Question - Abby Company has just implemented a new cost accounting system that provides two variances for fixed manufacturing overhead. While the company's managers are familiar with the concept of spending variances, they are unclear as to how to interpret the production-volume overhead variances. Currently, the company has a production capacity of 54,000 units a month, although it generally produces only 46,000 units. However, in any given month the actual production is probably something other than 46,000.
Required:
(a) Does the production-volume overhead variance measure the difference between the 54,000 and 46,000, or the difference between the 46,000 and the actual monthly production?
(b) What advice can you provide the managers that will help them interpret the production-volume overhead variances?