MC Question 28
The following scenario relates to questions 26–30.
Helot Co develops and sells computer games. It is well known for launching innovative and interactive role-playing games and its new releases are always eagerly anticipated by the gaming community. Customers value the technical excellence of the games and the durability of the product and packaging.
Helot Co has previously used a traditional absorption costing system and full cost plus pricing to cost and price its products.
It has recently recruited a new finance director who believes the company would benefit from using target costing. He is keen to try this method on a new game concept called Spartan, which has been recently approved.
After discussion with the board, the finance director undertook some market research to find out customers’ opinions on the new game concept and to assess potential new games offered by competitors. The results were used to establish a target selling price of $45 for Spartan and an estimated total sales volume of 350,000 units. Helot Co wants to achieve a target profit margin of 35%.
The finance director has also begun collecting cost data for the new game and has projected the following:
| Production costs per unit | $ |
|---|---|
| Direct material | 3·00 |
| Direct labour | 2·50 |
| Direct machining | 5·05 |
| Set-up | 0·45 |
| Inspection and testing | 4·30 |
| Total non-production costs | $’000 |
| Design (salaries and technology) | 2,500 |
| Marketing consultants | 1,700 |
| Distribution | 1,400 |
28. The board of Helot Co has asked the finance director to explain what activities can be undertaken to close a cost gap
on its computer games.
Which of the following would be appropriate ways for Helot Co to close a cost gap?
(1) Buy cheaper, lower grade plastic for the game discs and cases
(2) Using standard components wherever possible in production
(3) Employ more trainee game designers on lower salaries
(4) Use the company’s own online gaming websites for marketing
A 1, 2 and 3
B 1, 3 and 4
C 2 and 4
D 2 and 3 only