EXERCISE 3-17 (30 MINUTES)

8,000 units. Under the new method, the production would have to be

increased by 12,500 units. Again, this is a consequence of the difference

in predetermined overhead rates. The drop in sales has had a more

dramatic effect on net operating income under the new method as

noted above in part (3). In addition, since the predetermined overhead

rate is lower under the new method, producing excess inventories has

less of an effect per unit on net operating income than under the tradi-

tional method and hence more excess production is required.