3. Why is the cost per equivalent unit often determined separately for direct materials and conversion costs?
4. What is the purpose for determining the cost per equivalent unit?
Guide On Rating System
Vote
3. The cost per equivalent unit is often determined separately for direct materials and conversion costs because these costs are incurred at different stages in the production process and may have different cost drivers. Direct materials are typically added at the beginning of the production process, while conversion costs (which include direct labor and manufacturing overhead) are incurred throughout the production process. By determining the cost per equivalent unit separately for these costs, managers can better understand the cost drivers and allocate costs accurately.
4. The purpose of determining the cost per equivalent unit is to assign costs to units of production in order to calculate the total cost of producing a certain number of units. This information is essential for managerial decision-making, such as setting selling prices, evaluating production efficiency, and determining the profitability of specific products or product lines. The cost per equivalent unit also helps in comparing costs across different periods or production processes, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and making informed decisions about resource allocation.