...necessary information to make a non-technical presentation to the board of directors. INTRODUCTION Budgeting is a vital element of the management planning and control process. Budgeting is the process that translates corporate intentions into specific tasks, and identifies the resources needed by each manager to carry them out. In the process, budgeting enhances communication and co-ordination of different administrative units, facilitates decision-making, and provides a framework for monitoring and for performance evaluation. All managers are responsible for preparing a budget. Since specific departments play important roles in improving various components of the balance sheet and the income statement, it is critical that they prepare their budgets in a responsible way. Once budgets are in place it is necessary to analyse the difference between the actual and budgeted costs (variance). A variance analysis involves the decomposition of the variance into the individual factors that caused the variance. Managers need to be able to understand how to break down and analysis the variances; this helps them determine the proper corrective action. PROBLEM The Midwest Ice Cream Company is doing many things wrong, and the mistakes they are making are being covered up by a poorly planned budget. ANALYSIS The overall variance at Midwest Ice Cream is $71,700F . This is considered a good variance because it means...
Words: 1338 - Pages: 6
...LEARNING ISSUES COST-VOLUME-PROFIT (CVP) ANALYSIS 1. Definition of cvp 2. Objectives of cvp 3. The importance of cvp to the management: 4. Describe the situation of increasing return to scale 5. Describe the situation of decreasing return to scale 6. Distinguish between economist’s and accountant’s approach to cvp analysis 7. Define the term of “profit volume ratio”. 8. Definition of cost behavior 9. Types and examples for each of the cost behaviour 10. Which should be less and more? 11. How are graphs for each types of cost behaviour? 12. Why in the short-term, some costs and revenues are not relevant for decision making? 13. What would be the effect on the profits if we reduce selling price and sell more units? 14. Should we pay workers on a basis salary only/commission only/combinations? 15. How would changes in sales volume affect the profits of the firms? 16. Definition of bep 17. Limitation of bep 18. Benefit of (bep) 19. Assumptions in (bep) 20. Computation of bep in units and in value 21. What is the effect on a firm’s (bep) of a lower income tax rate? 22. Can break even analysis to be used to determine the sales level that is needed in order to earn a target net profit? 23. Break even point graph 24. Definitions of sales mix 25. What’s the effect on the company’s profits? 26. What is the assumption in the basis? 27...
Words: 12519 - Pages: 51
...Budget Management Analysis John Thorpe HCS/571 April 13, 2014 Professor: Amy Reed Budget Management and Variance Analysis Healthcare organizations are faced with severe financial pressures resulting in extreme budget cuts. Consequently, nurse managers and financial managers are tasked with the responsibility of doing more with less while maintaining the high quality of care offered to its consumers. To accomplish the aforementioned tasks, managers use budgetary tools to help them focus on controlling cost while running an efficient operation. Budgeting gives managers the tools necessary to ensure the availability of required resources to meet the organization’s goals and objectives, communicate strategies and monitor results (Cleverly, Song & Cleverly, 2007). Finkler, Kovner & Jones (2007) offer that budgeting should be used to make the organization become more effective and efficient. It is not a tool for maintaining the status quo. Organizations use different approaches to introducing the budgetary process. Some organizations take the current year's budget update it for inflation and projected revenue growth. Others take a clean slate approach; compel managers to justify their expenses and staffing needs on an annual basis. Still other organizations forecast revenue and profit and assign expense rates to departments. However, the most effective budget is one that reflects the true financial position of the organization, provides flexibility and monitored...
Words: 2124 - Pages: 9
...This essay will explore, explain and evaluate the key different types of budgeting within a business as well as the importance of why businesses must keep their costs under control. Firstly it will examine key types of planning and budgeting along with how they are interconnected. Secondly it will focus upon how a business might prepare its annual master budget, including how budgeted balance sheets, cash budget and budgeted income statements affect the overall master budget. Finally it will examine potential behavioural issues that might arise within a business. When managing a company’s finance the use of planning, control and budgeting are all equally important and interconnected with one another. In effect, when a company keeping a tight rein on cash flow, fixed costs and variable costs through the use of planning and budgeting, it will consequently allow the company to better control its profit margin. When conducting research on the importance of planning and control Kay states: Control and planning are interrelated so closely that they cannot be separated from each other. Without control all the planning is fruitless because control consists of the steps taken to ensure that the performance of the organization conforms to the plans. (Kay, 2012) Kay indicates that what has been previously written about within this essay is correct; additionally it suggests that both are directly interconnected with one another...
Words: 3645 - Pages: 15
...Budget For Planning and Control An integral part of the modern business enterprise, budgeting not only aids in the planning process, but it also provides an array of accounting measures that can be used to hold managers accountable for the firm's performance. By Richard Sansing A budget is a projected set of consequences of carrying out planned activity. Firms use budgets to facilitate the communication of specialized information from throughout the firm so that an internally consistent production plan can be devised. The budgeted numbers are then used to record certain transactions. Differences between budgeted and actual performance then appear in the accounting records, and can be analyzed so as to evaluate the performance of the firm. The budgeting process interacts with the operations research process in two ways. First, the budget process facilitates the transfer of both accounting and non-accounting information to those involved in operations. This information provides a basis for the formulation of the firm's production plan. Second, the budget reflects the production plan, and becomes a benchmark for subsequent performance evaluation. An analysis of deviations from the budget provides additional information that can be used when formulating the next period's production plan. The Planning Stage Feldman Toy Company makes two types of toys, regular and deluxe. Each toy requires the use of machine time in the production process. To illustrate the way the budget...
Words: 4699 - Pages: 19
...Table of Contents Introduction 3 Task 1 3 Assessment criteria 1.1 3 Assessment criteria 1.2 4 Assessment criteria 1.3 4 Assessment criteria 1.4 6 Assessment criteria 1.4 7 Section 2 8 Assessment criteria 2.1 8 Assessment criteria 2.2 8 Assessment criteria 2.3 10 Section 3 11 Assessment criteria 3.1 11 Assessment criteria 3.2 13 Assessment criteria 3.4 15 Zero-based budgeting 16 Top-down budgeting 16 Bottom-up budgeting 16 Activity-Based Budgeting 16 Section 4 18 Assessment criteria 4.1 18 Assessment criteria 4.2 21 Conclusion 22 Bibliography 23 Introduction Financial management is the efficient as well as effective management of the funds in a motive of accomplishing the goals and the objectives an organization. It comprises of how to rise capital and how to allocate for instance through budgeting. This does not only cater for the long term budget but also the allocation of funds in the short term. In our discussion we are going to focus on various issues such the various methods used in costing, the budgeting formation and formation process, and the different types of budgeting. The attainment of coordination will also be factored since it is key to the success of a business. Task 1 Assessment criteria 1.1 a. Identify and explain the various ways by which cost can be classified discussion the value of costs classification including any weaknesses in your argument In the world of business there are a range of costing methods are actually used by...
Words: 5762 - Pages: 24
...expression of a plan for a defined period of time. It may include planned sales volume and revenues, resource quantities, costs and expenses, assets, liabilities and cash flows.”(CIMA Official Terminology, 2005). This in other word means the set out of a company’s objective for a period of time for an organization and it is usually conveyed in figures term. A budget has its advantages and disadvantages; they help stimulate forward thinking, help in organise the various aspects of the business and encourages performance (Mclaney & Atril, pg.461). However, it can be time consuming, it cannot deal with rapid change and it focuses more on short term target rather than value creation. (Mclaney & Atril, 4th edition, pg.462) Budgeting Method and differences A fixed budget only takes account of budget data for just one volume of activity. The formal definition is “A budget which is normally set prior to the start of an accounting period, and which is not changed in response to subsequent changes in activity or costs/revenues. It serves as a benchmark in performance evaluation” (Costing, T.Lucey, 7th edition, Pg.420) according to CIMA, it is defined as a “budget which is designed to remain unchanged irrespective of the volume of output or turnover attained” a good example is a master budget. Fixed budgets are most efficiently when used for planning purposes (ICSA.org.uk, 2014) A flexible budget is designed to change with the fluctuations in the level of activity and...
Words: 1764 - Pages: 8
...What is budget variance analysis? What is a flexible budget? A variance (difference between actual and forecast figures) is a signal to management that revenues or spending did not go according to plan. If the variance represents overspending, moreover, it is an indicator that there may be problems paying future expenses. Variance analysis attempts to find the reasons that actual figures were over or under forecast so that either Corrective action can be taken to reduce variances in the future, (an exercise in static budgeting) or Figures for future spending can be adjusted as necessary (the practice of flexible budgeting). Confusion sometimes arises in variance analysis because two different conventions for calculations commonly used. Convention 1: Incoming revenue variance = Actual – Forecast Expense spending variance = Actual – Forecast This convention is used in this encyclopedia and in many organizations. Under this approach, a positive variance always means the actual result was greater than the budgeted amount. Convention 2: Some organizations (such as the Project Management Institute), however, recommend using the above convention for revenue, but reversing the order for expense items: Incoming revenue variance = Actual – Forecast Expense spending variance = Forecast – Actual Under this convention, positive variances are always "good things" (more revenue or less spending than expected), and negative variances are always "bad things...
Words: 1217 - Pages: 5
...OF THE BUDGETTING Budget is a combinations of company activities within which a company coordinate to a common plan for future period. The budget is not something that originates 'from nothing' each 'year - it is developed within the context of ongoing business and is ruled by previous decisions that have been taken within the long-term planning process. When activities are initially approved for inclusion in the long-term plan, they are based on uncertain estimates that are projected for several years. These proposals must be reviewed and revised in the light of more recent information. This review and revision process frequently takes place as part of the annual budgeting process, and it may result in important decisions being taken on possible activity adjustments within the current budget period. The budgeting process cannot therefore be viewed as being purely concerned with the current year - it must be considered as an integrated part of the long-term planning process. The conventional approach is that once a year the manager of each budget centre prepares a detailed budget for one year. For control purposes, the budget is divided into either 12 monthly or 13 four-weekly periods. The preparation of budgets on an annual basis has been strongly criticized on the grounds that it is too rigid and ties a company to a 12 month commitment, which can be risky because the budget is based on uncertain forecasts. (Drury C (2008)) Stages for preparation of budget According to Drury...
Words: 3217 - Pages: 13
...of a flexible budget is founded in the ability to compare potential level of performance to the expected level. It is also a better representation of the actual fluctuations that occur in the volume of activity as it is influenced by fixed and variable costs. In comparison, a static budget is based upon the planned volume of activity and remains unchanged by actual changes in the volume of activity. There is value in both types of budgets because they are used together to present information that can be used for evaluating performance levels and for planning future activity requirements. Flexible Budgets A flexible budget is a budget with figures that are based on actual output. It's then compared to a company's static budget to get variances (differences) between what level of spending was expected and what actually occurred. Accordingly, a flexible budget is a budget that adjusts or flexes for changes in the volume of activity. The flexible budget is more sophisticated and useful than a static budget, which remains at one amount regardless of the volume of activity. With a flexible budget, budgeted dollar values (i.e. costs or selling prices) are multiplied by actual units to determine what particular number will be given to a level of output or sales. A flexible budget makes different amounts available to departments depending on what production or sales are realized. In other words, flexible budget refers to the financial plan designed to vary in accordance...
Words: 1126 - Pages: 5
...Marginal costing and Absorption costing: the concept of marginal and absorption costing and its practical applications on business decisions. Cost Volume Profit Analysis: Relationship, impact on pricing, practical decision making strategies through CVP analysis Standard Costing and Variance analysis: concept and objectives of standard costing, advantages and limitations, variance analysis (Material, labour, overheads and sales variance), practical applications Budgeting and budgetary control mechanism Activity based costing, Responsibility Accounting Target costing Objective Objective of this course is to help student understand: 1. The essence of management accounting-effective use of the accounting information for planning, control and business decision making. 2. To use cost accounting as a managerial tool for business strategy and implementation. 3. To understand analyse the costing tools and their business application for enhancing revenue and profitability of a firm,. 4. To analyse various aspects of costing such as, marginal costing, absorption costing, allocation of costs, standard costing and variance analysis, activity based costing, target costing etc. 5. To understand the process of decision making, planning and budgeting in a business organisation. Pedagogy Lectures Discussions on case studies Term Projects and presentations Discussion and presentation on published research papers on related topics. Text book: Management Accounting: Paresh...
Words: 601 - Pages: 3
...two types of control, namely budgetary and financial. This chapter concentrates on budgetary control only. This is because financial control was covered in detail in chapters one and two. Budgetary control is defined by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants (CIMA) as: "The establishment of budgets relating the responsibilities of executives to the requirements of a policy, and the continuous comparison of actual with budgeted results, either to secure by individual action the objective of that policy, or to provide a basis for its revision". Chapter objectives This chapter is intended to provide: marketing as a key marketing control technique An overview of the advantages and disadvantages of budgeting Structure of the chapter Of all business activities, budgeting is one of the most important and, therefore, requires detailed attention. The chapter looks at the concept of responsibility centres, and the advantages and disadvantages of budgetary control. It then goes on to look at the detail of budget construction and the use to which budgets can be put. Like all management tools, the chapter highlights the need for detailed information, if the technique is to be used to its fullest advantage. Budgetary control methods a) Budget: activities in a given period of time. -ordinate the activities of the organisation. An example would be an advertising budget or sales force budget. b) Budgetary control: can either exercise control action or revise the original budgets...
Words: 3770 - Pages: 16
...‘When calculating variances, we in effect ignore differences of volume of output, between original budget and actual, by flexing the budget. If there were a volume difference, it is water under the bridge by the time that the variances come to be calculated’. Variance analysis typically involves the isolation of different causes for the variation in income and expenses over a given period from the budgeted standards. So for example, if direct wages had been budgeted to cost $100,000 actually cost $200,000 during a period, variance analysis shall aim to identify how much of the increase in direct wages is attributable to: * Increase in the wage rate (adverse labour rate variance); * Decline in the productivity of workforce (adverse labour efficiency variance); * Unanticipated idle time (labour idle time variance); * More wages incurred due to higher production than the budget (favourable sales volume variance). Variance analysis highlights the causes of the variation in income and expenses during a period compared to the budget. In order to make variances meaningful, the concept of 'flexed budget' is used when calculating variances. Flexed budget acts as a bridge between the original budget (fixed budget) and the actual results. Flexed budget is prepared in retrospect based on the actual output. Sales volume variance accounts for the difference between budgeted profit and the profit under a flexed budget. All remaining variances are calculated as the difference...
Words: 2311 - Pages: 10
...reasons for the favorable operating income variance of $71,700. The first major reason for the favorable operating income variance of $71,700 is that there have been higher sales volume than that forecasted. Essentially, higher sales volume has been responsible for the favorable operating income variance. The actual net sales are $9,657,300, whereas, the budgeted sales volume was $9,645,300. On the other hand unfavorable variance due to operations have actually decreased the favorable operating income variance by $46,000. Specifically, the major reason for the favorable operating income variance is the higher actual sales than planned sales of product D and product E. The planned product sales of product D was 20,000 units instead 36,000 units were sold and the planned sales of product E was 8,000 units, instead 28,000 units were sold. The basis reason for the favorable profit variance was that Midwest's actual sales volume was higher than forecast. How can an analysis of the profit variance highlight those areas needing management attention? The analysis of profit variance can show can highlight those areas that need management attention. Particularly in case of Midwest is that the variance due to operations was unfavorable. This means that areas where the costs have been higher than the budgeted costs require corrective measures. If we consider the manufacturing cost, the variable costs show that milk price variance and sugar price variance have been responsible for unfavorable...
Words: 734 - Pages: 3
...Adams Health Care Budget Planning and budgeting helps ensure that operations are being carried out in a manner consistent with the mission and vision of the organization. There are several budgeting models that are effective. According to Louis C. Gapenski, (2008), “More detailed managerial guidance is contained in the operating plan, often called the five-year plan. The financial plan, which is the financial portion of the operating plan, contains a long-term plan, working capital management plan, and managerial accounting plan” (Gapenski, 2008). Good financial management processes for tracking resource utilization are essential for a department to make effective use of its resources. Not planning and budgeting properly can also lead to even bigger problems in the finances of an organization. Most effective financial management practices Effective financial planning and control helps each department in the organization keep track of its resources and hold each department accountable. Monitoring of expenditure is essential on a regular basis. The most effective financial management practices include variance analysis, benchmarking, environmental scanning, model development, forecasting, types of budgets, types of monitoring methods and frequency of monitoring. According to VarianceAnalysis.org, (2014), “Variance analysis is defined as the difference between the expected amount and the actual amount of costs or revenues. Variance analysis uses this standard or expected amount...
Words: 831 - Pages: 4
