Western Company manufactures special electrical equipment and parts. Western
employs a standard cost accounting system with separate standards established for each
product.
A special transformer is manufactured in the Transformer Department. Production
volume is measured by direct labor hours in this department and a flexible budget
system is used to plan and control department overhead. Standard costs for the special
transformer are determined annually in September for the coming year. The standard
cost of a transformer was computed at $57.00 as shown below.
Overhead rates were based upon normal and expected monthly capacity, both of which
were 4,000 direct labor hours. Practical capacity for this department is 5,000 direct
labor hours per month. Variable overhead costs are expected to vary with the number of
direct labor hours actually used.
During October, 900 transformers were produced. This was below expectations because
a work stoppage occurred during contract negotiations with the labor force. Once the
contract was settled, the wage rate was increased to $7.25/hour and overtime was
scheduled in an attempt to catch up to expected production levels.
The following costs were incurred in October:
600 of the 1,400 hours were subject to overtime premium. The total overtime premium
is included in variable overhead in accordance with company accounting practices