Skip to main content
Lesson 11 B1aB1b

ABC example

In this example, you'll learn how to apply Activity-Based Costing to calculate the overhead cost per unit for a specific product.

This lesson is part of a paid course

Buy the course to unlock every video lesson and the AI Tutor, plus mock exams with feedback on CIMA courses.

Already bought? Sign in

Ask the AI tutor anything about this lesson

It knows every lesson in the course — explanations, clarifications, practice questions.

Summarise lesson Key concepts Practice questions

In this lesson

  1. 0:00 ABC Example Introduction
  2. 1:01 ABC Methodology and Steps
  3. 2:05 Identifying Cost Drivers
  4. 2:48 Calculating Overhead Absorption Rates
  5. 3:48 Allocating Overhead to Product Y
  6. 4:49 Computing Overhead Cost Per Unit

About this lesson

The video walks through a practical scenario where a company manufactures two products and uses ABC to allocate overheads based on actual cost drivers—production runs, inspections, and labour hours—rather than a single absorption rate. You'll work through the four-step ABC methodology: identifying cost pools and their drivers, calculating overhead absorption rates for each driver, determining total overhead costs for the product, and finally computing the cost per unit. This approach is essential for PM and Management Accounting papers, where ABC questions frequently appear in both objective tests and case studies, helping you understand how different activities consume resources differently. The example demonstrates why ABC matters in practice: it provides more accurate costing than traditional methods, particularly when products require significantly different levels of support activities. By the end, you'll be confident allocating overheads correctly and presenting your workings clearly for exam success.

Duration: 5m

Transcript

Every lesson comes with a full searchable transcript - included with the course.

Get the Performance Management course

All 87 video lessons, an AI Tutor in every lesson and lifetime access.

Already bought? Sign in