Comparison of the Three Methods
Exhibit 7.9 gives the cost allocations from the Power and maintenance department to Grinding and Assembly departments using the three support department cost allocation methods. How different are the results? Does it really matter which method is used? Depending on the degree of support department interaction, the direct method (as compared to the sequential method) allocated $12,500 more to Grinding Department (and $12,500 less to the Assembly Department). Surely, the manager of the Assembly Department would prefer the direct method, and the manager of Grinding Department would prefer the sequential method. Because allocation methods do affect the cost responsibilities of managers, it is important for the accountant to understand the consequences of the different methods and to have good reasons for the eventual choice.