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(b) (i) State the condition that would need to be satisfied for the exercise of Paul’s share options in Memphis

plc to be exempt from income tax and the tax implications if this condition is not satisfied.

(2 marks)

(b) Ratio analysis in general can be useful in comparing the performance of two companies, but it has its limitations.

Required:

State and briefly explain three factors which can cause accounting ratios to be misleading when used for

such comparison. (6 marks)

PV Co is evaluating an investment proposal to manufacture Product W33, which has performed well in test marketing trials conducted recently by the company’s research and development division. The following information relating to this investment proposal has now been prepared.

Initial investment $2 million

Selling price (current price terms) $20 per unit

Expected selling price inflation 3% per year

Variable operating costs (current price terms) $8 per unit

Fixed operating costs (current price terms) $170,000 per year

Expected operating cost inflation 4% per year

The research and development division has prepared the following demand forecast as a result of its test marketing trials. The forecast reflects expected technological change and its effect on the anticipated life-cycle of Product W33.

It is expected that all units of Product W33 produced will be sold, in line with the company’s policy of keeping no inventory of finished goods. No terminal value or machinery scrap value is expected at the end of four years, when production of Product W33 is planned to end. For investment appraisal purposes, PV Co uses a nominal (money) discount rate of 10% per year and a target return on capital employed of 30% per year. Ignore taxation.

Required:

(a) Identify and explain the key stages in the capital investment decision-making process, and the role of

investment appraisal in this process. (7 marks)

(b) Calculate the following values for the investment proposal:

(i) net present value;

(ii) internal rate of return;

(iii) return on capital employed (accounting rate of return) based on average investment; and

(iv) discounted payback period. (13 marks)

(c) Discuss your findings in each section of (b) above and advise whether the investment proposal is financially acceptable. (5 marks)

2 John Dixon is the recently appointed Chief of Police for a major city in the UK. He has inherited a major problem in

that its residents are very concerned with various forms of antisocial behaviour and minor crimes carried out by a

small number of people, which makes living, working, travelling and socialising in the city centre unpleasant rather

than life threatening. The city’s residents have recently voted for it being one of the five worst cities in the UK in which

to live. There is little or no contact between the police and these residents.

The city is split into a number of police districts, each with its own senior officer in charge. Their focus is on the

response to emergency calls and solving serious crimes in their district rather than the less urgent crimes affecting

everyday living in the city. Response times and serious crime solution rates are the traditional measures by which their

performance is measured and leave them open to criticism of simply reacting to events. There is little sense of being

part of a city police force and, consequently, little sharing of information and experience between the different districts.

The failure in policing antisocial behaviour in the city is seen as being largely the result of a shortage of resources.

There are also important internal and external groups varying in their support or resistance to any necessary change

in policing strategy. Key players include the mayor of the city anxious to improve the reputation of the city, the city’s

press, traditionally used to highlighting police failures rather than successes and finally the courts of justice, which

are reluctant to take on the increased workload that any moves towards reducing antisocial behaviour would produce.

John is aware of the complexity of the problem he faces in changing the way the city is policed to improve the quality

of life of its citizens. He has, however, an impressive track record as a change agent in previous appointments and is

confident that he can bring about the necessary change.

Required:

(a) Using change management models where appropriate, provide John with a brief report on the nature of

change needed in the way the city is policed in order to improve the city’s quality of life. (12 marks)