It is very difficult to find a relevant and fair capital base for the ROI measure.
Abrams usebook 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 alsoeasy for the divisions to manipulate the capital base at the end of the year.
ROI based bonusmay 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 investmentsseparately 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 thecompany 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