Becton Labs, Inc., produces various chemical compounds for industrial use. One compound, called Fludex, is prepared using an elaborate distilling process. The company has developed standard costs for one unit of Fludex, as follows: Standard Quantity Standard Price or Rate Standard Cost Direct materials 2.60 ounces $ 20.00 per ounce $ 52.00 Direct labor 0.60 hours $ 16.00 per hour 9.60 Variable manufacturing overhead 0.60 hours $ 4.50 per hour 2.70 $ 64.30 During November, the following activity was recorded relative to production of Fludex: a. Materials purchased, 13,000 ounces at a cost of $244,400. b. There was no beginning inventory of materials; however, at the end of the month, 3,300 ounces of material remained in ending inventory. c. The company employs 20 lab technicians to work on the production of Fludex. During November, they worked an average of 150 hours at an average rate of $14.00 per hour. d. Variable manufacturing overhead is assigned to Fludex on the basis of direct labor-hours. Variable manufacturing overhead costs during November totaled $6,500. e. During November, 3,600 good units of Fludex were produced .
b. In the past, the 20 technicians employed in the production of Fludex consisted of 4 senior technicians and 16 assistants. During November, the company experimented with fewer senior technicians and more assistants in order to save costs. Would you recommend that the new labor mix be continued? Yes No