A company pays a manager a salary of N40,000 monthly when production is below 320 hours. When the production is between 320-640 hours, two managers would be required. This type of cost is called:

A. Fixed cost
B. Variable cost
C. Stepped variable cost
D. Stepped fixed cost
E. Semi-variable cost

Answer: D

Explanation:

  1. Reason for Selection:
    • The cost is termed a Stepped Fixed Cost because the cost increases in a step-like manner as the production hours exceed specific thresholds.
  2. Cost Behavior Analysis:
    • At less than 320 hours, the company incurs a fixed cost of N40,000 for one manager.
    • Between 320-640 hours, two managers are required, doubling the cost to N80,000, thus it jumps or “steps” up when the production hours increase beyond a certain point, but it remains fixed within those production brackets.
  3. Understanding the Behavior:
    • Stepped fixed costs remain constant within a certain range of activity but jump to a higher level once that range is exceeded, which perfectly describes the scenario given.