Final answer:
A company determines its material price variances when material is purchased, issued to production, used in production, or production is completed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The company wishing to isolate variances at the point closest to the point of responsibility will determine its material price variances when:
- Material is purchased: The company can compare the actual purchase price of the materials with the standard price to calculate the material price variance.
- Material is issued to production: This step involves comparing the actual price at which the materials were issued to production with the standard price to find the material price variance.
- Material is used in production: Here, the company can compare the actual usage price of the materials with the standard price to calculate the material price variance.
- Production is completed: The material price variance can also be determined by comparing the actual price of materials used in production with the standard price when the production is completed.