Easy2 marksMultiple Choice
Performance Measurement and ControlTransfer PricingBehavioral AspectsSyllabus Area E
This question is part of a case study — click to read the full scenario(Case 26)

Section B - Case 3: Quantum Nexus

Quantum Nexus is a cross-border tech hardware company.
Division A (located in Country X) manufactures microchips. Division B (located in Country Y) assembles these chips into smartphones.

Division A Data:
Variable cost per chip = $120
Fixed cost per chip = $30
External market selling price = $200

Division B Data:
External purchase price for similar chips = $190
Variable processing cost to assemble phone = $50
Final selling price of smartphone = $300

Division A currently has SPARE CAPACITY and can meet Division B's demand without losing external sales.

What is the minimum transfer price Division A should accept?

ACCA · Question 29 · Performance Measurement and Control

Section B - Case 3: Quantum Nexus

To achieve the tax savings, Quantum Nexus Head Office decides to dictate a transfer price of $120, overriding the divisional managers' autonomy.

What is the most likely behavioral consequence of this dictated transfer price on the manager of Division A?

Answer options:

A.

Increased motivation, as the manager knows they are helping the company save on taxes.

B.

Demotivation, as Division A will show zero profit on these transfers, negatively impacting the manager's performance evaluation.

C.

Goal congruence, as the manager will naturally want to transfer as many units as possible to Division B.

D.

No behavioral impact, provided the manager is evaluated on Return on Investment (ROI).

How to approach this question

Consider how the manager of Division A is evaluated (usually divisional profit). At a transfer price of $120 (which equals variable cost), how much profit do they make?

Full Answer

B.Demotivation, as Division A will show zero profit on these transfers, negatively impacting the manager's performance evaluation.✓ Correct
If Head Office dictates a transfer price of $120 (which equals Division A's variable cost), Division A makes zero contribution margin on internal transfers. This will severely depress Division A's reported profits and ROI, leading to demotivation for the manager who is evaluated on these metrics. It destroys divisional autonomy.

Common mistakes

Assuming managers care more about global corporate tax savings than their own divisional performance metrics.

Practice the full ACCA PM — Performance Management Practice Exam 5

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