Refers to a method of preparing financial information used in evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness
of management over the financial performance within their control. Large diversified organizations are
difficult to manage as a single operation, so they need to be decentralized into manageable parts. These
parts are called responsibility centers or divisions. They include:
Revenue centers (manager responsible for generating sales e.g. sales department)
Cost centers (manager responsible for costs. e.g. purchasing department)
Profit centers (manager responsible for both revenues and costs)
Investment centers (manager responsible for investments e.g. acquisition and utilization of
assets)
Each responsibility centre is assigned a manager who is responsible for:
The aspects of performance within their control;
The difference between actual and budgeted performance;
The planning and controlling of resources within their responsibility centre.
Potential problems with inter-divisional performance measurement:
Inter-divisional performance measurement may be risky as no two divisions are identical. Performance
measurement will be ineffective where:
Divisions are comparatively different in size;
Divisions apply different interest rates;
The assets being compared have different useful lives and are of a different age;
Divisions use different financing methods (debt or equity);
The extent of head office involvement differs;
One division is labour-intensive and the other is capital-intensive;
One division owns production facilities and the other rents;
Products are sold in different markets, have different pricing strategies and face different
competitive pressures;
Different asset valuation methods are used.
Head office allocations should be excluded from the divisional performance evaluation.
Organizational structures:
Describes the manner in which an organization determines how roles, power and responsibilities are
delegated, controlled and coordinated, and how information flows between management levels.
1. Functional organizational structure:
Describes a typical hierarchical organizational structure where employees are managed through
clear lines of authority. Information and reporting flows upwards through the hierarchy. Decision-
making is determined by top (central) management, with strict control being exercised over
departments and divisions. The entire organization is viewed as an investment center, with a
functional structure operating below it. Activities of a similar type are placed under the control of
an appropriate department head.
1
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller luthandozulu. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $15.07. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.