198. The Knapp Company needs to predict the labor cost in producing small ceramic dolls. The following
production information is available:
Wage rates have steadily increased since 2011; however, management expects no
further increases in 2017.
Required:
Select the appropriate independent variable for predicting labor cost. Explain the reason for your selection.
Develop an equation to predict for 2017 the labor cost of producing ceramic dolls. Use the high-low method.
Y = a + bX
Total labor hours = a constant + (b ´ # of dolls produced)
Total labor dollars/Total labor hours = Labor rate per hour
This labor rate per hour applied to 2017 estimates will give total labor dollars for 2017.
b.
Using labor hours:
b = (1,150 – 800)/($2,100 – 1,100)
= 0.35 variable labor hours per doll
a = 1,150 – (0.35 ´ 2,100)
= 415 fixed labor hours per year
Total labor hours = 415 + 0.35 (# of dolls produced)
The wage rate for 2017 is the same as in 2016.
For 2017, $35,000/875 = $40 per labor hour.
Total labor costs
= Total labor hours ´ $40
= 415($40) + 0.35($40)(# of dolls produced)
= $16,600 + $14.00(# of dolls produced)