Final answer:
The product costs for the production of soccer balls can be categorized as fixed or variable, as well as direct or indirect costs. The lace used to hold the leather together, wages of assembly workers, and leather covers for soccer balls are examples of variable and direct costs. Coolants for machinery, annual flat fee paid for factory security, machinery depreciation, and taxes on the factory are examples of fixed and indirect costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Lace to hold leather together:
(a) Variable cost - It varies depending on the number of soccer balls produced.
(b) Direct cost - It can be directly traced to the production of soccer balls as it is specifically used to hold the leather together.
2. Wages of assembly workers:
(a) Variable cost - It changes based on the number of hours worked or the number of workers hired.
(b) Direct cost - It can be directly attributed to the assembly of soccer balls as it is paid to the workers involved in the production process.
3. Coolants for machinery:
(a) Variable cost - It is dependent on the usage and maintenance of the machinery.
(b) Indirect cost - It is not directly tied to the production of soccer balls but is necessary to keep the machinery running smoothly.
4. Annual flat fee paid for factory security:
(a) Fixed cost - It remains constant regardless of the level of production.
(b) Indirect cost - It is not directly associated with the production process but is necessary for maintaining a secure environment in the factory.
5. Leather covers for soccer balls:
(a) Variable cost - It varies with the number of soccer balls produced.
(b) Direct cost - It can be directly allocated to the production of soccer balls as it is used to make the covers.
6. Machinery depreciation (straight-line):
(a) Fixed cost - It remains constant over time.
(b) Indirect cost - It is not directly linked to the production of soccer balls but represents the ongoing wear and tear of the machinery.
7. Taxes on factory:
(a) Fixed cost - It does not change regardless of the level of production.
(b) Indirect cost - It is not directly tied to the production process but represents the taxes paid for operating the factory.