Discuss how SD can use standard costing and variance analysis to prepare meaningful reports when using Kaizen Costing.
By the use of standard costing and variance analysis, from the Kaizen Costing is based on the concept of continuous small improvements to reduce costs then the original standard cost would no longer reflect the target which is achievable. Consequently the measurement of performance against this target would be of limited usefulness.
In order to prepare meaningful reports of SD would need to determine the extent of the variances that have been caused by changes in the method of operations we used as a result of using the Kaizen Costing. These variances would be reported as planning variances & the remaining cost differences would be reported as operational variances.
Although the managers of SD will have been involved in the Kaizen process ,its an important that the variances between the target that the managers believed would now be achievable and the actual results are reported separately. Then the managers can consider whether these variances have arisen due to impact of operational factors or due to over ambitious revised targets. The variance b/w the original target and the new Kaizen target (the planning variance) measures the extent to which it is believed that the Kaizen techniques have reduced SD’s costs.