A manager is trying to decide whether to purchase a certain part or to have it produced internally. Internal production could use either of two processes. One would entail a variable cost of $17 per unit and an annual fixed cost of $200,000; the other would entail a variable cost of $14 per unit and an annual fixed cost of $240,000. Three vendors are willing to provide the part. Vendor A has a price of $20 per unit for any volume up to its maximum capacity of 30,000 units. Vendor B has a price of $22 per unit for demand less than 1,000 units, and $18 per unit for larger quantities. Vendor C offers a price of $21 per unit for the first 1,000 units, and $19 per unit for additional units. a. If the manager anticipates an annual volume of 10,000 units, which alternative would be best from a cost standpoint? For 20,000 units, which alternative would be best? (Omit the "$" sign in your response.)

The best alternative is going to be vendor B because it is the lowest in both calculations.

First of all we would calculate for 10,000 Units

The Total cost here = Fixed cost + Variable cost

Total Cost for Int1:

Total Cost for Int 1:

Total Cost for Vendor A:

Total Cost for Vendor B:

Total Cost for Vendor C:

Clearly we can see that Vendor B is the lowest. It is best for overall cost stand point

Secondly we have to calculate for 20000 units

The Total cost = Fixed cost + Variable cost

Total cost for Int1:

Total cost  for Int 1:

Total Cost for Vendor A:

Total Cost for Vendor B:

Total cost for Vendor C:

Vendor B is still the lowest so they are the best for overall cost stand point.

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For both 10,000 units and 20,000 units, the best alternative is Vendor B

Explanation:

Using the information provided in the question, we can write the following:

Annual Volume of 10,000 units

Internal Alternative 1

Variable costs = 170,000 (we multiply the variable cost per unit by total units)

Fixed costs = 20,000

Total costs = 370,000

Internal Alternative 2

Variable costs = 140,000

Fixed costs = 240,000

Total costs = 380,000

Vendor A

Total cost = 200,000 (we simply multiply the price by the quantity)

Vendor B

Total cost = 180,000

Vendor C

Total cost = 190,000

The cheapest option is Vendor B

Now for the 20,000 units:

Internal Alternative 1

Variable costs = 340,000

Fixed costs = 200,000

Total costs = 540,000

Internal Alternative 2

Variable costs = 280,000

Fixed costs = 240,000

Total costs = 520,000

Vendor A

Total cost = 400,000

Vendor B

Total cost = 360,000

Vendor C

Total cost = 380,000

Therefore, Vendor B is once again, the cheapest alternative.