Cost categories; cost function The Leyland Hospital Cafe has been reporting losses in past months. In July, for example, the loss was $5000
Cost categories; cost function
The Leyland Hospital Cafe has been reporting losses in past months. In July, for example, the loss was $5000.
The Cafe purchases prepared food directly from Hospital Food Services. This charge varies proportionately with the number and kind of meals served. Personnel who are paid by the Cafe serve the food, tend the cash register, waiting and clean tables, and wash dishes. The staffing levels in the cafe rarely change; the existing staff can usually handle daily fluctuations in volume. Administrative costs are primarily the salaries of the Cafe manager and her office staff. The hospital charges the Cafe a surcharge of 10 per cent of its revenue. Utility costs are the costs of cooling, heating, and lighting the Cafe during its normal operating hours.
The hospital’s management is considering shutting the Cafe down because it has been operating at a loss.
Required
(a) List the fixed expenses of the Cafe.
(b) List the variable expenses of the Cafe and the most likely cost driver for each expense.
(c) Write out the cost function for running the Cafe.
(d) Estimate the profit or loss for August if the revenues of the Cafe increase to $80 000.
(e) Explain why the original data show a loss but part (d) shows a profit. Be specific.