(ii) the recent financial performance of Merton plc from a shareholder perspective. Clearly identify any

issues that you consider should be brought to the attention of the ordinary shareholders. (15 marks)

(d) There is considerable evidence to suggest that as a result of implementation problems less than 50% of all

acquisitions achieve their objectives and actually end up reducing shareholder value.

Required:

Provide Ken with a brief report on the most likely sources of integration problems and describe the key

performance indicators he should use to measure progress towards acquisition objectives. (15 marks)

(b) Explain how the use of SWOT analysis may be of assistance to the management of Diverse Holdings Plc.

(3 marks)

(c) non-consolidated entities under common control. (4 marks)

2 Traditionally, the only objective of a business was to make a profit. However, some writers have suggested that this idea is simplistic and that profitability is only one objective amongst many.

Required:

State and explain Drucker’s eight classifications of objectives.

(15 marks)

C Co uses material B, which has a current market price of $0·80 per kg. In a linear program, where the objective is to maximise profit, the shadow price of material B is $2 per kg. The following statements have been made:

(i) Contribution will be increased by $2 for each additional kg of material B purchased at the current market price

(ii) The maximum price which should be paid for an additional kg of material B is $2

(iii) Contribution will be increased by $1·20 for each additional kg of material B purchased at the current market price

(iv) The maximum price which should be paid for an additional kg of material B is $2·80

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A.(ii) only

B.(ii) and (iii)

C.(i) only

D.(i) and (iv)

(ii) Following on from your answer to (i), evaluate the two purchase proposals, and advise Bill and Ben

which course of action will result in the highest amount of after tax cash being received by the

shareholders if the disposal takes place on 31 March 2006. (4 marks)

(ii) Identify and explain the principal audit procedures to be performed on the valuation of the investment

properties. (6 marks)

(c) Describe the examination procedures you should use to verify Cusiter Co’s prospective financial information.

(9 marks)

For this part, assume today’s date is 15 August 2005.

5 (a) Donald is aged 22, single, and about to finish his university education. He has plans to start up a business selling

computer games, and intends to start trading on 1 April 2006, making up accounts to 31 March annually.

He believes that his business will generate cash (equal to taxable profits) of ￡47,500 in the first year. He

originally intended to operate as a sole trader, but he has recently discovered that as an alternative, he could

operate through a company. He has been advised that if this is the case, he can take a maximum gross salary

of ￡42,648 out of the company.

Required:

(i) Advise Donald on the income tax (IT), national insurance (NIC) and corporation tax (CT) liabilities he

will incur for the year ended 31 March 2007 trading under each of the two alternative business

structures (sole trade/company). Your advice should be supported by calculations of disposable income

for both alternatives assuming that in the company case, he draws the maximum salary stated.

(7 marks)

(c) Critically discuss the adoption of activity-based management (ABM) in companies such as TOC. (6 marks)