Product X-547 is one of the joint products in a joint manufacturing process. Management is considering whether to sell X-547 at the split-off point or to process X-547 further into Xylene. The following data have been gathered: Selling price of X-547 Variable cost of processing X-547 into Xylene. The avoidable fixed costs of processing X-547 into Xylene. The selling price of Xylene. The joint cost of the process from which X-547 is produced. Which of the above items are relevant in a decision of whether to sell the X-547 as is or process it further into Xylene?

Multiple Choice

I, II, and IV.
I, II, III, and IV.
II, III, and V.
I, II, III, and V.

Lets first understand what relevant cost is? Relevant cost is any cost that influences the decision of a decision maker. Therefore, the first four items are relevant in the decision of whether to sell the X-547 or to further process it.

Explanation for each item is as follows:

1- Selling price of X-547:

The selling price is relevant because it will help to determine the revenue generated from selling X-547 at the split off point and which could also be used for comparative purposes, if suppose the decision of further processing is chosen.

2- Variable cost of processing X-547 into Xylene:

The variable cost of processing X-547 is indeed relevant too, because at this stage management is not in a position to take a decision until they explore the possibilities coming out of processing X-547, therefore, in order to come to a decision making position the management will need to know the variable cost of processing X-547, making it relevant in the decision.

3- The avoidable fixed costs of processing X-547 into Xylene:

There is sometimes a fear (i.e fear of increase in step-fixed costs as a result of processing a product or fear of loss of control over costs) felt by the management when trying to process certain products for further development therefore those fixed costs which can be avoided during processing X-547 can also influence (i.e encourage) the decision of further processing X-547, making it relevant.

4- The selling price of Xylene:

The last but not the least, the selling price of Xylene. If the management finds that if X-547 is further processed into Xylene and it sells at a highly favorable/lucrative price, creating a huge margin for them then definitely they would be encouraged to taking the decision of further processing it.