Variance Analysis As A Tool For Effective Planning Accounting Essay

Variance summary As A Tool For Effective training Accounting bear witnessAbstractThis picture compendium the significance of random variable analytic thinking as a in like mannerl for potent formulation in flour mills industries the project view mean fluctuation compend and prototype be primary and secondary are employ. The exercise of primary data was heavily relied upon via questionnaire administered, the research repeat simple percentage in outpouringing research Hypothesis.The finding of the project direct the significant fluctuation abridgment in providing information to perplexity to satiate the objectives of an cheek. On the basis of the findings the projects finally dourered more or less recommendation aimed at improving the skill and trenchantness of random variable analysis information.table of contentsTitle paginateDeclaration pageApproval pageDedication pageAcknowledgementAbstractTable of contentChapter oneintroductionGeneral background of the matterStatement of the problemObjectives of the conductResearch guessSignificance of the museScope of the studyLimitation of the studyDefinition of key boundsChapter devilLiterature reviewVariance analysisThe persona of variance analysisResponsibility for varianceMaking variance analysis more useful be after2.5.1 Types of planning2.5.2 Long confines (strategic) planning2.5.3 short term (tactical) planningAdvantagesDisadvantagesStandard embodying2.8.1 the basic move involved in meter make uping techniques2.8.2 objectives of measure wooing2.8.3 the benefits of streamer comprisechapter threeResearch methodologyIntroductionPopulation of the studySample sizeSampling technique usedMethod of data collectionMethod of data analysisChapter fourIntroductionData presentationData analysisTest of research hypothesisChapter fiveSummaryConclusion (findings)RecommendationsBibliographyAppendixChapter oneGeneral background of the studyintroductionThe survival of any judicature is d ependent upon its decision to contact its desired objectives. A definitive guide to heed decision is information. Manage net need information for planning a2nd hold in for decision making.Accounting is of bully importance to all levels of man agement and without accounting there would be stagnation and confusion which in extreme lawsuits whitethorn lead to a complete break down of the system.(Kalu, 2002) in todays barter environment, the development and use of information especially oversight accenting information is a critical factor in the efficacious management of an organisation.Management inform nation is not only concerned with the provision of financial information about cost and revenve it is also in solvent to the changing environment involved in the provision of non-financial information about productivity quality and other key success factors for the organisation.To ensure effective use of vaciance /analysis for planning the information erectd by the management accounting system must be relevant, timely, complete, reliable, objective and under stardable amongst others.Statement of problemEffective planning of variance analysis has been playing a greater role as a tool of corporate survival especially in the present day complex business environment where having the best information is the key to success.Therefore the problem of the research work includes Non-Implementation variance analysis which may cause in effective planning in the flour mills industries. These problem necessitate the flour mills industries.objectives of the studyThe following are the objective with the study was conducted.To analysis how variance analysis assist in effective planning,that is how it helps in determining future prospers and objectives.To examines the susceptibility and effectiveness of variance analysis. By looking into how it maximized wealth or production and minimizes wa gunpoint for the producing of expected out put and achievement of desire object ive of the organisation.Research hypothesisFor the power of this research, the following hypothesis were formulated and tested,H0 valance analysis would advert as a tool for effective planning.H1 valance analysis would serve a tool for effectine planningSignificant of the studyThe significance of the study includes-(To brook a successful way in which management would achieve their organisational objective through and through proper planning and sound mold in the performance of making decision by copeful forecasting of future objective and maximizing or boosting of out put and avoiding or minimizing was tape for the achievement the organisation goals and objectives.Scope of the study/researchThe scope of the study coer the flour mills industries in Nigeria with particular(prenominal) reference to BUA Flour mills Nigeria Limited, Kano. This company is pick to be the case study out of the flour mills companies in Nigeria. Finding obtained there from were generalized on all flour mills companies in Nigerian. This is due to the fact that they belong to the same industry having Uniform method of preparation or modes as well as being guided by the same law status.Limitation of the studyIn the pattern of conducing this research work, making constraints were encounter which is beyond the control of the research due to their intensive nature. And gives the research worker tough time, among of which is sufficient time inadequate time factors contributed to the smooth running of this tec work. Also financial constraints is the key factor that contributed major by. Inadequate bills given the researcher a very hard time in getting enough data.Other activates such as lecture time subsidization and what have you contribution getting enough data for this research work.Definition of key termsAnalysis- this is the detailed study or examination of some thing in order to understand more about it.Decision-This is a choice or judgment that you make after thinking and ta lk of the town about what is best thing to do.Efficiency- The quality of doing something well with no west of time or money.Effective- This refers to producing the result that is wanted or intended, that producing a successful result.Management- The act of running and controlling a business or similar organisation.Organisation- A group of people who from a business etc together in order to achieve a particular aim.Planning- his is any arrangement for closings use or achieving something in the future.Variance- This refers to the amount by which some thing changes or is different from something else.Chapter two2.0 literature reviewdefinition2.1 variance analysis(lucey, 2006). The term variance is revelry used on its own. Usually it is qualified in some way, for example, direct material cost variance, direct labour efficiency variance and soon. The form by which the total dispute between standard and actual costs is sub-divided is known as Variance analysis which can be defines The evaluation of performance by means of variances, whose timely reporting should maximises the opportunity for managerial action.(Dandago Tijjani, 2005) variance may be define as the difference between the Actual and standard cost bit variance Analysis- is the process of analyzing variance by sub-dividing the total variance in such a way that management can assign function of off standard performance.Variance arise form differences between standard and actual quantities and / or differences between standard and actual price. These are the course of variance the power for the difference have to be established by management investigation.Variance may be adverse, i.e. where actual cost is greater than stranded or they may be favorable i.e where actual cost is less standard. Alternatively they may be know as minus or plus variance respectively.2.2 the purpose of variance analysisThe purpose of variance analysis is to provide practical pointer to the causes of off-standard performance so that management can purify operations, increase efficiency ultilise resources more effectively and reduce costs it follows that overly elaborate variance analysis which is not under stood, variance that are not acted up on and variance which are name cared too long after the event do not fulfill the centre purpose of standard be.2.3 responsibility for varianceideally, variance should be detailed enough so that responsibility can be assigned to a particular individuals for a particularized variance. Cost control is made overmuch more difficult if responsibility for a variance is spread over several managers in such circumstances it is all too easy to- pass the back.2.4 making variance analysis more usefulit is not sufficient just to be able to describe and calculate variance to make variance analysis in to a useful aid to management it is necessary to probe and investigate the variance and the data used to calculate them. Typical questions which should ask are follows.Is th ere any relationship between the variance? For example, there may be pleasure in observing a favorable material price variance caused by the purchase of a job lot of material, but if this favorable variance is more than offset by adverse used and labour variance caused by the poor quality material, then there is little cause for rejoicing.Can further information than merely the variance be provide for management? Remembers, Variance analysis is but a means to an end. Management line is to find the reason for the variance and to take action to bring operation into line with the plan.Is the variance significant worth reporting? This is an importance matter for both the accountant and the manager and the ship canal of assessing the significance of variance are death with.Are the variance being reported quickly enough, to the right people in sufficient or two much detail with explanatory notes?2.5 planningack off (2001) as cited in Drury (2005) defined planning as the design of a desir ed future and of effective ways of bringing it about planning is any arrangement for doing, using or achieving something in the future (Dandago Tijjani 2005p305). It is the establishment of objective and the information, evaluation and selection of the policies, strategies, tactics and actions unavoidable to achieve these objectives (KMA)to pandey (2004) Planning is statement if what should be done, how it should be done, and when it should be done. It is the design of a desired future state of an entity and of the effective ways of bringing it about. Planning establishment enter prises objectives and cletermines the future course of actions for accomplishing of those objectives planning gives manager a warning f possible fature crises and enables him to avoids having to take uncalculated decision. Malomo (19992)Planning is a feed forward process to reduce uncertainties about the future the process of planning is based on the conviction that management has the capability of planni ng its activities and conditioning the state of the firm that determines its destiny.The task of planning the firms activities involves the entification of relevant variable controllable and non-controllable (pardey, 19948).Kalu (2001) as cited in onah (2001) state a sound planning is that which is capable of achievement, the chances of achievement will be rise if they people responsible for the execution of the plan can claim collective responsibility of its information.The formulation of the plan relies upon information from many sources, both internal and immaterial to the organisation. Information for planning includes cost and financial data amomst others (lucey 2006)The management account can make a valuable contribution in the planning stage by preparing studies covering past performances, product mix, capital expenditure and by analysing cost-volume profit relationship cash unravels etc2.5.1 types of planningthe are basically two types of planning long term planning and short-time planning.2.5.1 long term strategic planningsizes (1989) cited in Drury (2000545) defined long term planning as a magisterial and formalized process for purposely directing and controlling future operations towards desired objectives for periods extending beyond one years it the formulation, evaluation and selection of strategies for the purpose of preparing a long term planning of action to attain objectives (ICMA).The span covered by long term plan depends on the organisation, the industry in which it operates and the particular environment involved. The periods involved may be 3, 7, 10 or 20 years. The process of corporate planning is a detailed part of the management. (Lucey 2006).2.5.3 short term (tactical) planningfor running(a) purpose, it is necessary for the organisation to concert its long range planning to sections, functions and departments. (Lucey 2006)ICMA defines short-term planning as Planning the utilization of resources to achieve specific objectives in the near effective and efficient way.Those part of short term plan that monetary values van be attached becomes budgets (Lukey, 1996270) this bring the bang of budgeting as an instruments of planningAdvantages2.6 1- The comparison between standard and actual reveals the variation so that management can at once take advantages of prime of excommunication concentrating its attention upon these factors which have not proceed according to plan.2- Carefully planned standards are an aid to more accurate budgeting.3- Variance analysis can provide a way of motivation to managers to achieve better performance. However care must be taken to distinguish between controllable and non- controllable cost in variance reperting.4- It provides a basic for comparison between one period and another (i.e using common denominator).This is particularly true of that standard cost system which uses as its basis an index figures for comparing other figures with it.2.7 disadvantageDeciding how to incorpor ate inflation into planned units cots.Agreeing a short-time labour efficiency standard (currant attainable or ideal).Deciding on the quality of material to be used, because a better quality of material will cost more, bat by chance reduce material wastage.Estimating material princes where seasonal princes vacation or bulk purchases discount may be significant.2.8.1 standard costingadeniyi A. Adeniji (2008) sees the word standard cost represents an estimated or a predetermined total cost product permit for an organisation. The process of estimating the total cost of production permit is described as standard costing technique if the estimated total cost of products for a big organisation is based on the total unit produced then the procedure is described as budgeting system.Standard costing technique therefore represents and integral part of management accounting control technique which will also include budgeting system and responsibility accounting statement. Standard costing tech nique many either be viewed from the perspective of marginal costing technique or absorbtion costing technique. By relating standard costing technique with marginal costing technique, variance analysis will be determined on the total relevant costs of products excluding fixed over head. But if it is viewed in the context of absorption costing then variance analysis will involve the total cost of product to the organisations.2.8.2 the basic steps involved in standard costing techniqueidentify the long term corporate objective of a business outfit.determine the short term achievable objective from the corporate objective.conduct a research or a market survey to identify the specific needs of consumers.design a particular product or service that will be used to satisfy the need of the consumer.obtain top management support for the standard costing technique.identify the quality as well as the quality of raw material required in a unit of the product.estimate normal personnel casualty in the course of production.identity labour rate per hour together with the standard hour required in producing a unit.2.8.3 objectives of standard costingto provide a basis for estimatingto provide guidance on possible ways of improving performance.to provide a formal basis for assessing performance and efficiency.to assist in setting standards.to control costs by establishing standards and analysis variances.to enable the principle of management by exception to be practised at the detailed operational level.to motivate staff and management.to assist assigning responsibility for adverse variance of (non-performance) in order to correct deficiencies or to maximise the benefit associated with favorable variance.2.8.4 the benefits of standard costingstandard costing provides a consistent base where by performance may be measured on the basic of what an item should cost or how much should have been produced, on the basis of the expected levels of activity.It provides a method whereby l abour and overheads can be consistently recovered and charged into stock.It provides of control for buying. Usage and efficient work levels.In setting up standards, management can reappraise activities to ascertain if they are being done in the most effective and efficient way.It creates an atmosphere of cost-consciousness amongst all levels, motivation staff and wokers to see if there is a better way of performing a particular task.By cresting a realistic target, it motivates staff and operatives to achieve or better the standard laid down.It is recognisable method of performance monitoring through variance analysis motivating investigation into causes of shortfall and improving methods and procedures for the future.It provides a recognisable basic for budgeting forecasting planningChapter threeResearch methodology3.0 introductionMethodology is very important aspect in the research project it is a way by which the researcher follows in order to obtain relevant information as regar ds the research project it will enable the reader to under stand the basic methods and procedure used in acquiring the data for conducting the research work.3.1 universe of discourse of the studyThe people considered or the purpose this researd in work is the flour mills industries.3.2 sample sizea sample is that portion of a population which is studies closed in order to gain some knowledge or make generalization about the population it represents.The sample size for this study is flow mills Nigerian limited kano.3.3 try out techniques usedthe sampling techniques used in the selection of sample for the study is the convince sampling technique. Conveniences sampling is where the researcher simply get information or data conveniently without any land ship, that is he simply choose the closest person, institution or organisation as respondents in order to save time and money.3.4 method of data collectionThe method employed in the collection of data for this study is primary and sec ondary method.Source- is the texts books, journals, consulted for the purpose of this research work.Primary source- Questionnaire were used to collect relevant information or data form the case study3.5 method of data analysisthe method the researcher use in analysis the data collected is presentation of data in a tabulation form to permit analysis and inference. And simple percentage is used to test the hypothesis.Chapter fourData presentation, analysis and interpretation4.0 introductionin the chapter, the researcher would summarized all the data collected through the questionnaire administered and present them in table form to permit analysis and inferences.4.1 data presentationthe research dispatched (14) questionnaire, out of which (11) (73.33%) were returned while (3) (26.67%) were not the questionnaire contained one structured questions and open ended questions. The data would be tabulation and grouped.4.2 data analysisthe data is analysed belowtable (1) gender sex activityFre quencyPercentageMale980%Female220% intact11 blow%Source Questionnaire Administrated 2009The above table show that only (2) out (11) respondent are female while () the male are (9).This shows that its gender bras since most of the information would be getting form the males since they are the highest respondents.Q2 Has your company adopt variance analysis as a tool?Table 2 responses replysFrequencyPercentagesYes11100%No00% summarize11100%Source Questionnaire Administered, 2009 100% say yes while no negative responses. Form the above responses it is apparent that the company is adapting variance analysis as a tool for effective planning in adveing set goals.Q3 Does variance analysis have any significances to management?Table 3 ResponseResponsesFrequencyPercentagesYes11100%No00%Total11100%Scarce Questionnaire Administered 2009Obviously, the table above shows that 100% shows that all the respondents answered positively.This implies, variance analysis provide a way of motivation to manag ements to achieve better performance towards realising the companys objectives.Q4 if yes state the significancesTypes of significanceFrequencyPercentagesPlanning735% take care of operations520%Forecasting cash flows310%Monitoring performance of management25%Cost of ascertainment apportionment and reduction310%Fixing price415%Product costing625Source Questionnaire Administered, 2009These are some of the significance of variance Analysis to management given by the respondents.The above signifies that panning, control of operation, price fixity and product costing are the areas which helps in establishing and administering operational controls to help the effective planning and desired objectives of the company.Q5 Does your company encounter problems in the use variance analysisResponsesFrequencyPercentagesYes00%No11100%Total11100%Source Questionnaire Administered, 2009It is clear that 100% of the responses are No Implication it assist management in the evaluation of alternatives and assessing the financial feasibility of proposed course of action.Q6 Does variance Analysis aid in effective planning?Table 6 ResponsesResponsesFrequencyPercentagesYes11100%No00%Total11100%Sources Questionnaire Administered 2009Total responses from the above 11(100%) are yes while 0% No.Implication it is a recognisable method of performance monitoring through variance analysis, motivation investigation into courses of shortfall and improving methods procedures for the achievement of future prospects objectives.Q7 if yes in what waysTable 7Ways in which it Aids in effective planningRespondentVariance Analysis7Setting performance standard2Provision of information for effective Planning4Cost of products3Evaluation of alternative2Source Questionnaire Administered, 2009These are some of ways it aid in effective planning.Implication variance analysis, effective planning cost of product the and others, assist in setting performance standard and costing of operation also monitoring performa nce of management since they solemnly depends on the implementations variance analysis for the achievement of organisational objectives.Q8 Does variance Analysis information assists management in attaining the companys objectives?Table ResponsesResponsesFrequencyPercentagesYes11100%No00Total11100%Source Questionnaire Administered 2009In view of the table, response were all made favour of Yes (100%)Implication- It provided the management with information of care full forecasting of future objectives and prospects and means of implementing it for controlling purpose to ensure better performance and to avoid wastage for the advisement of the organisational goals and objectives.Q9 How effective and efficiency variance Analysis serve as tool for effective planning.ResponsesResponsesFrequencyPercentagesExcellent660%Very Good550%Good00Weak00Total1111Source Questionnaire Administered 2009Above are the suggestion given by the respondentsImplication From the stated above, it appears that, th e management with the use of variance Analysis it helps tremendously in producing a succeful result intended by the organisation and the qualify of minimaxes wastage of resources for achieving better results and performances.Q10 How could the effectiveness be improve upon-ResponsesSuggested ImprovementNumber of RespondentsEffective monitoring2Reporting variance quickly3Information should be timely, accurate and comprehensive2 educate staff on Accounting system1Profer and adequate Accounting1Source Questionnaire Administered 2009Above were the various suggestion given by the respondents to meliorate in the above areas for the betterment of the organisation.Q11 can management achieve their aims without the use of variance analysis information.Table 11 responsesResponsesFrequencyPercentagesYes00No11100Total11100Source Questionnaire Administered 2009It is clear form the table the No has all the responses which 11 (100%).Implication it is obvious that the management can not improve thei r performance without the adoption of variance analysis information on the information provided by the Variance analysis for effective and efficiency panning of its activities.Q 12 What advice will give toward making things betterTable 12 ResponsesSuggestionNumber of RespondentsGiving required resources and free hand to the Management1Training of staff for proper Accounting2Adherence to variance and effective cost control3Proper account of material and funds should be earned out weekly1Sentiment should not form the basis for decision making1Strict adherence to costing policies3Source Questionnaire Administered 2007Implication The above were the suggestion, and its observed that some areas need improvement and adherence to stated policies for decision making and evaluation of perform ances.4.3 test of research hypothesisresearch hypothesisH0 Variance Analysis would not serve as a tool for effective planning.H1 Variance Analysis would serve as tool for effective planningQ Daes varian ce analysis serve as a tool for effective planningResponsesFrequencyPercentagesYes11100No00Total11100Source. Questionnaire administered 2009From the above 100% respondents say yes while known say NoImplication it rather clear precise that the management rely on the variance analysis who provide practical pointer to the causes of off standard performance so that management can improve operations, increase efficiency, utilise resources more effectively and reduce costs.Therefore alternative Hypothesis (Hi) is accepted that is variance analysis would serve as tool for effective planningChapter fiveSummary, conclusion and recommendations5.1 Summarythe aim of the study is to examine the relevance of variance analysis and its facilitation to the effective planning using flour mills as a case study.Variance Analysis is concerned with providing broader for nancial and non-financial information in order to cater to the internal need of an organisation to facilitate effective planning.The ev aluation of performance by means of variances, whose timely reporting should maximise the opportunity for managerial action.Variance arise from difference between standard actual quantities and/or differences between standard and actual prices. Those are the causes of variance, the reason for the differences is established by the management investigation. Effective planning is concerned with the intentional of a desire future state of an organisation through the use of variance analysis and standard costing techniques.The pr