Variance Analysis


Variable & Fixed Overhead Cost Variance

Q. Distinguish between variable overhead cost variance and fixed overhead cost variance. Why are such variances caused? (June 00)

It is the difference between standard variable overheads for actual output (or recovered variable overheads) and actual variable overheads.

VOCV = Recovered Variable Overheads – Actual Variable Overheads

Causes of Variance: This variance may be due to advance payment of expenses, or outstanding expense or payment of past outstanding expenses during this period, or on account of certain abnormal expenses incurred such as, repairs of machinery due to breakdown, expenses due to spoilage or defective workmanship or excessive overtime work, etc.

It is the difference between standard fixed overheads for actual output (or recovered overheads) and actual fixed overheads.

FOCV = Recovered Fixed Overheads – Actual Fixed Overheads

Causes of Variance: Difference between actual and recovered fixed overheads may be on account

  1. A higher or lower amount of fixed overheads, compared to budgeted fixed overheads, might have been incurred for the same production during the same period.
  2. The same amount of fixed overheads might have been incurred for a higher or lower production that the budgeted production during the same period.

Direct Labour rate & Efficiency Variance

Q. Distinguish between direct labour rate variance and direct labour efficiency variance. What causes any lead to direct labour efficiency variance? (Dec. 01)

Direct Labour Rate (Wages) Variance: It is that portion of direct labour variance which is due to the difference between the standard or specified rate of pay and actual rate paid.

 Mathematically

Direct Labour rate variance (DLRV) = Actual time x (Standard rate - Actual rate)

Direct Labour Efficiency (time) Variance: It is that portion of the direct labour variance which is due to the difference between the standard labour hours specified for the activity achieved and the actual labour hours expended.

 Mathematically

Labour Efficiency variance = Standard Rate (Standard time - Actual time)

Labour Efficiency variance may be caused due to the following:

  1. Defective or bad materials.
  2. Breakdown of plant and machinery.
  3. Failure of power.
  4. Efficient working by the labourers and fuller utilization of time due to incentives given.
  5. Loss of time due to delayed instructions from management or delay in receipt of raw materials.
  6. Alteration in the method of production.
  7. More time taken by workers due lack of proper supervision and control by management, making the workers lazy and inefficient.
  8. Rigid system of inspection.
  9. Poor working conditions.
  10. Lower productivity due to lack of training, ability, or experience on the part of workers.
  11. Labour turnover or change-over of workers from one operation or process or department to another.
 
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