It is very difficult to find a relevant and fair capital base for the ROI measure. Abrams use
book value for fixed assets which inflate the ROI measure as the assets age.
The age and mix of assets also differs among divisions which give unfair measures. It is also
easy for the divisions to manipulate the capital base at the end of the year. ROI based bonus
may rob the future, who want to invest in assets if that reduce the bonus
I recommend this company to use RI or EVA instead of ROI and to control the investments
separately using NPV and capital turnover measures. The bonus should be based on the
budgeted income level, the RI target.
The problem with the inventory level can not be controlled with ROI management. If the
company change to RI/EVA it will be possible to to negotiate relevant inventory levels in the
budget process. High inventory levels can also be managed with differentiated capital charges