Consider the case of long-distance telephone service. in country x, there are 20 providers of long-distance telephone service in a highly competitive market environment. on the other hand, in country y, long-distance telephone service is largely regulated by the government, with the firm horizon as the sole provider of this service. under these circumstances, it is expected that:

Country X will have higher growth potential than country Y.

Saddle Inc.

1. Overhead rate using the traditional (plantwide) approach is:

= $1.84

2. The overhead rates using activity-based costing approach are:

Machining = $72.49

Machine setup = $211.69

3. The difference in allocation between the two approaches:

Differences:

ABC approach        $121,808   $178,188   $299,996

Using plantwide     $110,400  $189,520  $299,920

Differences              $11,408    -$11,332             $76

Explanation:

a) Data and Calculations:

Total estimated overhead costs = $300,000

Machining activity = $195,000

Machine setup activity = $105,000

                             Standard   Custom     Total

Direct labor costs $60,000 $103,000  $163,000

Machine hours           1,400        1,290       2,690

Setup hours                    96          400          496

Overhead rate based on direct labor costs = $1.84 ($300,000/163,000)

Overhead rates using activity-based costing approach:

Machining = $72.49 ($195,000/2,690)

Machine setup = $211.69 ($105,000/496)

Allocation of overhead costs:

                                 Standard   Custom         Total

Using plantwide       $110,400  $189,520  $299,920

Using ABC:

Machining                $101,486    $93,512    $194,998

Machine setup           20,322      84,676      104,998

Total costs               $121,808   $178,188   $299,996

Differences:

ABC approach        $121,808   $178,188   $299,996

Using plantwide     $110,400  $189,520  $299,920

Differences               $11,408    -$11,332            $76