 …… (1) 2A + 3B = 3,900 …… (2) Eq. (2) x 2.5: 5A + 7.5B = 9,750 …… (3) Eq. (3) - Eq. (1): 0 + 5.5B = 4,950 B= 900 units 79 Substitute for B in Eq. (2): 2A + 3(900) = 3,900 A = 600 units Thus, the optimum production plan is to produce 600 units of A and 900 units of B. Total contribution = 612 (600) + 456 (900) = N777,600 Less fixed costs N600,000 Profit N177,600

b) We need to first compute the shadow prices. Using the dual method: Let x = shadow price per skilled labour y = shadow price per unskilled labour 5x + 2y = 612 ….. (1) 2x + 3y = 456 ….. (2) Eq. (2) x 2.5: 5x + 7.5y = 1,140 Eq. (3) – Eq. (1): 0 + 5.5y = 528 y = 96 Substitute for y in Eq. (2): 2x + 3 (96) = 456 x = 84 Thus, the shadow price (i.e. the overtime premium) per hour of skilled labour is N84 and N96 for unskilled labour. To get the maximum hourly rate we simply add the normal hourly rate: Skilled labour = N144 + N84 = N228 Unskilled labour =N60 + N96 = N156

c) Maximum production of each grade is as follows: A B Material X (2,500/2) 1,250 (2,500/1) 2,500 Skilled labour (4,800/5) 960 (4,800/2) 2,400 Unskilled labour (3,900/2) 1,900 (3,900/3) 1,300 Machine hours (5,000/2) 2,500 (5,000/4) 1,250 To avoid violating the other constraints, the maximum of each grade of the vanish that can be produced is the lowest under each of the two grades. The total maximum contribution is: Grade A 960 units x N612 = N587,520 Grade B 1,250 units x N456 = N570,000 80

Examiner’s report The question tests candidates’ understanding of linear programming. The question was attempted by many candidates. The Performance was average. The major pitfall observed was candidates’ inability to decipher the non-binding constraints and binding constraints as well as the computation and use shadow prices for the determination of maximum production mix for each grade of the skilled and unskilled labour. It is hereby recommended that candidates’ use ICAN Study Text on Performance Management when preparing for future Institute’s examination.

Marking guide a.i. Identify the objective function and the four constraints (10 ticks @ ½ mark = 5 marks) 5

ii. Produce using the simultaneous equations, the optimum production plan (10 ticks @ ½ mark = 5 marks) 5 10

b. Maximum amount of overtime of both skilled and unskilled Labour. (10 ticks @½ mark = 5 marks) 5

c. A choice of Producing either Grade A or B, what grade should be produced to maximise Profit (10 ticks @ ½ mark = 5 marks) 5 20 Total 20

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, May 2025, Question 3
4
Theory question 4Section B
20 marks
a 10b 7c 3

Chukwumah Nigeria Limited manufactures and sells three products X, Y and Z. The company is recently considering the introduction of an activity-based costing approach to facilitate efficient cost allocation, as well as achieve improvement in cost accuracy and reduction. The new approach will use two direct costs categories (direct materials and direct labour) as well as five indirect cost pools which represent the five activity areas. The prior product costing system uses the two direct cost categories and a single indirect cost pool where overheads are allocated using direct labour hours. The following information is provided for the next period: Product Product Product X Y Z Production and sales (units) 120,000 75,000 30,000 Direct material cost N190 N180 N160 Direct Labour Hours 6 8 7 Machine hours 4 8 9 Number of production runs 15 30 75 Number of component receipts 45 75 360 Number of production orders 45 30 75 Direct labour is paid at N8 per hour. Variable overhead is paid at N34 per unit for Product X, N44 per unit for Product Y and N38 per unit for Product Z. 65 Fixed Overhead Costs in the period are expected to be as follows: N Cost Driver Set up 1,260,000 Production Runs Machine 8,100,000 Machine Hours Goods inwards 2,520,000 Company Receipt Packaging 1,800,000 Production Order Engineering 1,620,000 Production Order N15,300,000 Required:

a

Calculate the unit costs of each product using: (i) Prior product costing approach (Traditional Cost) based on direct labour hourly rate. (ii) The ABC method.

10 marks
b

The company considered the pricing of the three products where sales prices have remained uncertain as shown in the table below: Product X Product X Product Z Prob. N Prob. N Prob. N 0.5 300 0.6 350 0.5 450 0.3 360 0.3 400 0.4 440 0.2 390 0.1 420 0.1 430 Compute the expected unit sales prices for the three products and the total profit or loss for each product that will arise from the implementation of the ABC costing approach and the traditional costing method.

7 marks
c

State reasons why activity based costing approach may be preferred to traditional absorption costing approach in modern manufacturing environment.

3 marks
Suggested answer

a. i. Unit cost using Traditional approach: Unit Cost of Production (Traditional Cost Approach) X Y Z N N N Material 190 180 160 Labour 48 64 56 Variable overhead 34 44 38 Overhead 60 80 70 Unit Cost 332 368 324 81

Workings: Traditional approach using direct labour hourly rate Total overhead = N15,300,000 Total direct labour hours = 6 x 120,000 = 720,000 = 8 x 75,000 = 600,000 = 7 x 30,000 = 210,000 1,530,000 hours Direct labour hourly rate N15,300,000 = N10 1,530,000 Product X Product Y Product Z Direct Labour hours per unit 6 hours 8 hours 7 hours Direct Labour hourly rate (N) 10 10 10 Unit overhead cost per unit N60 N80 N70 Labour cost at N8 per hour N48 N64 N56 a.ii. Unit cost of Production using ABC approach in overhead absorption Unit Cost of Product (ABC APPROACH) X Y Z N N N Material 190 180 160 Labour 48 64 56 Value OH 34 44 38 Overhead 35.83125 66.57 200.25 Unit Cost 307.83125 354.37 454.25

Workings: Computation of total activity volumes: Product Direct Material Machine Company Production Production Quality Labour Cost Hours Receipt Run Order X 12,000 720,000 22.800,000 480,000 45 15 45 Y 75,000 600,000 13,500,000 600,000 75 30 30 Z 30,000 210,000 4,800,000 270,000 360 75 75 Total 1,530,000 41,100,000 1,350,000 480 120 150 82 Overhead cost per activity (cost driver rate) Activity Overhead Cost Cost Activity per Overhead Allocated Driver Period Absorption Rate Set up 1,260,000 Production run 120 N10,500 per cost Machine 8,100,000 Machine hours 1,350,000 N6 Goods inwards 2,520,000 Component receipts 480 N5,250 Packaging 1,800,000 Production order 150 N12,000 Engineering 1,620,000 Production order 150 N10,800 N15,300,000 Allocation of Overhead to Product Activity (Computation of Overhead cost per unit using ABC Approach) Cost Driver Rate X Y Z Total Cost 120,000 75,000 30,000 N N N N Set up: 15 product runs 10,500 157,500 157,500 30 product runs 10,500 315,000 315,000 75 production run 10,500 _______ _______ 787,500 787,500 Total 157,500 315,000 787,500 1,260,000 Machine: 480,000 machine hours 6 2,880,000 2,880,000 600,000 machine hours 6 3,600,000 3,600,000 270,000 machine hours 6 _________ _________ 1,620,000 1,620,000 Total 2,880,000 3,600,000 1,620,000 8,100,000 Good Include: 45 receipts 5,250 236,250 236,250 75 receipts 5,250 393,750 360 receipts 5,250 _______ _______ 1,890,000 1,890,000 Total 236,250 393,750 1,890,000 2,520,000 Packaging: 45 production order 12,000 540,000 540,000 30 production order 12,000 360,000 360,000 75 production order 12,000 _______ 900,000 900,000 ________ Total 540,000 360,000 900,000 1,800,000 83 Engineering: 45 production order 10,800 486,000 486,000 30 production order 10,800 324,000 324,000 75 production order 10,800 _________ 810,000 810,000 486,000 324,000 810,000 1,620,000 Total 4,299,750 4,992,750 6,007,500 15,300,000 Unit cost of overhead = N35,83125 N66.57 N200.25 b.i. Expected Sales Price Product X Product Y Product Z Price Pr Expected Price Pr Expected Price Pr Expected Selling Price Selling Price Selling Price N N N N N N 350 0.5 150 350 0.6 210 450 0.5 221 300 0.3 108 400 0.3 120 440 0.4 176 390 0.2 78 420 0.1 42 430 0.1 43 336 372 444

b. ii. Profit Computation using Traditional Costing Approach X Y Z N N N Unit Sales Price 336 372 444 Unit Cost 332 368 324 Unit Profit 4 4 120 Quantity 120,000 75,000 30,000 Total Profit 480,000 300,000 3,600,000 Profit Computation Using ABC Approach X Y Z N N N Cost sales price 336 372 444 Unit cost 307.83125 354.57 454.25 Net Profit/(cost) 28.16875 17.43 (10.25) Quantity 120,000 75,000 30,000 Total Profit 3,380,250 1,307,250 (307,500) 84

c. Why ABC is preferred to traditional approach ABC is preferred traditional costing due to the following reasons:

i. ABC provides useful information about the activities that drive overhead costs.

ii. ABC provides information that could be relevant to long-term cost control and long-term product pricing.

iii. ABC approach shows a more realistic costing approach.

iv. Cost absorption is based on cost drives not on hourly rate.

Examiner’s report The question tests candidates’ knowledge on comparison of overhead cost per unit based on traditional approach and the Activity based costing approach. The question was attempted by many candidates since it is a popular advanced costing question. The Performance was above average. The major pitfall observed was candidate’s inability to determine the costs per cost driver, expected unit selling prices for the three products X, Y, and Z, using the probabilities given. It is hereby advised that candidates use ICAN Study Text on Performance Management when preparing for future Institute’s examination.

Marking guide

a. Calculation of unit costs using traditional costing and ABC approaches. ( 40 ticks @ ¼ mark = 10 marks) 10

b. Computation of expected unit selling prices and the total profit or Loss from implementation of the Traditional costing and ABC approaches. ( 14 ticks @ ½ mark = 7 marks) 7

c. Reasons for using ABC approaches (2 points @ 1½ marks per point = 3 marks) 3 20 Total 20 85

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, May 2025, Question 4
5
Theory question 5Section C
15 marks
a 5b 5

ABC Nigeria Plc has three separate divisions – North, East and West divisions, each operating as an investment centre within the group. East Division makes and sells three products, A, B and C. All three products are sold under a brand name Alpha label, but Product A and Product B are also sold through a sales outfit as beta branded products. 66 Budgeted data for the year to December 31, 2024 is as follows: Product sales Product A Product B Product C Units Units Units Alpha brand 160,000 120,000 50,000 Beta brand 450,000 600,000 - Selling prices Product A Product B Product C ₦ per unit ₦ per unit ₦ per unit Alpha brand 5.00 6.40 10.00 Beta brand 3.00 4.00 - Variable costs Production Packaging Nper unit Nper unit Product A: Alpha brand 2.40 0.60 Beta brand 2.40 0.20 Product B: Alpha brand 3.20 0.80 Beta brand 3.20 0.40 Product C: Alpha brand 5.00 1.00 Budgeted marketing expenditure is ₦300,000 for the year, and other budgeted expenditure for other fixed costs is ₦700,000. The average capital employed in East Division in Year 2024 is expected to be ₦1,000,000 and each division’s cost of capital is 12%. Required

a

Calculate the budgeted Return on investment for East Division for the year to December 31, 2024.

5 marks
b

Calculate the budgeted residual income for East Division for the year to December 31, 2024.

5 marks
c

What are the advantages of return on investment measure over the residual income approach of divisional performance appraisal. (5 Marks) 67

Suggested answer

ABC NIGERIA PLC Unit Unit Unit Sales Total Sales Variable Contribution Units Contribution Price Cost N N N N N Product A Alpha brand 5.00 3.00 2.00 160,000 320,000 Beta brand 3.00 2.60 0.40 450,000 180,000 Product B Alpha brand 6.40 4.00 2.40 120,000 288,000 Beta brand 4.00 3.60 0.40 600,000 240,000 Product C Alpha brand 10.00 6.00 4.00 50,000 200,000 Total contribution 1,228,000 Fixed Cost Marketing Cost 300,000 Other fixed costs 700,000 1,000,000 Net profit 228,000

a. ROI - 228,000 x 100 = 22.80% 1,000,000 1

b. Residual Income Net Profit N228,000 Imputed (notional) Cost 12% of N1,000,000 120,000 Residual Income N108,000

c. Advantages of ROI over Residual Income approach.

• ROI relates the Profit to the Capital employed.

• It is a percentage measure.

• It is a tool for comparison.

• It is easily understood.

• It focuses on capital employed. 86

Examiner’s report The question tests candidates’ understanding of divisional performance appraisal. The question was attempted by most of the candidates. The Performance was above average. The major pitfall observed was the candidates’ inability to compute residual income of each division for the products to its generated revenue and net profit. It is hereby advised that candidates use ICAN Study Text on Performance Management when preparing for future Institute’s examination. Working guide

a. Calculation of Returns on Investments (10 ticks @ ½ marks = 5 marks) 5

b. Calculation of residual income (5 ticks @ 1 mark = 5 marks) 5

c. Advantages of ROI over Residual Income in divisional performance appraisal ( Any 2 points @ 2½ marks = 5 marks) 5 15 Total 15

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, May 2025, Question 5
6
Theory question 6Section C
15 marks
a

Egoyibo Nigeria Limited is a company which produces a single product on an assembly line. The budget personnel has been availed with the following information which represents the extremes of high and low volumes of production which the company will achieve over a three month period. Production of Production of 80,000 units 160,000 units N N Direct materials 6,400,000 12,800,000 Indirect materials 960,000 1,600,000 Direct labour 4,000,000 8,000,000 Power 1,440,000 1,920,000 Repairs 1,600,000 2,400,000 Supervision 1,600,000 2,880,000 Rent, insurance and rates 720,000 720,000 Additional information: Supervision is a “step function”. To this end, one supervisor is employed for all production levels up to and including 100,000 units. For higher levels of production, an assistant supervisor whose remunerations is N1,280,000 will be added.

RequiredPrepare a set of flexible budgets for presentation to the Production Director to cover the following levels of production over a period of three months: (i) 80,000 Units (ii) 100,000 Units (iii) 120,000 Units (iv) 140,000 Units (v) 160,000 Units
9 marks
b

During the three months July to September 2024, 100,000 units were produced. Actual costs incurred during this period were as follows: N Direct materials 8,300,000 Indirect materials 1,160,000 Direct lbour 5,400,000 Power 1,520,000 Repairs 1,770,000 Supervision 1,700,000 Rent, insurance and rates 640,000 68

Required(i) Prepare a budget report for presentation to the Production Director displaying all relevant variances. (3 Marks) s (ii) For each variance, suggest any further investigations which might be required and necessary actions needed to be taken by the Director. (3 Marks)
Suggested answer

EGOYIBO NIGERIA LTD

a. Flexible Budget for 3 months Particulars 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000 N’000 N’000 N’000 N’000 N’000 Variable Costs: Direct materials 6,400 8,000 9,600 11,200 12,800 Indirect materials 640 800 960 1,120 1,280 Direct labour 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 Power 480 600 720 840 960 Repairs 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 Total variable cost 12,320 15,400 18,480 21,560 24,640 Fixed Costs: Indirect material 320 320 320 320 320 Power 960 960 960 960 960 Repairs 800 800 800 800 800 Supervision 1,600 1,600 2,880 2,880 2,880 Rent, rates and Insurance 720 720 720 720 720 87 Total fixed costs 4,400 4,400 5,680 5,680 5,680 Total cost 6,720 19,800 24,160 27,240 30,320 Working Particulars 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000 Cost analysis N’000 N’000 N’000 N’000 N’000 Direct material 6,400 8,000 9,600 11,200 12,800 Variable cost Indirect material 960 1,600 Semi-variable cost Direct Labour 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 Variable cost Power 1,440 1,920 Semi-variable cost Repairs 1,600 2,400 Semi-variable cost Supervision 1,600 1,600 2,880 2,880 2,880 Step cost Rent/insurance/ rates 720 720 720 720 720 Fixed cost Using High –Low method analysis of semi-variable costs: Indirect Material Variable cost Per unit =1600,000 – 960,000 = 640,000 160,000 – 80,000 80,000 = N8 per unit Fixed Cost = using lowest activity it will be FC = Total cost – VC (Activity Level) = (960,000 – 8(80,000) = 960,000 - 640,000) = N320,000 Power variable cost per unit = N1,920,000 – N1,440,000 = 480,000 = N6 80,000 80,000 Fixed cost = 1,920,000 – 6 x 160,000 = N960,000 Supervision (variable cost )= 2,880,000 – 1,600,000 = 1,280,000 = N16 80,000 80,000 Fixed cost = 2,880,000 – 16(160,000) 2,880,000 – 2,560,000 = N320,000 Repair Variable cost = 2,400,000 – 1,600,000 = 800,000 = N10 80,000 80,000 Fixed cost = N2,400,000 – 10 x (160,000) = N800,000 88 Specify each cost type based on activity S/N Particulars Cost analysis (Cost type based on activity) 1. Direct material Variable cost 2. Indirect material Semi-variable cost 3. Direct Labour Variable cost 4. Power Semi-variable cost 5. Repairs Semi-variable cost 6. Supervision Step cost 7. Rent/insurance/ rates Fixed cost

b. Budget report from July to Sept 2021 at 100,000 units showing variances: S/N Particulars Variable Fixed cost Total Actual Variance Cost budgeted Cost N’000 N’000 N’000 N’000 N’000 1. Direct material 8,000 - 8,000 8,300 300 A 2. Indirect material 800 320 1,120 1,160 40 A 3. Direct labour 5,000 - 5,000 5,400 400 A 4. Power 600 960 1,560 1,520 40 F 5. Repairs 1,000 800 1,800 1,770 30 F 6. Supervision - 1,600 1,600 1,700 100 A 7. Rent, Insurance/Rates - 720 720 640 80 F Where A = Adverse variance and F = favourable variance

c. Further investigations on the variances and measures/actions needed to be taken by director. S/n Variance Variance amount Investigations and measures to be taken on the variances 1 Direct material cost variance N300,000 A There exist a N300,000 adverse variance which could be as a result of price and usage of materials. High actual direct material price, wastage, poor quality of materials, and loss in production. Management is expected to conduct price and market survey, ensure high quality low priced materials are procured and used, handling of materials to reduce wastage to be improved. 89 N40,000 2 Indirect A There is a N40,000 adverse variance for indirect material cost material which could be as a result of price and variance usage of such materials, wastage, poor quality of such materials. Management is expected to conduct price and market survey, ensure high quality low priced materials are procured and used, handling of such materials to reduce wastage. 3 Direct Labour cost variance N400,000 A An adverse variance of N400,000 was observed. This could arise from direct labour rate and efficiency variances. The variance could be attributable to high labour rates, inefficient operations and excessive overtime. Management can control same through appropriate labour pricing, effective job evaluation and manpower planning 4 Power overhead cost variance N40,000F There is a favourable variance of N40,000 which could be due to decrease in power rates. There is need for investigation to ensure appropriate and realistic figure is used for budgeting purposes in future. 5 Repairs expenses cost variance N30,000F An favourable variance of N30,000 was noticed. It may mean that maintenance programme of equipment was not only adhered to but surpassed. An favourabler variance of N30,000 means that there is need for investigation to ensure appropriate figure (realistic figures) are used for budgeting purposes in future. 6 Supervision cost variance N100,000A There is aadverse variance of N100,000 which could be due to increase in cost of supervision. There is need for investigation to ensure appropriate figure is used for budgeting purposes in future. 7 Rent, insurance and Rates cost Variances N80,000F There is a favourable variance of N80,000 which could be due to decrease in rates. There is need for investigation to ensure appropriate figure is used for budgeting purposes in future. 90

Examiner’s report The question is a flexible budget question which dwells on candidates’ knowledge of how to separate costs elements into, fixed and variable costs from a given costs and quantity levels. The question also dwells on the budgets and actuals costs for quantity level of 100,000 units expecting candidates to determine the variances between actuals and budgets and reasons for such variances. The question was a popular question and most candidates attempted it. The Performance was above average. The major pitfall observed was the candidates’ inability to use High-low method to separate semi-variable costs and computation of the relevant variances. It is hereby advised that candidates use ICAN Study Text on Performance Management when preparing for future Institute’s examination.

Marking guide

a. Preparation of Flexible (63 ticks @ 7ticks/ mark = 9 marks) 9 b.i. Preparation of budget report showing variances (6 ticks @ ½ marks = 3 marks) 3 ii. Reasons for the variances ( Any 2 points @ 1½ marks = marks) 3 15 Total 15

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, May 2025, Question 6
7
Theory question 7Section C
15 marks
a 5b 5

Yaro Ltd makes two types of solar panels at its manufacturing plant: Red panels for commercial customers and Black panels for domestic customers. All panels are produced using the same materials, machinery and a skilled labour force. Production takes place for five days per week, from 7am until 8pm (13 hours), 50 weeks of the year. Each panel has to be cut, moulded and then assembled using a cutting machine (Machine C), a moulding machine (Machine M) and an assembly machine (Machine A). As part of a government scheme to increase renewable energy sources, Yaro Ltd has guaranteed not to increase the price of Black or Red panels for the next three years. It has also agreed to supply a minimum of 1,000 black panels each year to domestic customers for this three-year period. Due to poor productivity levels, late orders and declining profits over recent years, the Finance Director has suggested the introduction of throughput accounting within the organisation, together with a ’Just in Time’ system of production. Material costs and selling prices for each type of panel are shown below. Red panels Black panels ₦ ₦ Selling price per unit 12,600 3,800 Material costs per unit 4,300 1,160 Total factory costs, which include the cost of labour and all factory overheads, are ₦12million each year at the plant. Out of the 13 hours available for production each day, workers take a one hour lunch break. For the remaining 12 hours, Machine C is utilised 85% of the time and Machines M and A are utilised 90% of the time. The unproductive time arises either as a result of routine maintenance or because of staff absenteeism, as each machine needs to be manned by skilled workers in order for the machine to run. The skilled workers are currently only trained to work on one type of machine each. Maintenance work is 69 carried out by external contractors who provide a round the clock service (that is, they are available 24 hour a day, seven days a week), should it be required. The following information is available for Machine M, which has been identified as the bottleneck resource: Red panels Black panels Hours per unit Hours per unit Machine M 1.4 0.6 There is currently plenty of spare capacity on Machines C and A. Maximum annual demand for Red panels and Black panels is 1,800 units and 1,700 units respectively. Required:

a

Calculate the throughput accounting ratio for Red panels and for Black panels and explain what they indicate to Yaro Ltd about production of each type of panel.

5 marks
b

Assume that your calculations in part (a) hve shown that Red panels have a higher throughput accounting ratio than Black panels.

RequiredUsing throughput accounting, prepare calculations to determine the optimum production mix and maximum profit of Yaro Ltd for the next year.
5 marks
c

Suggest and discuss THREE ways in which Yaro Ltd could try to increase its production capacity and hence increase throughput next year without making any additional investment in machinery. (5 Marks) 70 Formulae Learning curve Y = axb Where Y = cumulative average time per unit to produce x units a = the time taken for the first unit of output x = the cumulative number of units produced b = the index of learning (log LR/log2) LR = the learning rate as a decimal Demand curve P = a – bQ = b change in price change in quantity a = price when Q = 0 MR = a – 2bQ The linear regression equation of Y on X is given by: Y = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑋 where b = 𝑛 𝑋𝑌− ( 𝑋)( 𝑌) 𝑛 𝑋2− 𝑋 2 a = 𝑦𝑛 − 𝑏 𝑥 𝑛 Coefficient of determination (r2) r2 = 𝑛 𝑋𝑌 − 𝑥 𝑌1 2 (𝑛 𝑋2− 𝑋 2 (𝑛 𝑦2− 𝑋 2 71 The Miller-Orr Model 𝑆𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 =3 x 134x Transaction Cost x Variance of Cash flows 3 Interest rate as a proportion Annuity Table Present value of an annuity of 1 i.e. 1 - (1 + r)-n r Where r = discount rate n = number of periods Discount rate (r) Periods (n) 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10% 1 0·990 0·980 0·971 0·962 0·952 0·943 0·935 0·926 0·917 0·909 1 2 1·970 1·942 1·913 1·886 1·859 1·833 1·808 1·783 1·759 1·736 2 3 2·941 2·884 2·829 2·775 2·723 2·673 2·624 2·577 2·531 2.487 3 4 3·902 3·808 3.717 3·630 3.546 3.465 3·387 3·312 3·240 3·170 4 5 4·853 4·713 4·580 4·452 4·329 4·212 4·100 3·993 3.890 3·791 5 6 5·795 5·601 5·417 5·242 5·076 4·917 4·767 4·623 4.486 4·355 6 7 6·728 6.472 6·230 6·002 5·786 5·582 5·389 5·206 5·033 4·868 7 8 7·652 7·325 7·020 6·733 6·463 6·210 5·971 5·747 5·535 5·335 8 9 8·566 8·162 7·786 7.435 7·108 6·802 6·515 6·247 5·995 5·759 9 10 9·471 8·983 8·530 8·111 7·722 7·360 7·024 6·710 6.418 6·145 10 11 10·368 9·787 9·253 8·760 8·306 7·887 7.499 7·139 6·805 6.495 11 12 11·255 10·575 9·954 9·385 8·863 8·384 7·943 7·536 7'161 6·814 12 13 12·134 11·348 10·635 9·986 9·394 8·853 8·358 7·904 7·487 7·103 13 14 13·004 12·106 11·296 10·563 9·899 9·295 8·745 8·244 7·786 7·367 14 15 13·865 12·849 11·938 11·118 10·380 9·712 9·108 8·559 8·061 7·606 15 (n) 11% 12% 13% 14% 15% 16% 17% 18% 19% 20% 1 0·901 0·893 0·885 0·877 0·870 0·862 0·855 0·847 0·840 0·833 1 2 1·713 1·690 1·668 1·647 1·626 1·605 1·585 1·566 1·547 1·528 2 3 2.444 2.402 2·361 2·322 2·283 2·246 2·210 2·174 2·140 2·106 3 4 3·102 3·037 2·974 2·914 2·855 2·798 2·743 2.690 2·639 2.589 4 5 3·696 3·605 3·517 3·433 3·352 3·274 3·199 3·127 3·058 2·991 5 6 4·231 4·111 3·998 3·889 3·784 3·685 3·589 3.498 3.410 3·326 6 7 4·712 4·564 4.423 4·288 4·160 4·039 3·922 3·812 3·706 3·605 7 8 5·146 4·968 4.799 4·639 4.487 4·344 4·207 4·078 3·954 3·837 8 9 5·537 5·328 5·132 4·946 4·772 4·607 4.451 4·303 4·163 4·031 9 10 5·889 5·650 5.426 5·216 5·019 4·833 4·659 4.494 4·339 4·192 10 11 6·207 5·938 5·687 5.453 5·234 5·029 4·836 4·656 4.486 4·327 11 12 6·492 6·194 5·918 5·660 5·421 5·197 4·988 4·793 4·611 4.439 12 13 6·750 6.424 6·122 5·842 5·583 5·342 5·118 4·910 4·715 4·533 13 14 6·982 6·628 6·302 6·002 5·724 5.468 5·229 5·008 4·802 4·611 14 15 7·191 6·811 6.462 6·142 5·847 5·575 5·324 5·092 4·876 4·675 15 72 PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

Suggested answer

a) Throughput accounting ratio = throughput return per factory hour/cost per factory hour. Cost per factory hour Total factory costs/total available hours on bottleneck resource = ₦12,000,000/2,700 hours (12 × 5 × 50 × 90% hours) =₦4,444.44 91 Throughput return Red panels Black panels ₦ ₦ Selling price 12,600 3,800 Materials (4,300) (1,160) Throughput per unit 8,300 2,640 Hours per unit required on Machine M 1.4 0.6 Throughput return per hour ₦5,928.57 ₦4,400 Throughput accounting ratio Throughput return per factory hour/cost per factory hour: 5,928.57/4,444.44 4,400/4,444.44 = 1.33 = 0.99 In any organisation, one would expect the throughput accounting ratio to be greater than 1.This means that the rate at which the organisation is generating cash from sales of this product is greater than the rate at which it is incurring costs. It follows on, then, that if the ratio is less than 1, changes need to be made quickly. Whilst the ratio for Red panels is more than 1, it is just under 1 for Black panels. However, if changes are made as suggested in (c) below, this could soon be rectified.

b. Optimum Production Plan using the Through put Analysis: Product No. of Units Hour per unit on Machine Total Hours Throughput per hours (N) Total through put return (N) Black Panel (Limited to contract 1000 0.6 600 4,400 2,640,000 Red Panel (Balance) 1500 1.4 2100 5,928.57 12,449,997 Less total costs Profit 2,700 hours 15,089,997 12,000,000 3,089,997 92

c. Increasing throughput without additional investment in Machinery Generally speaking, throughput can be increased by increasing sales volumes or prices on the one hand, or by cutting costs on the other hand. In the case of Yaro Ltd, it is not possible to increase sales prices as the company has guaranteed not to increase them for three years. From our answer to (b) above, we can see that Yaro Ltd has unsatisfied demand for both Black panels and Red panels. There are customers out there who the company is unable to supply because of its restricted machine capacity. Therefore, it would be worthwhile for Yaro Ltd to focus on increasing production volumes and thus sales volumes. In order to increase production volumes without making any additional capital expenditure, the company needs to focus on how it could increase the productivity of Machine M. We are told that there is plenty of spare capacity on Machine C and A. Some suggestions to increase Machine M’s capacity are as follows:

• Machine M is currently only fully functional 90% of the time. This means that 300 hours of time are lost whilst the machine is being maintained or workers are not available to man it. If the maintenance work could be carried out outside the usual working day (i.e either before 7 am or after 8 pm), some additional time could be freed up. This should be possible given that we are told that the maintenance contractors work around the clock.

• Workers could be trained to use more than one of the machines. This would then mean that, if some workers were absent, one of the other workers could step in and work on another machine in order to keep it running. Again, this would help to keep the lost 300 hours productive.

• The most obvious machine time which is being lost is the one hour per day at lunchtime. This amounts to 250 lost production hours per year. These additional 250 hours could be used to produce an extra 178 Red panels (250/1.4 hours). Red panels should be made first in preference to Black panels since they generate a higher throughput per machine hour. If workers were trained to use all three machines then, if their lunch times were staggerred, it may be possible to keep machine M running for the whole working day. However, even after doing this, there would still be 590 additional hours of time required on Machine M if the full market demand is going to be satisfied. Therefore, more time needs to be made available.

• Finally then, in order to increase productive hours on M, the working hours of the factory would need to be increased. Either the working day could be 93 made longer, given that workers must already be working shifts, or maybe the factory could open for one extra day per week.

Examiner’s report This question is a popular question that tests candidates’ knowledge of throughput accounting, the determination of the machine that is the bottleneck and limiting factor, and the computation of throughput accounting ratio. The question was attempted by most of the candidates. The performance was average. The major pitfall observed was candidates’ inability to compute the throughput ratio and using the same to determine the optimum production. It is hereby recommended that candidates use ICAN Study Text on Performance Management when preparing for future Institutes’ examination.

Marking guide Marks a. Computation of throughput accounting ratio (10 ticks @ ½ mark = 5 marks) 5

b. Optimal Production plan using The throughput accounting approach (10 ticks @ ½ mark = 5 marks) 5

c. Ways of increasing through put (3 points = 5 marks) 5 15 Total 15 94 ICAN/251/Q/B5 Examination No.................... THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF NIGERIA SKILLS LEVEL EXAMINATION – MAY 2025 PUBLIC SECTOR ACCOUNTING & FINANCE EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PAPER

1. Check your pockets, purse, mathematical set, etc. to ensure that you do not have prohibited items such as telephone handset, electronic storage device, programmable devices, wristwatches or any form of written material on you in the examination hall. You will be stopped from continuing with the examination and liable to further disciplinary actions including cancellation of examination result if caught.

2. Write your EXAMINATION NUMBER in the space provided above.

3. Do NOT write anything on your question paper EXCEPT your Examination number.

4. Do NOT write anything on your docket.

5. Read all instructions in each section of the question paper carefully before answering the questions.

6. Do NOT answer more than the number of questions required in each section, otherwise, you will be penalised.

7. All solutions should be written in BLUE or BLACK INK. Any solution written in PENCIL or any other COLOUR OF INK will not be marked.

8. You are required to attempt Question ONE (Compulsory), TWO Questions in Section B and TWO Questions in Section C.

9. Check that you have collected the correct question paper for the examination you are writing. THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025 INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF NIGERIA

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, May 2025, Question 7

November 2025 diet

0 objective and 7 theory
Time allowed: 31/4 hours (including 15 minutes reading time). Attempt five out of seven questions.
0 objective7 theory135 theory marks set
No.SectionMarksCovers
Q1Section A (compulsory)30Marginal mix for one plant, throughput accounting profitability, new plant marginal statement, break-even units and v...
Q2Section B20Monthly cash budget for first quarter with credit collections, material one month ahead, overdraft.
Q3Section B20Sales price and volume contribution variances; material price planning and operational variances; labour rate and eff...
Q4Section B20Optimal transfer price range, spare and full capacity for a part-finished item; operating statement; ROI and RI of di...
Q5Section C15Selling price, sales, break-even and margin of safety from contribution data; choose price-cut strategy; challenges i...
Q6Section C15Sources of internal and external information for quality monitoring; key factors for success of a new information sys...
Q7Section C15Demand function and MR=MC launch price with high-low costs; conditions for price skimming.

Theory questions Written questions

1
Theory question 1Section A (compulsory)
30 marks
a 6b 7c 4d 6e 4f 3

Azuka Nig. Plc is a listed company that manufactures high quality products for use by the bakery industry. These high quality products help in facilitating significant and sustainable growth to Baking outfits. The Company has its prime plants in Abuja and a factory in Lagos where it manufactures these products using skilled labour and quality materials available from its suppliers. The market for the product is high. The bakery products produced are of three classes, Super-class, Medi-class and Mini-class. The following information relates to the production and sales of each of the products at the Lagos factory: Mini-class Medi-class Super-class Direct material cost N50,000 N71,000 N90,000 Direct labour @N6,000 per hour N12,000 N15,000 N18,000 Variable overhead @ ₦3,000 per machine hour N6,000 ₦9,000 N12,000 The unit sales price N90,000 N110,000 N125,000 Annual production in units 500 300 200 The total fixed overhead budgeted for the year in Lagos factory is N12,000,000. The company has enough direct labour force for production capacity. The available machine hours are 2,500 hours. The investment cost for the Lagos Plant is N35 million at a cost of capital of 10%. As a result of the limitation in the Lagos plant capacity, the company decided to establish the Port Harcourt plant where the 3 major types of bakery product will be produced. 100 The variable cost structure will be maintained while the company intends to implement the following changes in the new plant: (i) Unit selling price of mini-class will be reduced by 10%, but the quantity of production and sales will increase by 15%; (ii) Unit selling price of medi-class will be increased by 5%, but the quantity of production and sales will reduce by 10%; and (iii) Unit selling price of Super-class and quantity of production and sales will be maintained. The following information is available for the factory in Port Harcourt. (i) The annual fixed overhead is estimated at N9,000,000; (ii) The available machine and labour hours are enough to achieve desired production capacity; and (iii) The investment is N38million at ruling rate of 10%. You are required to:

a

Using the marginal costing approach, compute the optimal product mix that will be produced in the Lagos Plant in order to maximise profit showing the net profit by the product.

6 marks
b

Using the throughput accounting model, determine which of the three products is more profitable in Lagos Plant and show the net profit made by the plant.

7 marks
c

Prepare a marginal costing statement showing the profit generated in the Port Harcourt Plant.

4 marks
d

Compute the breakeven sales in units and value for Port Harcourt Plant.

6 marks
e

Prepare the marginal costing statement of the company using your solution in a. and c above.

4 marks
f

Using the residual income approach, explain the viability of the two plants.

3 marks
Suggested answer

Azuka Nig. Ltd

a. Optimal product mix that will maximise Lagos Plant profit using marginal costing approach. MI ME SU N N N Selling price 90,000 110,000 125,000 Direct material 50,000 71,000 90,000 Direct labour 12,000 15,000 18,000 Variable overhead 6,000 9,000 12,000 Total variable cost 68,000 95,000 120,000 Contribution 22,000 15,000 5,000 Machine hours per unit 2 hours 3 hours 4 hours Contribution per hour N 11,000 N 5,000 N 1,250 Ranking 1st 2nd 3rd Allocation of available Machine hours: Available machine hours 2,500 hrs Production of Product MI 500 units x 2 (1,000) hrs Balance 1,500 hrs Production of ME 300 units x 3 (900) hrs Balance 600 hrs Production of SU = 600hour /4 150 units = (600) hrs Contribution: N MI = 500 units x 22,000 = 11, 000,000 ME = 300 units x 15, 000 = 4,500,000 SU = 150 units x 5,000 = 750,000 Total contribution 16,250,000 Less fixed cost (12,000,000) Net profit 4,250,000 111

b. Determination of most profitable product and Lagos Plant net profit using throughput accounting. MI ME SU Selling Price N 90,000 N110,000 N125,000 Direct material N50,000 N71,000 N90,000 Throughput returns N40,000 N39,000 N35,000 Machine hours per unit 2 hours 3 hours 4 hours Throughput returns /hour N20,000 N13,000 N8,750 Operating costs N Variable costs less material N18,000 x 500 + N24,000 x300 + N30,000 x 200 = N9,000,000+ N7,200,000 + N6,000,000 = 22,200,000 Fixed cost = 12,000,000 Total operating cost = 34,200,000 Total hours = 2,500 Machine hours Operating cost per hour N34,200,000/2,500 = N13,680 Throughput Accounting ratio = Throughput return per hour/Operating cost per hour MI ME SU Throughput returns /hour N20,000 N13,000 N8,750 Operating cost per hour N13,680 N13,680 N13,680 Throughput Accounting ratio 1.4620 0.9503 0.6396 Ranking 1st 2nd 3rd Allocation of available machine hours: Available machine hours 2,500 hrs Production of Product MI = 500 units x 2 = (1,000) hrs Balance 1,500 hrs Production of ME = 300 units x 3 = (900) hrs Balance 600 hrs Production of SU = 600hour /4 150 units= (600) hrs 112 Throughput returns : N N N MI = 500 units x 40,000 = N20,000,000 ME = 300 units x 39,000 = 11,700,000 SU = 150 units x 35,000 = 5,250,000 36,950,000 Operating cost (34,200,000) Net Profit 2,750,000

c. Marginal costing statement showing the profit generated in the Port Harcourt Plant. Mini- class Medi-class Super-class Adjusted Sales quantity 1.15 x 500 0.90 x 300 200 575 270 200 Adjusted selling price 0.9 x N90,000 1.05 x N110,000 N125,000 N81,000 N115,500 N125,000 Variable costs: N N N N Direct material 50,000 71,000 90,000 Direct labour @N6,000 per hour 12,000 15,000 18,000 Variable overhead @ N3,000 per Machine hour 6,000 9,000 12,000 Variable cost 68,000 95,000 120,000 Contribution per unit 13,000 20,500 5,000 Total contribution 7,475,000 5,535,000 1,000,000 14,010,000 Fixed cost (9,000,000) Net Profit 5,010,000 113

d. Breakeven sales in units and value for Port Harcourt Plant. Breakeven point in Units in a Multi-product:=Fixed Cost/Weighted Contribution Mini-class Medi-class Super-class Contribution per unit N13,000 N 20,500 N 5,000 Quantities in units 575 270 200 1045 Proportion 0.55 0.25837 0.19133 1.00 Weighted Contribution = N7150 + N5,296.585 + N958.15 = N13,404.735 BEP in Units = N9,000,000/N13,404.735 = 671 units Share of Product 369 173 129 Breakeven point in Value = FC/Weighted Contribution ratio Mini-class Medi-class Super-class Contribution per unit N13,000 N20,500 N5,000 Selling price N81,000 N115,500 N125,000 C/S ratio 0.1605 0.1775 0.04 Sales Revenue N46,575,000 N31,185,000 N25,000,000 N102,760,000 Sales Proportion 0.45324 0.30347 0.24329 1.00 Weighted C/S ratio 0.07275 0.05387 0.00973 0.13635 BEP in value = N9,000,000 / 0.13635 = N66,006,601 Share of Products = N29,916,832 N20,031,023 N16,058,746

e. Marginal costing statement of the company using solution in a and c. Marginal costing profit statement for the two plants and company) Particulars Lagos Plant Port Harcourt Plant Company N’000 N’000 N’000 Sales 96,750 102,760 199,510 Less: Variable costs (80,500) (88,750) (169,250) Contribution 16,250 14,010 30,260 Fixed cost (12,000) (9,000) (21,000) Net Profit 4,250 5,010 9,260 114

f. Use the residual income approach, explain the viability of the two plants. Particulars Plant one Plant two N’000 N’000 Sales 96,750 102,760 Less Variable costs (80,500) (88,750) Contribution 16,250 14,010 Fixed cost (12,000) (9,000) Net Profit 4,250 5,010 Imputed cost (3,500) (3,800) Residual Income 750 1,210 From the above report, the residual income referred to as the economic profit shows that both Plants are very viable generating positive residual incomes of N750,000 and N1,210,000 for Lagos and Port Harcourt plants respectively.

Examiner’s report This is a compulsory question under the new syllabus and dwells on advanced costing techniques with special emphasis on marginal costing, throughput accounting, breakeven analysis under conditions of limiting factor constraints. The question also tests candidates ability to determine the performance of the two plants (Lagos and Port Harcourt Plants) using the residual income parameter. The first part of the question tests candidates’ ability to compute maximum profit in the Lagos plant where there exists limiting factor. The second question tests candidates ability to determine company’s machine utilisation rate for each machine and also establish the machine hours per unit of product produced under the throughput accounting model. The third question dwells on the preparation of marginal costing statement for Port Harcourt Plant in view of issues of sensitivity analysis on selling price and quantity under a non-limiting factor situation in the plant. The fourth part of the question dwells on the determination of breakeven quantities and values for multi-product situation in the Port Harcourt Plant taking into consideration the effect of sensitivity analysis on product selling prices and quantities. The fifth part of the question is to prepare the company profitability statement using the marginal costing approach. The final part dwells on determination of the viability of the two plants using the residual income approach. The question being a compulsory question was well attempted. The candidates’ performance was however average (about 45%). The major pitfalls were: ► candidate inability to compute the operating costs as well as operating cost per available hour; and 115 ► inability of most candidates to differentiate between the use of limiting factor in conventional marginal costing and throughput analysis in preparing marginal costing statements. It is recommended that candidates use ICAN study manual and other Performance Management text books in preparing for future examination.

Marking guide Sect. Description Marks Marks Total a. Calculation of optimal product mix that maximises Lagos Plant profit using marginal costing approach (1/6 for each tick = 1/6 x 36) 6 b. Determination of most profitable product and Lagos Plant net profit using throughput accounting (¼ each for 28 ticks) 7 c. Marginal costing profit statement (1/4 each for 16 ticks) 4 d. Calculation of breakeven sales in units and value for Port Harcourt plant (1/4 each for 24 ticks) 6 e. Marginal costing profit statements for the two plants and the company (1/3 each for 12 ticks) 4 f. Preparation of residual income for the plants (1/4 each for 12 ticks) 3 30 116

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, November 2025, Question 1
2
Theory question 2Section B
20 marks

Shagala Agro-Allied Company Limited is a manufacturer of home-made perfumes, and has been in business since October 1960, with the third generation in the family business. Mr. Adams Osha the grandson of Chief Amos Shagala the founder of the business retired in 1994. 101 The company has been having series of liquidity issues especially with the settlement of suppliers and employees. Mr. Adams has observed that business normally experiences two seasons in a year. Off-season which normally occurs in the first-two months of the quarter and On-season which happens in the last month of the quarter. You are provided with the following information:

a

Sales and Inventory information: November December January February March April 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025 2025 Sales Budget (Units) 40,000 60,000 60,000 65,000 75,000 80,000 End of the month inventory (units) 10,000 10,000 12,000 15,000 25,000 25,000

b

The selling price per unit is N800.

c

10% of sales proceeds are on cash basis; 50% of the credit sales are collected in the month after sales and 45% the month after.

d

Materials amounting to N400 per kilogram produced are purchased one month in advance of production and half payment is made immediately in the month of purchase and balance the month following.

e

Direct labour and variable overhead costs were N150 and N100 per unit produced respectively.

f

The payment term for direct labour is one-fifth (1/5) during the month and balance in the month following. Variable overheads are settled 50% during the month and balance a month later.

g

Indirect labour cost of N600,000 payable per month.

h

Depreciation is provided for uniformly at N500,000 per month which is included in the variable overhead cost. i. The fixed overheads cost is N600,000 per month during off-season and N700,000 during on-season. Out of this, the quarterly insurance premium for fire insurance is N100,000 payable in the first month of each quarter. The balance of fixed overhead is payable on applicable months. j. Dividend for the year ended December 31, 2024 amounting to N2 million are expected to be declared in March, 2025 and payment to be spread evenly during the months of the first quarter and first month in the second quarter of the year. k. An obsolete equipment was sold for N10 million in December, 2024 on three months’ credit. l. The company has an overdraft facility to the tune of N3,250,000 with a popular micro-finance bank in the State at the beginning of the quarter. 102 m. Dividend amounting to N6.5 million from an old investment in a giant construction company is expected to be received in the 2nd month of the quarter. You are required to: Prepare a monthly cash budget for the first quarter of 2025.

20 marks
Suggested answer

SHAGALA AGRO-ALLIED COMPANY LIMITED Monthly cash budget – First quarter JAN FEB MAR TOTAL Cash inflows: N’000 N’000 N’000 N’000 Cash sales 4,800 5,200 6,000 16,000 Cash from trade receivables 34,560 41,040 42,840 118,440 Disposal of asset - - 10,000 10,000 Dividend receipt - 6,500 - 6,500 Total receipts 39,360 52,740 58,840 150,940 Cash outflow: N’000 N’000 N’000 N’000 Payment for trade payable 26,000 30,600 33,000 89,600 Direct labour 9,060 9,480 10,710 29,250 Variable overhead 5,600 6,000 7,150 18,750 Indirect labour 600 600 600 1,800 Fire insurance 100 - - 100 Fixed overhead 500 600 700 1,800 Dividend payment 500 500 500 1500 Total payments 42,360 47,780 52,660 142,800 Net cash flow (3,000) 4,960 6,180 8,140 Balance b/f (3,250) (6,250) (1,290) (3,250) Balance c/f (6,250) (1,290) 4,890 4,890

Workings

1. Number of units produced November December January February March April Sales 40,000 60,000 60,000 65,000 75,000 80,000 Closing 10,000 10,000 12,000 15,000 25,000 25,000 Opening - (10,000) (10,000) (12,000) (15,000) (25,000) Production 50,000 60,000 62,000 68,000 85,000 80,000 117

2. Sales schedule November December January February March April Sales unit 40,000 60,000 60,000 65,000 75,000 80,000 Selling price x 800 x 800 x 800 x 800 x 800 x 800 Total Sales (N’000) 32,000 48,000 48,000 52,000 60,000 64,000 Cash (10%) 3,200 4,800 4,800 5,600 6,000 6,400 Cash (November) 14,400 12,960 - - - Cash (December) 21,600 19,440 Cash (January) 21,600 19,440 Cash (February) - - - - 23,400 21,060 39,360 46,240 48,840

3. Material purchase schedule November December January February March April Units purchased 60,000 62,000 68,000 85,000 80,000 Purchase price x 400 x 400 x 400 x 400 x 400 Total Purchase (N’000) 24,000 24,800 27,200 34,000 32,000 Cash (November) 12,000 12,000 - - - Cash (December) - 12,400 12,400 - - Cash (January) - - 13,600 13,600 - Cash (February) - - - 17,000 17,000 Cash (March) - - - - 16,000 16,000 26,000 30,600 33,000

4. Direct labour cost schedule November December January February March April Units produced 50,000 60,000 62,000 68,000 85,000 80,000 Unit cost x 150 x 150 x 150 x 150 x 150 x 150 Total Cost (N’000) 7,500 9,000 9,300 10,200 12,750 12,000 Cash (November) 1,500 6,000 - - - - Cash (December) - 1,800 7,200 - - - Cash (January) - - 1,860 7,440 - - Cash (February) - - - 2,040 8,160 - Cash (March) - - - - 2,550 10,200 9,060 9,480 10,710 118 Variable overhead cost Particulars December 24 January 25 February 25 March 25 April 25 Production in units 60,000 62,000 68,000 85,000 80,000 N’000 N’000 N’000 N’000 N’000 Production (x N100) 6,000 6,200 6,800 8,500 8,000 Less Depreciation 500 500 500 500 500 5,500 5,700 6,300 8,000 7,500 Accrual (50%) 2,850 3,150 4,000 Accrual (50%) 2,750 2,850 3,150 Total payment to VOH Accruals 5,600 6,000 7,150

Examiner’s report The question tests candidate’s ability to prepare cash budget. The question was well attempted and performance was average. The major pitfalls observed were: ► candidates’ lack of viewership of the principles of management of debtor and creditor balances as required in the question; ► candidates’ inability to treat the cash overdraft as a negative balance; and ► candidates’ inability to note that 3 months credit for obsolete equipment sold in December, 2024 , will be received in March, 2025. It is recommended that candidates use ICAN study manual and other approved text books on Performance Management when preparing for future examination.

Marking guide Marks Marks Total Q2 Monthly cash budget including workings (1/4 mark for each tick) 20 20 119

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, November 2025, Question 2
3
Theory question 3Section B
20 marks

Kolade Electronics Ltd. is an electronics assembly company which makes two types of television – plasma screen TV and LCD screen TVs. The company operates within a highly competitive market and is constantly under pressure to reduce prices. Kolade Electronics Ltd. operates a standard costing system and performs a detailed variance analysis of both products on a monthly basis. Extracts from the management information for the month of July 2025 are shown below: Notes Total number of units made and sold 1,400 1 Material price variance N56,000,000A 2 Total labour variance N60,500,000A 3 Notes 1. The budgeted total sales volume for TVs was 1,180 units, consisting of an equal mix of plasma screen TVs and LCD screen TVs. Actual sales volume was 750 plasma TVs and 650 LCD TVs. Standard sales prices are N700,000 per unit for the plasma TVs and N600,000 per unit for the LCD TVs. The actual sales prices achieved during November were N660,000 per unit for plasma TVs and ₦580,000 per unit for LCD TVs. The standard contributions for plasma TVs and LCD TVs are ₦380,000 and ₦360,000 per unit respectively. 2. The sole reason for this variance was an increase in the purchase price of one of its key components, X. Each plasma TV and each LCD TV requires one unit of component X, for which Koalde Electronics Ltd’s standard cost is N120,000 per unit. Due to a shortage of components in the market place, the market price for November went up to N170,000 per unit for X. Kolade Electronics Ltd actually paid N160,000 per unit for it. 3. Each plasma TV uses 2 standard hours of labour and each LCD TV uses 1·5 standard hours of labour. The standard cost for labour is ₦140,000 per hour and this also reflects the actual cost per labour hour for the company’s permanent staff in November. However, because of the increase in sales and production volumes in November, the company also had to use additional temporary labour at the higher cost of N180,000 per hour. The total capacity of Kolade Electronics Ltd permanent workforce is 2,200 hours production per month, assuming full efficiency. In the month of July, the permanent workforce were wholly efficient, taking exactly 2 hours to complete each plasma TV and exactly 1·5 hours to 103 produce each LCD TV. The total labour variance therefore relates solely to the temporary workers, who took twice as long as the permanent workers to complete their production. You are required to:

a

Calculate the following for the month of November, showing all workings clearly: (i) The sales price variance and sales volume contribution variance; (4 Marks) (ii) The material price planning variance and material price operational variance; and (4 Marks) (iii) The labour rate variance and the labour efficiency variance. (5 Marks)

b

Explain the reasons why Kolade Electronics Ltd would be interested in the material price planning variance and the material price operational variance.

7 marks
Suggested answer

Kolade Electronics (a) (i) Sales price variance and sales volume variance Sales price variance = (actual price – standard price) x actual volume Plasma TVs (660,000 - 700,000) = – 40,000 x 750 = 30,000,000 A LCD TVs (580,000- 600,000) = –20,000 x 650 = 13,000,000 A –––––––––––––– 43,000,000 A –––––––––––––– Sales volume contribution variance = (actual sales volume – budgeted sales volume) x standard margin Contribution Margin for Plasma = N380,000 Contribution Margin for LCD = N360,000 Plasma TVs 750 - 590 = 160 x 380,000 = 60,800,000 F LCD TVs 650 - 590 = 60 x 360,000 = 21,600,000 F –––––––––––––– 1,400 - 1,180 = 220 82,400,000 F ––––––––––––––

(ii) Material price planning and purchasing operational variances Material planning variance = (original target price – general market price at time of purchase) x quantity purchased (N120,000 – N170,000) x 1,400 = N70,000,000 A Material price operational variance = (general market price at time of purchase – actual price paid) x quantity purchased (N170,000 – N160,000) x 1,400 = N14,000,000 F

(iii) Labour rate and labour efficiency variances Labour rate variance = (standard labour rate per hour – actual labour rate per hour) x Actual hours worked by temporary workers: Total hours needed if staff were fully efficient = (750 x 2) + (650 x 1·5) = 2,475 hours. Permanent staff provide 2,200 hours, therefore excess = 2,475 – 2,200 = 275 hours. However, temporary workers take twice as long, therefore hours worked = 275 x 2 = 550. Labour rate variance relates solely to temporary workers, therefore ignore permanent staff in the calculation. 120 Labour rate variance = (N140,000 – N180,000) x 550 = N22,000,000 A Labour efficiency variance = (standard labour hours for actual production – actual labour hours worked) x standard rate (275 – 550) x N140,000 = N38,500,000 A

(b) Explanation of planning and operational variances Before the material price planning and operational variances were calculated, the only information available as regards material purchasing was that there was an adverse material price variance of N56,000,000. The purchasing department will be assessed on the basis of this variance, yet, on its own, it is not a reliable indicator of the purchasing department’s efficiency. The reason it is not a reliable indicator is because market conditions can change, leading to an increase in price, and this change in market conditions is not within the control of the purchasing department. By analysing the materials price variance further and breaking it down into its two components – planning and operational – the variance actually becomes a more useful assessment tool. The planning variance represents the uncontrollable element and the operational variance represents the controllable element. The planning variance is really useful for providing feedback on how skilled management is in estimating future prices. This can be very easy in some businesses and very difficult in others. Giving this detail could help to improve planning and standard setting in the future, as management will be increasingly aware of factors which could create volatility in their forecasts. The operational variance is more meaningful in that it measures the purchasing department’s efficiency given the market conditions which prevailed at the time. As can be seen in Kolade, the material price operational variance is favourable, which demonstrates that the purchasing department managed to acquire the component which was in short supply at a better price than expected. Without this breakdown in the variance, the purchasing department could have been held accountable for the overall adverse variance which was not indicative of their actual performance. This is, therefore, a fairer method of assessing performance and will, in turn, stop staff from becoming demotivated. The material Price planning variance + Material Price operational variance equals Material Price Variance = N70,000,000A + N14,000,000F = N56,000,000A 121

Examiner’s report This question tests candidates’ ability to deal with questions on advanced variance analysis. The question was well attempted by candidates but performance was below average. The major pitfalls observed were candidates’ inability to compute, determine and interpret sales related variances, material pricing variances as it relates to planning and operational aspects and labour variances. It is recommended that candidates use ICAN study materials on Performance Management when preparing for future examination.

Marking guide Marks Marks Total a.i. Calculation of sales price variance and sales volume variance (1/3 mark each for 6 ticks) 4 a.ii. Material planning and operational variances (1/2 mark each for 8 ticks) 4 a.iii. Labour rate and labour efficiency variances (1/2 mark each for 10 ticks) 5 13

b. Explanation of planning and operational variances (3½ marks each for any 2 points) 7 20

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, November 2025, Question 3
4
Theory question 4Section B
20 marks

Adamu Ventures Ltd has two operating divisions, X and Y, which are treated as profit centres for the purpose of performance reporting. Division X makes two products, Product A and Product B. Product A is sold to external customers for ₦496 per unit. Product B is a part-finished item that is sold only to Division Y. Division Y can obtain the part-finished item from either Division X or from an external supplier. The external supplier charges a price of ₦440 per unit. Department Y produces Product C which is sold at a mark up of 25% of cost which is the company sales policy. The production capacity of Division X is measured in total units of output. Each unit requires the same direct labour time. The costs of production in Division X are as follows: Cost Element Product A Product B ₦ ₦ Variabl iii. Determine what would be the optimal transfer price for Product B if Division X is operating at full capacity due to a limited availability of direct labour and there is unsatisfied external demand for Product A? (5 Marks) b. The following additional information relate to the business activities in the two divisions of Adamu Ventures Ltd: Particular Dept. X Dept. Y Product A: Production / Sales units 300,000 - Product B: Production of part finished items 200,000 - Product B: Procurement from external suppliers - 160,000 Product C: Sales - 360,000 Investment Capital N90 million N120 million Cost of Capital 15% 15% You are required to: i. Prepare an operating statement showing the optimal profit the Divisions can generate in the period when operating at full capacity with no spare capacity. (4 Marks) ii. Using the return on investment and residual income approaches provide a comparative analysis of the performance of the divisions for the period. (5 Marks)

Suggested answer

ADAMU VENTURES (a)

i. Optimal transfer price or price range for product B Since the only consumer of product B is Division Y, the minimum transfer price should be set at marginal cost less any cost savings due to internal sales. The variable cost per unit of product B is N384, hence the minimum transfer price should be set at N384 per unit of B. The maximum transfer price per unit for B would be the price that the external supplier charges Division Y, which is N440. Hence, the optimal transfer price per unit would lie between a minimum of N384, and a maximum of N440. 122

ii. Optimal transfer price for product B if there is spare capacity If Division X has spare production capacity, then the units of product B have no opportunity cost and should be transferred to Division Y at variable cost less any cost savings due to internal sales. The transfer price would therefore be N384 per unit.

iii. Optimal transfer price for product B if division X operates at full capacity If Division X is at full capacity and would forego sales of product A to supply product B to Division Y, then the units of product B would have to be transferred at marginal cost less any cost savings plus the contribution forgone on sales of product A. The contribution per unit of A is N128 (i.e. N496 – N368). Thus, the optimal transfer price would be N384 + N128 = N512.

(b) i. Operating statement Division X Division Y Company N N N Sales: Product A to external parties (300,000 x N496) 148,800,000 148,800,000 Product B to Division Y (200,000 x N512) 102,400,000 - - Product C (N512 x 1.25 x 360,000) ___________ 230,400,000 230,400,000 Total Sales 251,200,000 230,400,000 379,200,000 Variable costs Product A (300,000 x N368) 110,400,000 110,400,000 Product B (200,000 x N384) 76,800,000 76,800,000 Transfer cost to Y (200,000 x 512) - (102,400,000) - External supply to Y(160,000 x N 440) ___________ 70,400,000 70,400,000 Total Variable cost 187,200,000 172,800,000 257,600,000 Contribution 64,000,000 57,600,000 121,600,000 Fixed costs Product A (300,000 x N152) (45,600,000) Product B (200,000 x N152) (30,400,000) ___________ 76,000,000 Profit /(Loss) (12,000,000) 57,600,000 45,600,000 Profit/(Loss) ii. Comparative analysis of performance Division X Division Y N N Profit/(loss) (12,000,000) 57,600,000 123 Investment 90,000,000 120,000,000 % % ROI -13.333 48 Cost of capital 15% 15% N N Profit/(loss) (12,000,000) 57,600,000 Charge on capital employed (13,500,000) (18,000,000) Residual Income (RI) (N25,500,000) 39,600,000 Due to the transfer price policy of operating at full capacity, Division X is not able to charge a share of its fixed costs to division Y, thus Division X having incurred fixed overhead on all 500,000 units produced is operating at a loss of N12m while Division Y with no fixed overhead cost is operating at a Profit of N57.6 million. The ROI for division X is therefore negative 13.333% on its investment while Division Y generates a 48% returns per Naira invested. Division X generates a residual loss of N25.5million while Division Y generates a residual income of N39.60 million. The cost of capital for both Divisions is the same at 15% but Division Y has a higher investment base.

Examiner’s report The question tests candidates’ knowledge of transfer pricing and calculation of the operating performance of the divisions of the company. The question was well attempted since it is a popular question and performance was above average. The major pitfall observed was candidates’ inability to decipher the transfer pricing implication on operating statement of Adamu Ventures Ltd when it is operating at full capacity with no spare capacity. It is advised that candidates use ICAN study materials on Performance Management when preparing for future examination.

Marking guide Marks Marks Total a.i. Correct explanation of optimal transfer price or price range for product B 3 a.ii. Correct explanation for optimal transfer price for product B if there is spare capacity 3 a.iii. Correct explanation for optimal transfer price for product B if Division X operates at full capacity 5 11 b.i. Operating statement (¼ mark each for 16 ticks) 4 b.ii. Comparative analysis of performance (½ mark each for 10 ticks) 5 9 20 124

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, November 2025, Question 4
5
Theory question 5Section C
15 marks
b 4c 3

Vestapricy Nig. Plc manufactures and sells a single product. The following data have been extracted from the current year’s budget: Item Amount Contribution per unit ₦4,800 Total monthly fixed costs ₦9,000,000 Monthly profit N10,200,000 Contribution to sales ratio 40% The company’s production capacity is not fully utilised in the current year and three possible strategies are under consideration. Each strategy involves reducing the unit selling price on all units sold with a consequential effect on the volume of sales. 105 The detailed effect of each strategy is as follows: Strategy Reduction in unit selling price Expected increase in monthly sales volume over budget % % A 5 10 B 10 20 C 15 30 The company does not hold inventory of finished goods. You are required to: Calculate:

a

i. The selling price per unit of the product for the current year. (2 Marks) ii. The monthly sales in units and value for the current year. (2 Marks) iii. The current year’s break-even point in units and value. (2 Marks) iv. The margin of safety in units and value. (2 Marks)

b

Determine which ONE of the three strategies should be adopted by the company in order to maximise its monthly profits.

4 marks
c

Discuss THREE challenges likely to be encountered in the development of an organisation’s management information system.

3 marks
Suggested answer

VESTAPRICY a. i. Selling Price per unit = Contribution divided by C/S ratio = N4,800/0.4 = N12,000 ii. Monthly sales in Value and units = Monthly contribution divided by C/S ratio Monthly contribution = Monthly profit + Monthly Fixed costs. N10,200,000 + N9,000,000 = N19,200,000 Monthly sales In value = N19,200,000/0.4 = N48,000,000 Monthly sales in units = N48,000,000/N12,000 = 4,000 units. iii. Current year’s BEP in value = Fixed cost divided by C/S ratio x 12 Months = N9,000,000 /0.4 = N22,500,000 x 12 = N270,000,000 BEP in units = N270,000,000/unit selling price = N270,000,000/N12,000 = 22,500 units iv. Margin of Safety in units and value In Units In Value Annual Total Sales (4,000 x12) 48,000 576,000,000 Sales in BEP 22,500 270,000,000 Margin of Safety 25,500 306,000,000 Alternatively, if monthly, Total sales 4,000 48,000,000 Sales in BEP 1,875 22,500,000 2,125 25,500,000

b. Determination of the strategy which the company should adopt Strategy A Strategy B Strategy C Sales Volume (Units) 4,400 4,800 5,200 Selling Price Per Unit (N) 11,400 10,800 10,200 Variable Cost per Unit (N) 7,200 7,200 7,200 Contribution Per Unit (N) 4k,200 3,600 3,000 N N N Total Contribution 18,480,000 17,280,000 15,600,000 Fixed cost (9,000,000) (9,000,000) (9,000,000) 9,480,000 8,280,000 6,600,000 Comment Based on the calculations above, strategy A is the strategy that will maximise the monthly profits of the company and should be adopted. 125

c. Challenges to the development of MIS in an organisation The major challenges confronted by organisations when developing a Management Information System (MIS) include:

• Employees resistance to change to existing systems and processes which can hinder user adoption;

• Lack of understanding of the new system may lead to lack of clear requirements and this may affect business alignment;

• Developing and implementing a robust MIS requires adequate funding. However, budget constraints may bring about insufficient funding and inadequate resource allocation;

• Developing an MIS that ensures data integrity, confidentiality, and ethical usage requires strong security protocols and careful consideration of legal and regulatory compliance. Data Security from unauthorised access and privacy concerns are critical issues that must be considered;

• An MIS developed today might become outdated quickly, making it difficult for organisations to keep pace with new innovations and maintain a system that remains relevant and competitive. There is, therefore, the need for adequate consideration on rapidity of technological advancements; and

• There is need to configure adequate training and skill gaps management in the development of MIS. Overcoming these hurdles requires strong management commitment, effective communication, and strategic planning.

Examiner’s report The question tests candidates’ knowledge of break-even analysis, sensitivity analysis and effect on company performance. The question also tests candidates’ knowledge of challenges that affect the development of management information system. The various sub-questions in this main question were well attempted and performance was above average. The observed major pitfall was the candidates’ inability to properly analyse the sensitivity issues that were brought about by the implementation of the three strategies adopted to generate better company performance. It is advised that candidates use ICAN study materials on Performance Management when preparing for future Institute Examination. 126

Marking guide Marks Marks Total a.i. Calculation of selling price per unit 2 a.ii. Monthly sales value and in unit 2 a.iii. BEP in units 2 a.iv. Margin of safety in value and units 2 8 b. Determination of strategy to adopt 4 c. Challenges to development of MIS in an organisation (1 mark each for any 3 points) 3 15

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, November 2025, Question 5
6
Theory question 6Section C
15 marks
a 9b 6

Afam foods is in the food processing and production business. The group comprises 20 companies, each of which specialises in a particular food. For example, some companies manufacture sweets and confectionaries whereas others produce loaves of bread, drinks or other basic consumer food. One of the companies in the Afam group is Abimbola Nigeria Limited, which produces bread, cakes and similar products. It produces 4 million loaves of bread each day and supplies 20% of the total loaves of bread demand for the country in which it operates. Abimbola Nigeria Ltd’s strategy is to sell as many loaves of bread as possible, making only a small margin on each loaf sold. This strategy has worked well in the past because most customers base their decision to purchase loaves of bread more on the prices than on the quality of the product. In the recent past, Abimbola Nigeria Ltd had two instances of adverse publicity about the quality of its bread. 106 You are required to:

a

State and discuss the different sources of information that could be referred to by the management of Abimbola Nigeria Ltd in order to monitor the quality of bread that is being supplied. Give examples of the information that each source might provide.

9 marks
b

Explain, in general terms, the key factors that determine success for a new information system (IS) in an organisation.

6 marks
Suggested answer

AFAM Foods/ABIMBOLA Nig. Ltd.

a. Information required by Abimbola Nig Ltd - a food processing organisation can be internal and external information. The internal information are generated from internal sources while external information can be generated from external sources. Internal sources are from the internal units of sales, production, marketing, purchasing, accounting, Payroll, Administration etc. while the external sources of information like government units, creditors, debtors, banks, investors, general public, newspapers, bulletins, competitors bulletin etc. The following are internal accounting information: Sources Information Sales ledger system Invoices, sales volume, customers, value of sales Purchase ledger system Purchases, credit notes, debit notes, purchases Payroll system employees, hours worked, wages, tax deducted Fixed asset system date of purchase, depreciation charge, resale value. Production information Production machine break down, product scheduling, output Sales and marketing market research, demand pattern seasonal variation. The external sources of information include: Suppliers Product prices, product specification Newspapers and journals Share prices, competitors information, technology development, national and local market survey. Employees wage demand, working conditions Customers Product prices Banks Market and national finance information Government Tax policy, inflation rates, demographic statistics Internet e-mail, Goggle information 127

b. Key factors that determines the success of information system Many factors determine the success of an information system (IS). Key elements that determine the success of information system include:

• effective planning;

• change management;

• data quality and accuracy;

• user satisfaction;

• alignment with business goals;

• System and information quality;

• information quality; and

• the ability to facilitate better decision-making are crucial.

• Organisational Factors: Factors like top management support, resource allocation, and IT expertise play a crucial role in the overall success of the IS.

• Communication: Effective communication within the organisation is vital for understanding IS needs and for successful implementation

Examiner’s report The question tests candidates ability to knowledge of various sources of information relating to food processing and production businesses. The information bothers on importance of financial and non-financial information and their key success factors that will ensure the success of a new information system. The question was well attempted and performance was above average. The major pitfall observed was the candidates’ inability to mention critical and key success factors for the new information system. It is advised that candidates use ICAN study materials on performance management when preparing for future Institute’s Examination. 128

Marking guide Marks Marks Total a. Sources of accounting information (3 marks each for any 3 points) 9 b. Factors that determine sources of information system (2 marks each for any 3 points) 6 15

Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, November 2025, Question 6
7
Theory question 7Section C
15 marks
a 3b 7

John Nig. Limited is launching a new, innovative product into the market and will need to decide on the right price for the product. The product’s expected life is 3 years. Given the high level of costs which have been incurred in developing the product, John Nig. Limited wants to ensure that it sets its price at the right level and has therefore consulted a market research company to help it do this. The research, which relates to similar but not identical products launched by other companies, has revealed that at a price of ₦60, annual demand would be expected to be 250,000 units. However, for every ₦2 increase in selling price, demand would be expected to fall by 2,000 units and for every ₦2 decrease in selling price, demand would be expected to increase by 2,000 units. A forecast of the annual production costs which would be incurred by John Nig. Limited in relation to the new product are as follows: Annual production(units) 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000 ₦ ₦ ₦ ₦ Direct material 2,400,000 3,000,000 3,600,000 4,200,000 Direct labour 1,200,000 1,500,000 1,800,000 2,100,000 Overheads 1,400,000 1,550,000 1,700,000 1,850,000 You are required to:

a

Calculate the total variable cost per unit and total fixed overheads.

3 marks
b

Calculate the optimum selling price for the new product and calculate the resulting profit for the period. Note: If P = a - bx; then, MR = a - 2bx.

7 marks
c

The sales director is unconvinced that the sales price calculated in (b) above is the right one to charge on the initial launch of the product. He believes that a high price should be charged at launch so that those customers who are prepared to pay a higher price for the product can be ’’skimmed off’ first. 107

RequiredDiscuss the conditions which would make price skimming a more suitable pricing strategy for John Nig. Limited and recommend whether John Nig. Limited should adopt this approach instead. (5 Marks) 108 Formulae Learning curve Y = axb Where Y = cumulative average time per unit to produce x units a = the time taken for the first unit of output x = the cumulative number of units produced b = the index of learning (log LR/log2) LR = the learning rate as a decimal Demand curve P = a – bQ = b a = price when Q = 0 MR = a – 2bQ The linear regression equation of Y on X is given by: Y = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑋 where b = ∑ (∑ )(∑ ) ∑ (∑ ) a = ∑ − ∑ Coefficient of determination (r2) r2 = ( ∑ ∑ ∑ ) 2 ( ∑ (∑ ) ( ∑ (∑ ) 109 110
Suggested answer

JOHN NIG. LTD

a) Variable cost per unit Material cost =₦2,400,000/200,000 = ₦12 per unit Labour cost = ₦1,200,000/200,000 = ₦6 per unit Variable overhead cost using high-low method: (₦1,850,000 - ₦1,400,000)/(350,000 - 200,000) = ₦3 per unit ₦ Direct material 12 Direct labour 6 Variable overhead 3 21 Fixed cost =N1,400,000 – (200,000 x 3) =₦800,000

b) Optimum price Demand function Demand function is P = a + bx, where: P = Price per unit x = quantity b = ∆P/∆x = -2/2000 = -0.001 Therefore P = a - 0.001x Find value for “a” by substituting the known values for P and x: 60 = a - (0.001 x 250,000) a = 310 (Note: This is the maximum selling price, that is, the price at which no quantity will be demanded.) Therefore P = 310 - 0.001x Identify marginal cost (MC) MC = unit variable = ₦21 Identify total revenue (TR) 129 TR = (P)(x) = (310 - 0.001x)(x) = 310x - 0.001x2 Identify marginal revenue (MR) MR = dTR/dx = 310 - 0.002x Equate MC and MR to find x 21= 310 - 0.002x x = 144,500 Substitute x into demand function to find P P = 310 - (0.001 x 144,500) = ₦165.50 Calculate profit Total contribution = 144,500 x (₦165.50 - 21) = ₦20,880,250 Fixed cost (800,000) Profit ₦20,080,250

c) Market skimming As the sales director suggests, market skimming is a strategy which initially charges high prices for the product in order to take advantage of those buyers who want to buy it as soon as possible, and are prepared to pay high prices in order to do so. If certain conditions exist, the strategy could be a suitable one for John Ltd. The conditions are as follows:

• Where a product is new and different, so that customers are prepared to pay high prices in order to gain the perceived status of owing the product early. All we know about John Ltd’s product is that it is “innovative’, so it may meet this condition.

• Where products have a short life cycle this strategy is more likely to be used, because of the need to recover development costs and make a profit quickly. John Ltd’s product have a three-year life cycle, which make it fairly short.

• Where high prices in the early stages of a product’s life cycle are expected to generate high initial cash inflows. If this is the case here, then skimming would be useful to help John Ltd cover the high initial development costs which it has incurred.

• Where barriers to entry exist, which deter other competitors from entering the market, otherwise, they will be enticed by the high prices being charged. These might include prohibitively high investment costs, patent protection or unusually strong brand loyalty. According to the information given, high development costs were involved in this case, which would be a barrier to entry. 130

• Where demand and sensitivity of demand to price are unknown. In John Ltd’s case, market research has been carried out to establish a price. However, this information is based on the launch of similar but not identical products, so it is not really known just how accurate it will be to cover the high initial development costs which it has incurred. John Ltd’s product in this case does only have a three-year life cycle, which makes it fairly short.

• Where high prices in the early stages of a product’s life cycle are expected to generate high initial cash inflows. If this is the case here, then skimming would be useful to help John Ltd cover the high initial development costs which it has incurred.

Examiner’s report This question tests candidates’ knowledge of optimum pricing techniques using marginal cost approach for new innovative product. The second part of the question tests candidates knowledge of price skimming strategy when the company is about to launch its product in a new market. The question was well attempted and performance was average. The major pitfall observed was candidates’ lack of understanding that marginal cost can be related to variable costs using the formula shown in the question: P=a - bx; Then MR = a – 2bx. It is recommended that candidates use ICAN study materials on Performance Management when preparing for future examination.

Marking guide Marks Marks Total a. Variable cost per unit (½ mark each for 4 points) Fixed overhead 2 1 3 b. Calculation of optimum price (½ mark each for 14 ticks) 7 c. Discussion of market skimming (2 ½ marks each for any 2 points) 5 15 131 Examination ICAN/252/Q/B5 No............... INSTITUTE STITUTE OF OF CHARTERED CHARTERE ACCOUNTANTS OF NIGERIA SKILLS SKILLS LEVEL LEVEL EXAMINATION EXAMIN – NOVEMBER 2025 FINANCIAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT EXAMINATION EXAMINATIO INSTRUCTIONS PLEASE READ THESE THESE INSTRUCTIONS INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE

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Source: ICAN Pathfinder, Skills Level Examination, Performance Management, November 2025, Question 7
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