Super Express Transport Company runs a fleet of buses on the Accra-Sunyani route, which is considered a business unit.

The following is an extract from the final accounts of the company as at the last operating year:

  • Stock of buses on that route at cost less depreciation is GH¢660,000.
  • Net operating profit is GH¢198,000.

One of the buses, bought three years ago at the cost of GH¢150,000, was not performing efficiently because it got involved in an accident just a year after it was purchased. Although the damage was minor, the Operations Manager suggested that the bus be scrapped, in spite of the fact that it earned a profit of GH¢6,000 in the year. Depreciation is at the rate of 20% p.a. on a straight-line basis.

Required:
Evaluate the effect of this proposal on the performance of the business unit, if Return on Investment (ROI) is used to measure the performance of subunits. (5 marks)

ROI without the proposal:

Profit/ Assets
GH¢198,000/ GH¢660,000
0.30 or 30%

ROI with the proposal:

GH¢192,000/600,000
0.32 or 32%

Decision:

The disposal will improve the unit’s performance.