• Ford Motor Co. has said it plans to close 14 manufacturing plants in North America and cut
between 25,000 to 30,000 jobs by 2012.
• Ford is the leading U.S.-based producer of hybrid-electric vehicles, with record sales that were up
72 percent in 2009.
• With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands
include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Volvo.
• In the U.S. in 2009, Ford F-Series was the best-selling truck for the 33rd year in a row.
• Not all of a manufacturing firm’s inventory is in a “ready to sell” condition. The three inventory
accounts facilitate collecting unit cost data so the proper finished goods cost can be matched to
revenue in the period the goods are sold.
These questions are designed to check students’ understanding of new terms, concepts, and
procedures presented in the chapter.
1. Merchandising businesses use accounts for obtaining, processing, and inventorying materials at all
stages of production.
3. Cost of goods manufactured appears on income statement in the Cost of Goods Sold section.
4. Beg. bal. of raw materials added to purchases and freight in, subtract purchases discounts and
6. Yes, the companies with similar processes may classify items differently. If the cost of the raw
material could be considered immaterial, it could be classified as an indirect material.
8. Manufacturing costs not classified as direct labor or direct material.
10. Cost of direct materials and labor, plus an allocation of manufacturing overhead costs.
Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 26
ACCOUNTING FOR MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES
Chapter Opener: Thinking Critically
Answers will vary. Students may list the following as costs: purchasing fewer raw materials such as
sheet metal, plastic, glass, fabric, tires, and batteries; cutting back labor costs for assembly; costs
associated with the manufacturing facilities such as rent, utilities, and depreciation of equipment.
Fast Facts
Managerial Implications: Thinking Critically