Evaluate the Usefulness of Break-Even Analysis as a Decision-Making Tool for Fif, Given Its Current Pricing Policy.

380 Words2 Pages
The break-even level of output is where revenue covers total costs. By using break-even FIF can quickly and easily identify whether a particular product or range of products will be profitable or not. It also allows scenarios to be investigated if costs or prices were to change. FIF has been profitable for six years and so we may assume that the break-even analysis has been used to good effect in helping to achieve this situation. However, there are a number of problems with using break-even. The first is that there is an assumption that products made are sold and they will be paid for. We are told about a common situation for FIF of it not being paid for some time by the gyms for equipment which has been sold. If the money is not forthcoming, then any break-even data would be void. Break-even also assumes that the price of a particular product is constant. This is clearly not the case for FIF as we are told about the variety of prices which are used, in particular for treadmills, to encourage loyalty from established customers and as loss leaders. Lower prices will undoubtedly raise the break-even levels. Also, costs are assumed to be fixed. Again, we are told about the variation in the cost of components, particularly of imported steel and IT. Steel, being a main commodity, will undergo rapid fluctuations in price which are not always predictable. Any imported items will be subject to fluctuations in price caused by exchange rate changes which are again difficult to predict. In addition, the rising reject rate will effectively increase the costs of production, which again will limit the usefulness of the break-even data. FIF produces lots of products and so it will be difficult to monitor them all using break-even analysis. This may mean using it is impractical, although it still remains a good starting point, especially for new products. Candidates may argue

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