Tag: Cost Allocation

Responsibility Accounting is a management control system that assigns accountability for financial results to specific individuals or departments within an organization. Each unit or manager is responsible for the budgetary performance of their area, enabling precise tracking of revenues, costs, and overall financial outcomes. This system helps in evaluating performance by comparing actual results with budgeted figures, identifying variances, and taking corrective actions. Responsibility accounting fosters decentralized decision-making, enhances accountability, and motivates managers to optimize their areas’ financial performance. By clearly defining financial responsibilities, it ensures better control over resources and aligns departmental activities with the organization’s overall objectives, promoting efficiency and effectiveness in achieving financial goals.

Functions of Responsibility Accounting:

• Cost Control:

Responsibility accounting aids in controlling costs by assigning specific financial responsibilities to managers, ensuring that expenditures are kept within budgeted limits. Managers are accountable for the costs incurred in their respective departments, promoting efficient resource use.

• Performance Evaluation:

It allows for the evaluation of managerial performance based on financial outcomes. By comparing actual results with budgeted figures, organizations can assess how well managers are controlling costs and generating revenues.

• Budget Preparation:

Responsibility accounting facilitates detailed and accurate budget preparation. Each manager is involved in creating budgets for their department, ensuring that the overall organizational budget is comprehensive and realistic.

• Decentralized Decision-Making:

It promotes decentralized decision-making by empowering managers to make financial decisions within their areas of responsibility. This leads to quicker and more effective responses to operational challenges and opportunities.

• Variance Analysis:

The system provides tools for variance analysis, identifying deviations between actual and budgeted performance. Understanding these variances helps in diagnosing problems, understanding their causes, and taking corrective actions.

• Goal Alignment:

Responsibility accounting ensures that departmental goals align with the overall organizational objectives. By setting specific financial targets for each responsibility center, it promotes coherence and unity in pursuing the company’s strategic goals.

• Motivation and Accountability:

It enhances motivation and accountability among managers and employees. Knowing they are responsible for their department’s financial performance encourages managers to work more efficiently and make prudent financial decisions, driving overall organizational success.

Process of Responsibility Accounting:

1. Defining Responsibility Centers

• Types of Responsibility Centers:

Identify and establish different types of responsibility centers such as cost centers, revenue centers, profit centers, and investment centers. Each center will have specific financial responsibilities.

• Assigning Managers:

Designate managers to each responsibility center, ensuring they are accountable for the financial performance of their respective areas.

2. Setting Financial Targets and Budgets

• Budget Preparation:

Involve managers in the preparation of budgets for their respective centers. This ensures realistic and achievable targets.

• SMART Objectives:

Ensure that financial targets are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART).

3. Tracking and Recording Financial Data

• Data Collection:

Implement systems for collecting accurate and timely financial data. This includes recording revenues, costs, and other relevant financial transactions.

• Accounting Systems:

Use robust accounting software to facilitate precise tracking and recording of financial data.

4. Performance Measurement

• Variance Analysis:

Regularly compare actual financial performance against the budgeted targets. Identify variances, both favorable and unfavorable, and analyze the reasons behind these differences.

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

Establish KPIs for each responsibility center to measure financial and operational performance effectively.

5. Reporting and Communication

• Regular Reports:

Generate periodic financial reports for each responsibility center. These reports should detail actual performance, variances, and insights into financial activities.

• Communication Channels:

Ensure clear and open communication channels for discussing performance reports, variances, and necessary corrective actions.

6. Analyzing and Taking Corrective Actions

• Variance Analysis:

Perform detailed analysis to understand the causes of significant variances between actual and budgeted performance.

• Corrective Measures:

Implement corrective actions to address unfavorable variances. This might include cost-cutting measures, process improvements, or revenue enhancement strategies.

7. Reviewing and Revising Budgets

• Continuous Review:

Regularly review and update budgets based on actual performance and changing conditions. Adjust financial plans to reflect new information, opportunities, or threats.

• Feedback Loop:

Establish a feedback loop where insights from performance analysis inform future budget preparations and strategic planning.

8. Enhancing Accountability and Motivation

• Performance Appraisal:

Use the information gathered from responsibility accounting to conduct performance appraisals for managers. Reward and recognize managers who meet or exceed financial targets.

• Training and Development:

Provide training and support to managers to help them understand their financial responsibilities and improve their budgeting and financial management skills.

Challenges of Responsibility Accounting:

• Accurate Performance Measurement:

Measuring performance accurately can be difficult, especially when indirect costs and revenues need to be allocated to specific departments. Misallocation can lead to unfair evaluations and misguided decisions.

• Goal Congruence:

Ensuring that departmental goals align with the overall organizational objectives can be challenging. Managers may focus on optimizing their own areas at the expense of the company’s broader goals.

• Complexity in Implementation:

Setting up a responsibility accounting system can be complex and time-consuming. It requires detailed planning, consistent data collection, and robust financial systems to track and report performance effectively.

• Resistance to Change:

Managers and employees may resist the implementation of responsibility accounting due to fear of increased scrutiny or accountability. Overcoming this resistance requires effective change management and communication.

• Maintaining Flexibility:

While responsibility accounting promotes control, it can sometimes lead to rigidity. Managers may become overly focused on meeting budget targets, potentially stifling innovation and flexibility in responding to unexpected opportunities or challenges.

• Quality of Data:

The effectiveness of responsibility accounting relies heavily on the accuracy and timeliness of financial data. Poor data quality can lead to incorrect performance assessments and misguided decisions.

• Interdepartmental Conflicts:

Responsibility accounting can sometimes lead to conflicts between departments, especially when resources are limited, or when the success of one department depends on the performance of another. These conflicts can disrupt overall organizational harmony and performance.

Responsibility Centers:

Responsibility centers are segments or units within an organization where managers are held accountable for their performance. These centers are designed to monitor performance, control costs, and ensure that goals are met in alignment with the overall business strategy. There are four main types of responsibility centers, each with specific objectives and measures of performance.

• Cost Center

A cost center is responsible for controlling and minimizing costs, but it does not generate revenues directly. The performance of a cost center is measured based on the ability to manage expenses within budgeted limits. For example, a production department or an administrative unit may be classified as a cost center. Managers in cost centers are accountable for controlling costs and improving efficiency without concern for revenue generation.

• Revenue Center

A revenue center is responsible for generating revenues but does not directly manage costs. The primary performance measure for a revenue center is the ability to achieve sales targets. For instance, a sales department or a retail outlet is a revenue center. Managers in revenue centers focus on increasing sales, expanding the customer base, and driving revenue growth, but they are not directly responsible for managing costs associated with the production of goods or services.

• Profit Center

A profit center is responsible for both revenue generation and cost control, aiming to maximize profitability. It is accountable for managing both income and expenses. The performance of a profit center is typically measured based on the profit it generates, i.e., revenue minus expenses. Examples of profit centers include a branch of a retail business or a product line within a company. Profit center managers are expected to make decisions that impact both the cost and revenue sides of the business to enhance profitability.

• Investment Center

An investment center goes a step further by being responsible for revenue, costs, and investment decisions. Managers in an investment center are accountable for generating profits as well as making decisions that affect the capital invested in the business. The performance of an investment center is often evaluated based on Return on Investment (ROI) or Economic Value Added (EVA). A division or a subsidiary of a corporation is often an investment center, where managers are responsible not only for managing revenues and costs but also for making strategic decisions regarding capital allocation.

Make or Buy decision is a critical strategic choice that businesses face when considering whether to manufacture a product in-house (make) or purchase it from an external supplier (buy). This decision has significant implications for cost management, quality control, production efficiency, and overall business strategy.

Factors Influencing the Make or Buy Decision:

1. Cost Analysis:

One of the primary considerations in the make or buy decision is cost. A comprehensive cost analysis involves evaluating both direct and indirect costs associated with manufacturing in-house versus purchasing from a supplier. Key elements are:

• Direct Costs: These include raw materials, labor, and overhead costs associated with production. Calculating the total cost of producing the item in-house helps determine if it’s more cost-effective than buying.
• Indirect Costs: These are not directly tied to production but can affect overall costs. Examples include administrative expenses, equipment depreciation, and maintenance costs.

To compare costs effectively, businesses often use the following formula:

Total Cost of Making = Direct Costs + Indirect Costs

If the total cost of making is lower than the purchase price from suppliers, it may be beneficial to produce in-house.

2. Quality Control:

Quality is another crucial factor in the make or buy decision. Companies must assess whether they can maintain the desired quality standards if they choose to make the product in-house.

• Quality Assurance: In-house production allows companies to have greater control over quality assurance processes, ensuring that products meet specifications and standards.
• Supplier Quality: If opting to buy, it’s essential to evaluate the supplier’s reputation and reliability. A supplier with a history of delivering high-quality products can mitigate quality concerns.

3. Production Capacity:

The current production capacity of the organization plays a significant role in the make or buy decision. Factors to consider:

• Existing Capacity: If the company has excess capacity, it may make sense to manufacture the product in-house. Conversely, if facilities are at full capacity, outsourcing may be necessary to meet demand.
• Flexibility: In-house production offers greater flexibility to adapt to changes in demand or production specifications. This adaptability can be crucial in industries with fluctuating market conditions.

4. Strategic Focus:

Companies should also consider their long-term strategic goals. The make or buy decision should align with the organization’s core competencies and strategic objectives. Considerations are:

• Core Competency: If the product is central to the company’s core business and aligns with its strengths, making it in-house may be preferable. For example, a tech company may choose to manufacture its components to maintain control over innovation and quality.
• Non-Core Activities: Conversely, if the product is not central to the company’s operations, outsourcing may allow management to focus on core activities. For example, a restaurant chain might outsource packaging supplies to concentrate on food quality and service.

5. Supply Chain Considerations:

The reliability and efficiency of the supply chain also influence the decision. Factors to evaluate:

• Lead Times: Consider the time required to manufacture versus the lead time for purchasing from a supplier. Long lead times may warrant in-house production to meet customer demands promptly.
• Supplier Dependability: Assessing the supplier’s ability to deliver consistently and on time is crucial. If suppliers are unreliable, in-house production may be the safer option.

Decision-Making Process:

• Cost-Benefit Analysis:

Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis, considering all relevant costs associated with both making and buying.

• Risk Assessment:

Evaluate the risks associated with each option, including quality risks, supply chain risks, and potential impacts on operational efficiency.

• Long-Term Implications:

Consider the long-term implications of the decision on the organization’s strategy, market position, and operational capabilities.

• Stakeholder Involvement:

Engage relevant stakeholders, including production teams, finance, and procurement, to gather insights and perspectives on the decision.

• Trial Period:

If feasible, consider conducting a trial period to test the viability of either option before making a long-term commitment.

Decision-Making Points

The results of the quantitative analysis may be sufficient to make a determination based on the approach that is more cost-effective. At times, qualitative analysis addresses any concerns a company cannot measure specifically.

Factors that may influence a firm’s decision to buy a part rather than produce it internally include a lack of in-house expertise, small volume requirements, a desire for multiple sourcing and the fact that the item may not be critical to the firm’s strategy. A company may give additional consideration if the firm has the opportunity to work with a company that has previously provided outsourced services successfully and can sustain a long-term relationship.

Similarly, factors that may tilt a firm toward making an item in-house include existing idle production capacity, better quality control or proprietary technology that needs to be protected. A company may also consider concerns regarding the reliability of the supplier, especially if the product in question is critical to normal business operations. The firm should also consider whether the supplier can offer the desired long-term arrangement.

Objective of Make and Buy Decision:

• Cost Efficiency:

One of the primary objectives is to achieve cost savings. By comparing the total cost of manufacturing a product in-house versus purchasing it from an external supplier, businesses aim to minimize expenses. The goal is to identify the option that provides the best financial outcome.

• Quality Control:

Ensuring product quality is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and brand reputation. Companies often choose to make products in-house to exert greater control over quality assurance processes. This objective focuses on delivering products that meet or exceed quality standards.

• Resource Optimization:

The make or buy decision seeks to optimize the allocation of resources, including labor, materials, and production facilities. Businesses aim to use their resources efficiently, ensuring that they are directed toward the most profitable and strategic activities.

• Flexibility and Responsiveness:

In today’s dynamic market, flexibility is crucial. The decision allows companies to assess whether in-house production can provide the agility needed to respond to changes in consumer demand or market conditions more rapidly than relying on external suppliers.

• Strategic Focus:

Companies often evaluate whether the product is core to their business strategy. If it aligns with their strengths and competitive advantage, the objective is to make the product in-house, allowing the company to focus on its strategic priorities.

• Supply Chain Reliability:

A key objective is to ensure a reliable supply chain. Businesses evaluate the dependability of suppliers and their ability to deliver products on time. If external suppliers are unreliable, the objective may shift toward in-house production to mitigate risks associated with delays and disruptions.

Cost, as defined by various reputable sources such as the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and Anthony and Wilsch, refers to the expenditure incurred or the measurement in monetary terms of resources used for a specific purpose. The Committee on Cost Terminology of the American Accounting Association adds to this definition by emphasizing that costs are monetary outlays incurred or potentially to be incurred in achieving management objectives, whether it be in manufacturing products or rendering services.

In essence, cost encompasses all expenses related to the production and sale of goods or services. It represents the total outgoings or changes incurred in activities associated with production and sale. These expenses are quantified in terms of monetary units.

Classification of Cost

Classification of costs implies the process of grouping costs according to their common characteristics. A proper classification of costs is absolutely necessary to mention the costs with cost centres. Usually, costs are classified according to their nature, viz., material, labour, over-head, among others. An identical cost figure may be classified in various ways according to the needs of the firms.

The above classification may be outlined as:

The classification of cost may be depicted as given:

1. According to Elements

Under the circumstances, costs are classified into three broad categories Material, Labour and Overhead. Now, further subdivision may also be made for each of them. For example, Material may be subdivided into raw materials, packing materials, consumable stores etc. This classification is very useful in order to ascertain the total cost and its components. Same classification may also be made for labour and overhead.

2. According to Functions

The total costs are divided into different segments according to the purpose of the firm. That is why costs are grouped as per the requirements of the firm in order to evaluate its functions properly. In short, the total costs include all costs starting from cost of materials to the cost of packing the product.

It takes the cost of direct material, direct labour and chargeable expenses and all indirect expenses under the head Manufacturing/Production cost.

At the same time, administration cost (i.e. relating to office and administration) and Selling and Distribution expenses (i.e. relating to sales) are to be classified separately and to be added in order to find out the total cost of the product. If these functional classifications are not made properly, true cost of the product cannot accurately be ascertained.

3. According to Variability

Practically, costs are classified according to their behaviour relating to the change (increase or decrease) in their volume of activity.

These costs as per volume may be subdivided into:

(i) Fixed Cost;

(ii) Variable Cost;

(iii) Semi-variable Cost

Fixed Costs are those which do not vary with the change in output, i.e., irrespective of the quantity of output produced, it remains fixed (e.g., Salaries, Rent etc.) up to a certain limit. It is interesting to note that if more units are product, fixed cost per unit will be reduced, and, if less units are produced, obviously, fixed cost per unit will be increased.

Variable Costs, on the other hand, are those which vary proportionately with the volume of output. So the cost per unit will remain fixed irrespective of the quantity produced. That is, there is no direct effect on the cost per unit if there is a change in the volume of output (e.g. price of raw material, labour etc.,).

On the contrary, semi-variable costs are those which are partly fixed and partly variable (e.g. Repairs of building).

4. According to Controllability

Costs may, again, be subdivided into two broad categories according to the performance done by any member of the firm.

(i) Controllable Costs; and

(ii) Uncontrollable Costs.

Controllable Costs are those costs which may be influenced by the decision taken by a specified member of the administration of the firm or, it may be stated, that the costs which at least partly depend on the management and is controllable by them, e.g. all direct costs, direct material, direct labour and chargeable expenses (components of Prime Cost) are controllable by lower management level and is done accordingly.

Uncontrollable Costs are those which are not influenced by the actions taken by any specific member of the management. For example, fixed costs, viz., rent of building, payment for salaries etc.

5. According to Normality

Under this condition, costs are classified according to the normal needs for a given level of output for a normal level of activity produced for such output.

They are divided into:

(i) Normal Costs; and

(ii) Abnormal Costs.

Normal Costs are those costs which are normally required for a normal production at a given level of output and which is a part of production.

Abnormal Costs, on the other hand, are those costs which are not normally required for a given level of output to be produced normally, or which is not a part of cost of production.

6. According to Time

Costs may also be classified according to the time element in it. Accordingly, costs are classified into:

(i) Historical Costs; and

(ii) Predetermined Costs.

Historical Costs are those costs which are taken into consideration after they have been incurred. This is possible particularly when the production of a particular unit of output has already been made. They have only historical value and cannot assist in controlling costs.

Predetermined Costs, on the other hand, are the estimated costs. Such costs are computed in advanced on the basis of past experience and records. Needless to say here that it becomes standard cost if it is determined on scientific basis. When such standard costs are compared with the actual costs, the reasons of variance will come out which will help the management to take proper steps for reconciliation.

7. According to Traceability

Costs can be identified with a particular product, process, department etc. They are divided into:

(i) Direct (Traceable) Costs; and

(ii) Indirect (Non-Traceable) Costs.

Direct/Traceable Costs are those costs which can directly be traced or allocated to a product, i.e. it includes all traceable costs, viz., all expenses relating to cost of raw materials, labour and other service utilised which can be traced easily.

Indirect/Non-Traceable Costs are those costs which cannot directly be traced or allocated to a product, i.e. it includes all non-traceable costs, e.g. salary of store-keepers, general administrative expenses, i.e. which cannot properly be allocated directly to a product.

8. According to Planning and Control

Costs may also be classified into:

(i) Budgeted Costs

(ii) Standard Costs

Budgeted Costs refer to the expected cost of manufacture computed on the basis of information available in advance of actual production or purchase. Practically, budgeted costs include standard costs, both are predetermined costs and their amount may coincide but their objectives are different.

Standard Costs, on the other hand, is a predetermination of what actual costs should be under projected conditions serving as a basis of cost control and, as a measure of product efficiency, when ultimately aligned actual cost. It supplies a medium by which the effectiveness of current results can be measured and the responsibility for derivations can be placed.

Standard Costs are predetermined for each element, viz., material, labour and overhead.

Standard Costs include:

(i) The cost per unit is determined to make an estimated total output for the future period for:

(a) Material;

(b) Labour; and

(c) Overhead.

(ii) The cost must depend on the past experience and experiments and specification of the technical staff.

(iii) The cost must be expressed in terms of rupees.

9. According to Management Decisions

• Marginal Cost:

Marginal Cost is the cost for producing additional unit or units by segregation of fixed costs (i.e., cost of capacity) from variable cost (i.e. cost of production) which helps to know the profitability. Moreover, we know, in order to increase the production, certain expenses (fixed) may not increase at all, only some expenses relating to materials, labour and variable expenses are increased. Thus, the total cost so increased by the production of one unit or more is the cost of marginal unit and the cost is known as marginal cost or incremental cost.

• Differential Cost:

Differential Cost is that portion of the cost of a function attributable to and identifiable with an added feature, i.e. the change in costs as a result of change in the level of activity or method of production.

• Opportunity Cost:

It is the prospective change in cost following the adoption of an alternative machine, process, raw materials, specification or operation. In other words, it is the maximum possible alternative earnings which might have been earned if the existing capacity had been changed to some other alternative way.

• Replacement Cost:

It is the cost, at current prices, in a particular locality or market area, of replacing an item of property or a group of assets.

• Implied Cost:

It is the cost used to indicate the presence of arbitrary or subjective elements of product cost having more than usual significance. It is also called notional cost, e.g., interest on capital —although no interest is paid. This is particularly useful while decisions are taken regarding alternative capital investment projects.

• Sunk Cost:

It is the past cost arising out of a decision which cannot be revised now, and associated with specialised equipment’s or other facilities not readily adaptable to present or future purposes. Such cost is often regarded as constituting a minor factor in decisions affecting the future.

Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) analysis is a managerial accounting tool used to study the relationship between a company’s sales volume, revenues, costs, and profits. CVP analysis helps businesses make informed decisions regarding pricing, sales mix, and other operational factors. This analysis is useful for businesses of all sizes and industries.

Components of CVP analysis are:

Sales Volume (Q):

Sales volume is the total quantity of goods or services sold within a given period.

Sales Revenue (R):

Sales revenue is the total amount of revenue generated from the sale of goods or services. It is calculated by multiplying the sales volume by the selling price per unit (P).

R = P × Q

Variable Costs (VC):

Variable costs are costs that vary with changes in sales volume or level of activity. Examples of variable costs include direct materials, direct labor, and variable overhead costs. The total variable costs (TVC) can be calculated by multiplying the variable cost per unit (VCu) by the sales volume (Q).

TVC = VCu × Q

Fixed Costs (FC):

Fixed costs are costs that do not vary with changes in sales volume or level of activity. Examples of fixed costs include rent, depreciation, salaries, and property taxes. The total fixed costs (TFC) remain constant regardless of the sales volume.

Contribution Margin (CM):

Contribution margin is the amount of revenue available to cover the fixed costs and generate a profit. It is calculated as the difference between sales revenue and total variable costs.

CM = R – TVC

Break-Even Point (BEP):

The break-even point is the level of sales volume at which the total revenues equal the total costs. At this point, the business is neither making a profit nor incurring a loss. The break-even point can be calculated by dividing the total fixed costs by the contribution margin per unit (CMu).

BEP = TFC / CMu

The above formulas can be used to perform a variety of CVP analysis calculations. Some of the most common CVP analysis applications are:

Determining the Sales Volume required to break even:

To determine the sales volume required to break even, the business must first calculate its contribution margin per unit and divide it into the total fixed costs.

BEP = TFC / CMu

Once the break-even point is calculated, the business can determine the level of sales volume required to cover all of its costs and break even.

Determining the Sales Volume required to achieve a target profit:

To determine the sales volume required to achieve a target profit, the business must first calculate its contribution margin per unit. Then, it should subtract the target profit from the total fixed costs and divide the result by the contribution margin per unit.

Target Sales Volume = (TFC + Target profit) / CMu

The business can then use this information to set sales targets and pricing strategies to achieve the desired level of profit.

Evaluating the impact of changes in sales volume on profits:

By analyzing the relationship between sales volume, costs, and profits, businesses can evaluate the impact of changes in sales volume on their profitability. For example, they can calculate the contribution margin and net profit for different levels of sales volume and determine the most profitable sales mix.

Evaluating the impact of changes in selling prices on profits:

By analyzing the relationship between selling prices, costs, and profits, businesses can evaluate the impact of changes in selling prices on their profitability. For example, they can calculate the contribution margin and net profit for different selling prices and determine the optimal pricing strategy.

Evaluating the impact of changes in variable costs on profits:

By analyzing the relationship between variable costs, selling prices, and profits, businesses can evaluate the impact of changes in variable costs on their profitability. For example, they can calculate the contribution margin and net profit for different variable costs and determine the optimal cost structure.

Evaluating the impact of changes in the sales mix on profits:

By analyzing the relationship between different products’ sales volume, selling prices, and variable costs, businesses can evaluate the impact of changes in the sales mix on their profitability. For example, they can calculate the contribution margin and net profit for different product mixes and determine the most profitable sales mix.

Evaluating the impact of changes in fixed costs on profits:

By analyzing the relationship between fixed costs, sales volume, and profits, businesses can evaluate the impact of changes in fixed costs on their profitability. For example, they can calculate the break-even point and net profit for different levels of fixed costs and determine the optimal cost structure.

Assumptions of Cash Volume Profit Analysis

Following are the assumptions of CVP Analysis:

(i) No. of Units – Only Driver for Costs and Revenues

It assumes that the total variable costs and revenues would increase or decrease only due to a change in no. of units. There are no factors that will affect it.

(ii) Costs – Either Variable or Fixed

This assumption says that all the costs are either variable or fixed. In other words, it says that there are no semi-variable or semi-fixed costs.

(iii) No Change in Price, Variable Cost, and Fixed Costs

CVP analysis assumes that there are no changes in the price and variable cost per unit irrespective of change in time period and relevant range. If we see closely, it is neglecting the chances of changes in prices due to inflation, economic conditions etc. Also, neglecting the bulk order discounts and small order premiums.

Importance of Cash Volume Profit Analysis

If you are offered a business idea wherein you sell chairs. The first thing few things that will strike your mind is

• Required initial investment
• Amount of sales required to breakeven
• Assess whether you are capable of achieving that sale

This analysis is important because it answers the second most important question. This is not a one time question as well. This is a regular assessment. A businessman has to keep checking whether he is reaching the milestones set as per cost volume profit analysis. This will guide his decision-making process relating to increases in fixed costs, the speed of business operations etc.

Advantages of Cash Volume Profit Analysis

(i) Helps managers find out a breakeven point, target operating income etc.

(ii) Cost Volume Profit technique is used to evaluate investment proposals

(iii) Sets the base for planning the marketing efforts of a business

(iv) Helps in setting up the basis for budgeting activity

Disadvantages of Cash Volume Profit Analysis

(i) In a current dynamic business environment, the costs and prices can’t remain constant throughout the year. A manager is forced to react and make necessary changes in prices and costs due to change in economic conditions, customer bargaining powers, competitors etc.

(ii) All costs cannot be classified as fixed or variable. There is a significant list of costs which are neither fixed nor variable but are semi-variable or semi-fixed. Say, for example, a utility or electricity invoice contains rent as a component which remains constant irrespective of the change in usage of no. of electricity units.

(iii) No. of units cannot be the only driver of total costs and revenues. There are other factors also that impact the prices as well as costs. The raw material price reduction can reduce the variable cost and therefore the customers with knowledge of this change will demand a reduction in prices as well. Similarly, the entrance of a new big player in the market forces all the firms in the market to reduce their cost or compromise or bear loss of customers.