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MCOM 1ST SEMESTER
TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT
Course Code : MCO – 05
Course Title : Accounting for Managerial Decisions
Assignment Code : MCO & 05 /TMA/2026
Q. 1 a) Why accounting practices need be standardized? What progress has been made in India regarding standardization of accounting?
1. Introduction
Accounting is the language of business. It provides financial information to stakeholders such as investors, creditors, management, and government. However, if different companies follow different accounting methods, comparison becomes difficult. Therefore, standardization of accounting practices is necessary.
2. Need for Standardization of Accounting Practices
Standardization means adopting uniform accounting principles, methods, and procedures for preparing financial statements.
The main reasons for standardization are:
(1) Uniformity in Accounting
If companies follow different accounting methods (e.g., different depreciation methods), financial statements will not be comparable. Standardization ensures consistency.
(2) Comparability
Investors and analysts compare financial statements of different companies before making decisions. Standardized practices make such comparisons meaningful.
(3) Reliability and Credibility
Uniform standards increase the reliability and authenticity of financial statements. It builds confidence among stakeholders.
(4) Prevention of Manipulation
Without standards, companies may manipulate profits by choosing favourable accounting methods. Standardization reduces creative accounting practices.
(5) Transparency
Standard accounting rules promote transparency and full disclosure of financial information.
(6) Global Integration
With globalization, businesses operate internationally. Standardization ensures that financial statements are understandable globally.
3. Progress Made in India Regarding Standardization
India has made significant progress in accounting standardization over the years.
(1) Establishment of ICAI
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) was established in 1949. It is the main regulatory body responsible for setting accounting standards in India.
(2) Accounting Standards (AS)
In 1977, ICAI formed the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) to issue Accounting Standards (AS).
These standards cover areas such as:
· Revenue recognition
· Inventory valuation
· Depreciation
· Cash flow statements
(3) Companies Act, 2013
The Companies Act made compliance with accounting standards mandatory for companies.
(4) Introduction of Ind AS
India adopted Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS), which are converged with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Ind AS implementation began in 2016 for listed and large companies.
(5) Role of Regulatory Authorities
Bodies such as:
· Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
· SEBI (for listed companies)
ensure proper implementation and compliance with accounting standards.
4. Conclusion
Standardization of accounting practices is essential for uniformity, comparability, transparency, and reliability of financial statements. India has made remarkable progress through ICAI, Accounting Standards, Companies Act provisions, and adoption of Ind AS aligned with global standards. These measures have strengthened the financial reporting system and enhanced investor confidence.
b) The following figures have been obtained from the cost records of a manufacturing company for the year 2002:
Cost of Materials 1,20,000
Wages for Direct labour 1,00,000
Factory overheads 60,000
Distribution expenses 28,000
Administration expenses 67,200
Selling expenses 44,800
Profit 84,000
A work order was executed in 2003 and the following expenses were incurred:
Cost of Materials 16,000
Wages for labour 10,000
Assuming that in 2003 the rate for factory overheads went up 20%, distribution charges went down by 10% and selling and administration charges went up by 12.5%, at what price should the product be quoted so as to earn the same rate of profit on the selling price as in 2002. Show the full workings. Factory overheads are based on direct wages while administration, selling and distribution expenses are based on factory cost.
Step 1: Calculate Profit % on Selling Price (Year 2002)
Given Data (2002)
Particulars | Amount (₹) |
Materials | 1,20,000 |
Direct Labour | 1,00,000 |
Factory Overheads | 60,000 |
Distribution Expenses | 28,000 |
Administration Expenses | 67,200 |
Selling Expenses | 44,800 |
Profit | 84,000 |
Step 1.1: Calculate Total Cost (2002)
Prime Cost = Materials + Labour
= 1,20,000 + 1,00,000 = 2,20,000
Factory Cost = Prime Cost + Factory Overheads
= 2,20,000 + 60,000 = 2,80,000
Administration, Selling & Distribution Expenses:
= 28,000 + 67,200 + 44,800
= 1,40,000
Total Cost = 2,80,000 + 1,40,000
= 4,20,000
Step 1.2: Calculate Selling Price (2002)
Selling Price = Total Cost + Profit
= 4,20,000 + 84,000
= 5,04,000
Step 1.3: Profit % on Selling Price
Profit% = 84,000 / 5,04,000 × 100 = 16.67%Profit
So, required profit in 2003 = 16.67% of Selling Price
Step 2: Calculate Overhead Rates (2002)
(A) Factory Overhead Rate
Factory overheads are based on direct wages.
= 60,000 / 1,00,000 = 60% of direct wages
In 2003 → Increased by 20%
New Rate = 60% + 20% of 60%
= 60% + 12%
= 72% of wages
(B) Administration + Selling + Distribution Rate
These are based on Factory Cost.
Total = 1,40,000
Factory Cost (2002) = 2,80,000
=1,40,0002,80,000=50%= \frac{1,40,000}{2,80,000} = 50\%=2,80,0001,40,000=50%
Now adjust for 2003:
· Distribution ↓ 10%
· Admin & Selling ↑ 12.5%
Break separately:
Distribution = 28,000
Admin + Selling = 67,200 + 44,800 = 1,12,000
After changes:
Distribution = 28,000 – 10%
= 28,000 – 2,800 = 25,200
Admin + Selling = 1,12,000 + 12.5%
= 1,12,000 + 14,000 = 1,26,000
New Total = 1,26,000 + 25,200
= 1,51,200
New percentage:
1,51,200 / 2,80,000 = 54%
So, 2003 rate = 54% of Factory Cost
Step 3: Cost Calculation for 2003 Work Order
Given:
Materials = 16,000
Wages = 10,000
Step 3.1: Prime Cost
= 16,000 + 10,000
= 26,000
Step 3.2: Factory Overheads (72% of wages)
= 72% of 10,000
= 7,200
Factory Cost = 26,000 + 7,200
= 33,200
Step 3.3: Admin + Selling + Distribution (54% of Factory Cost)
= 54% of 33,200
= 17,928
Step 3.4: Total Cost
= 33,200 + 17,928
= 51,128
Step 4: Add Profit @ 16.67% on Selling Price
Let Selling Price = SP
Profit = 16.67% of SP
So,
Cost = 83.33% of SP
SP=51,128 / 0.8333
SP=61,354(approx.)
Final Answer:
The product should be quoted at approximately:
₹61,350 (approx.)
Q. 2 a) What are the financial statements? How far are they useful for decisionmaking purposes?
1. Meaning of Financial Statements
Financial statements are formal written records that present the financial performance and financial position of a business for a specific period.
In simple words:
Financial statements show how much a business has earned, what it owns, and what it owes.
They are prepared at the end of an accounting period (usually annually) and are based on accounting principles and standards.
2. Main Types of Financial Statements
(1) Income Statement (Profit and Loss Account)
Shows:
· Revenue (income)
· Expenses
· Profit or loss
It measures the performance of the business over a period.
(2) Balance Sheet
Shows:
· Assets (what the company owns)
· Liabilities (what the company owes)
· Capital
It presents the financial position at a specific date.
(3) Cash Flow Statement
Shows:
· Cash inflows
· Cash outflows
It explains how cash is generated and used during the period.
(4) Statement of Changes in Equity
Shows changes in owners’ capital due to profit, loss, dividends, etc.
3. Usefulness of Financial Statements for Decision-Making
Financial statements are extremely useful for different stakeholders:
(1) For Management
· Helps in planning and budgeting.
· Assists in controlling costs.
· Helps in evaluating performance.
· Useful for expansion and investment decisions.
(2) For Investors
· Helps in deciding whether to invest or not.
· Shows profitability and growth potential.
· Assesses risk and return.
(3) For Creditors and Lenders
· Helps in evaluating creditworthiness.
· Assesses liquidity and solvency position.
· Determines ability to repay loans.
(4) For Government
· Determines tax liability.
· Ensures compliance with laws and regulations.
(5) For Employees
· Shows financial stability of the company.
· Helps in wage negotiations.
4. Limitations in Decision-Making
Although useful, financial statements have certain limitations:
1. Based on historical data (past information).
2. May be affected by accounting policies.
3. Do not reflect inflation properly.
4. Ignore qualitative factors like employee morale.
5. Possibility of window dressing.
Thus, financial statements should be analyzed carefully along with other information.
5. Conclusion
Financial statements are essential tools that provide valuable information about a company’s financial performance and position. They help management, investors, creditors, and other stakeholders in making informed decisions. However, they should not be used in isolation, as they have certain limitations.
b) Why do accountants prepare a budget for a period that is already over when we know the actual results by then? Explain.
1. Introduction
At first glance, it may seem unnecessary to prepare a budget for a period that has already ended because the actual results are already known. However, preparing or revising budgets after the period is over is a common practice in management accounting for control and evaluation purposes.
Budgets are not only tools for planning; they are also important tools for performance evaluation and control.
2. Purpose of Preparing Budget for an Over Period
Even after actual results are available, preparing a budget serves several important purposes:
(1) Performance Evaluation
The prepared budget acts as a standard against which actual performance is compared.
By comparing:
- Budgeted figures
- Actual figures
Management can identify deviations (variances).
(2) Variance Analysis
The difference between actual results and budgeted figures is called variance.
For example:
- If actual cost is higher than budgeted cost → Unfavourable variance
- If actual cost is lower → Favourable variance
This helps in identifying areas of inefficiency or success.
(3) Responsibility Accounting
Preparing budgets for past periods helps in evaluating the performance of different departments and managers.
It answers:
- Who is responsible for the variance?
- Was it controllable or uncontrollable?
(4) Learning and Improvement
By analysing past performance, management learns:
- What went wrong
- What worked well
This helps in improving future budgets and decision-making.
(5) Flexible Budget Preparation
Sometimes, actual activity level differs from the originally planned level.
In such cases, accountants prepare a flexible budget for the actual level of activity to make a fair comparison.
This ensures that performance is judged correctly.
(6) Cost Control
Post-period budgeting helps in identifying cost overruns and controlling future expenses.
3. Example
Suppose a company planned production of 10,000 units, but actual production was 12,000 units.
The original budget cannot be fairly compared with actual results. Therefore, a revised or flexible budget is prepared for 12,000 units to evaluate performance accurately.
4. Conclusion
Although actual results are known after the period ends, preparing a budget for that period helps in performance evaluation, variance analysis, responsibility assessment, and future planning. Thus, budgeting is not only a planning tool but also a powerful control mechanism in management accounting.
Q. 3 From the following particulars compute leverage ratios:
Q. 4 a) “Calculation of Variances in standard costing is not an end itself, but a means to an end” Discuss.
1. Introduction
Standard costing is a technique of cost accounting in which standard costs are predetermined for materials, labour, and overheads. At the end of the period, actual costs are compared with standard costs to calculate variances.
A variance is the difference between standard cost and actual cost.
However, the calculation of variances is not the final objective. It is only a tool used for control and improvement. Therefore, it is rightly said:
Calculation of variances is not an end in itself, but a means to an end.
2. Meaning of the Statement
The main purpose of calculating variances is not merely to find differences but to:
- Analyse causes of deviations
- Fix responsibility
- Take corrective action
- Improve efficiency
Thus, variance calculation is only the first step in the process of managerial control.
3. Objectives Behind Variance Analysis
(1) Cost Control
Variances help management identify areas where costs have exceeded standards.
Example:
- Material price variance may indicate higher purchase cost.
- Labour efficiency variance may show low productivity.
This helps in controlling unnecessary expenses.
(2) Performance Evaluation
Variance analysis helps evaluate the performance of departments and managers.
Favourable variance → Efficient performance
Unfavourable variance → Need for improvement
(3) Identification of Causes
Calculating variance alone is meaningless unless reasons are identified.
Possible causes:
- Poor supervision
- Price increase in raw materials
- Machine breakdown
- Inefficient labour
(4) Corrective Action
After identifying causes, management can take appropriate action:
- Change suppliers
- Provide training
- Improve supervision
- Revise standards
(5) Future Planning
Variance analysis provides feedback that helps in:
- Setting realistic standards
- Preparing better budgets
- Improving future performance
4. Example
Suppose:
Standard material cost = ₹50 per unit
Actual material cost = ₹55 per unit
Material price variance = ₹5 (Unfavourable)
Simply calculating ₹5 variance does not solve the problem.
Management must investigate:
- Was the price increase due to market conditions?
- Was purchase planning inefficient?
Thus, variance calculation is only the beginning.
5. Limitations if Treated as an End
If management only calculates variances without analysis:
- No improvement occurs
- Problems remain unsolved
- Standards become meaningless
Therefore, variance analysis must lead to action.
6. Conclusion
Calculation of variances in standard costing is not the ultimate objective. It is a tool for cost control, performance evaluation, and managerial decision-making. The real purpose lies in analysing the causes of deviations and taking corrective measures to improve efficiency and profitability.
Hence, variance calculation is a means to achieve better control and organisational performance, not an end in itself.
b) Discuss a few basic differences between “cash” concept of funds flow statement and “working capital” concept of funds flow statement.
1. Introduction
A Funds Flow Statement shows the movement of funds between two balance sheet dates. However, the meaning of the word “funds” can differ depending on the concept used.
There are two main concepts:
1. Cash Concept
2. Working Capital Concept
The difference lies in how “funds” are defined.
2. Meaning of the Two Concepts
(1) Cash Concept
Under the cash concept, funds mean cash and cash equivalents only.
This approach focuses only on:
· Inflows of cash
· Outflows of cash
It is similar to a Cash Flow Statement.
(2) Working Capital Concept
Under the working capital concept, funds mean net working capital.
Working Capital = Current Assets − Current Liabilities
Funds flow refers to changes in working capital between two accounting periods.
3. Basic Differences Between the Two Concepts
Basis of Difference | Cash Concept | Working Capital Concept |
Meaning of Funds | Cash and bank balance only | Net working capital |
Focus | Movement of cash | Changes in current assets and liabilities |
Statement Prepared | Cash Flow Statement | Funds Flow Statement |
Scope | Narrow (only cash transactions) | Broader (includes all changes affecting working capital) |
Treatment of Credit Transactions | Not shown until cash is received or paid | Shown when it affects working capital |
Purpose | To know liquidity position | To know long-term financial management and resource utilization |
4. Illustration of Difference
Suppose a company purchases goods on credit:
· Under Cash Concept → No effect immediately (since no cash paid).
· Under Working Capital Concept → Current liabilities increase → Working capital changes.
Thus, working capital concept captures more information.
5. Importance of Each Concept
Cash Concept
· Useful for short-term liquidity analysis.
· Helps ensure availability of cash for operations.
Working Capital Concept
· Useful for understanding long-term financial changes.
· Shows how funds are generated and applied.
6. Conclusion
The cash concept considers only actual cash movements, while the working capital concept considers changes in net working capital. The cash concept is narrower and focuses on liquidity, whereas the working capital concept is broader and helps in analysing overall financial management. Both concepts are useful but serve different purposes in financial analysis.
Q. 5 Distinguish between the following :
a) Cash Flow Analysis and Fund Flow Analysis
b) Standard Costing and Budgeting
(a) Cash Flow Analysis and Fund Flow Analysis
Meaning
· Cash Flow Analysis shows the inflow and outflow of cash and cash equivalents during a specific period.
· Fund Flow Analysis shows the movement of funds (working capital) between two balance sheet dates.
Differences
Basis of Difference | Cash Flow Analysis | Fund Flow Analysis |
Meaning of Funds | Cash and cash equivalents only | Net working capital (Current Assets – Current Liabilities) |
Purpose | To analyse liquidity position | To analyse changes in financial position |
Focus | Short-term financial management | Long-term financial planning |
Statement Prepared | Cash Flow Statement | Funds Flow Statement |
Basis | Based on cash transactions | Based on changes in working capital |
Usefulness | Helps in cash planning and control | Helps in analysing source and application of funds |
Conclusion
Cash flow analysis is concerned with immediate liquidity, while fund flow analysis focuses on broader financial changes affecting working capital.
(b) Standard Costing and Budgeting
Meaning
· Standard Costing is a technique of cost control in which predetermined costs (standards) are compared with actual costs to find variances.
· Budgeting is the process of preparing estimates of future income and expenditure for a specific period.
Differences
Basis of Difference | Standard Costing | Budgeting |
Meaning | Predetermination of cost standards | Estimation of future financial plans |
Purpose | Cost control and variance analysis | Planning and coordination |
Scope | Mainly used in production or manufacturing | Covers entire organisation |
Time Period | Continuous system | Prepared for a specific period |
Focus | Individual cost elements | Overall financial performance |
Technique | Variance analysis | Budgetary control |
Conclusion
Standard costing is mainly used for cost control through variance analysis, whereas budgeting is a broader planning tool used to coordinate and control overall organisational activities.
Q. 6 Write short notes on the following :
a) Responsibility accounting
b) Managerial Uses of Marginal Costing
(a) Responsibility Accounting
Meaning
Responsibility Accounting is a system of accounting in which different segments or departments of an organisation are assigned responsibility for specific costs and revenues. Each manager is held accountable only for those activities that are under his or her control.
In simple words:
Responsibility accounting measures the performance of different departments by fixing responsibility on managers.
Features
1. Division of organisation into responsibility centres.
2. Fixation of authority and responsibility.
3. Preparation of budgets for each centre.
4. Comparison of actual performance with budgeted performance.
5. Reporting of variances to concerned managers.
Types of Responsibility Centres
1. Cost Centre – Responsible only for costs (e.g., production department).
2. Revenue Centre – Responsible only for revenue (e.g., sales department).
3. Profit Centre – Responsible for both costs and revenues.
4. Investment Centre – Responsible for profit and capital investment decisions.
Advantages
· Improves managerial accountability.
· Helps in performance evaluation.
· Promotes cost control.
· Encourages decentralization.
Conclusion
Responsibility accounting is an effective tool for managerial control, as it links performance with responsibility and improves efficiency in large organisations.
(b) Managerial Uses of Marginal Costing
Meaning
Marginal Costing is a technique of costing in which only variable costs are considered for decision-making, while fixed costs are treated as period costs.
It focuses on contribution, which is:
Contribution = Sales – Variable Cost
Managerial Uses of Marginal Costing
(1) Pricing Decisions
Helps in fixing selling price, especially in competitive markets or during special orders.
(2) Profit Planning
Used in calculating break-even point (BEP) and determining target profit.
BEP = Fixed Cost / Contribution per unit
(3) Make or Buy Decisions
Helps management decide whether to manufacture a product or purchase it from outside.
(4) Selection of Product Mix
When resources are limited, marginal costing helps choose the most profitable product mix.
(5) Decision to Continue or Shut Down
Helps determine whether a product line should be continued or discontinued.
(6) Acceptance of Special Orders
Useful in deciding whether to accept orders at lower prices when excess capacity exists.
Conclusion
Marginal costing is a valuable tool for managerial decision-making. It assists in pricing, profit planning, cost control, and strategic business decisions by focusing on contribution and variable costs.
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