pathfinder fnd nov2010
TRANSCRIPT
THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
OF NIGERIA
NOVEMBER 2010 FOUNDATION EXAMINATION
Question Papers
Suggested Solutions
Plus
Examiners’ Reports
PATHFINDER
FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
1
FOREWORD
This issue of the PATHFINDER is published principally, in response to a growing
demand for an aid to:
(i) Candidates preparing to write future examinations of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN);
(ii) Unsuccessful candidates in the identification of those areas in which they
lost marks and need to improve their knowledge and presentation;
(iii) Lecturers and students interested in acquisition of knowledge in the relevant
subjects contained herein; and
(iv) The profession; in improving pre-examinations and screening processes, and
thus the professional performance of candidates.
The answers provided in this publication do not exhaust all possible alternative
approaches to solving these questions. Efforts had been made to use the methods,
which will save much of the scarce examination time. Also, in order to facilitate
teaching, questions may be altered slightly so that some principles or application of
them may be more clearly demonstrated.
It is hoped that the suggested answers will prove to be of tremendous assistance to
students and those who assist them in their preparations for the Institute’s
Examinations.
NOTES
Although these suggested solutions have been published
under the Institute’s name, they do not represent the views of
the Council of the Institute. The suggested solutions are
entirely the responsibility of their authors and the Institute
will not enter into any correspondence on them.
PATHFINDER
FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT PAGES
FUNDAMENTALS OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING 3 – 32
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT 33 – 55
CORPORATE AND BUSINESS LAW 56 – 78
PATHFINDER
FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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ICAN/102/Q/2 EXAMINATION NO...................................
THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF NIGERIA
FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
FUNDAMENTAL OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
Time allowed – 3 hours
SECTION A Attempt All Questions
PART I: MULTIPLE- CHOICE QUESTIONS (20 Marks)
Use the information below to answer questions 1 and 2:
On 31 May, 2009, Tolu and Co. paid two years rent of N500,000 which was debited
to the rent account.
1. At 31 December, 2009, what portion of that amount was prepaid?
A. N145,833
B. N250,000
C. N354,167
D. N374,150
E. N500,000.
2. What is the adjustment needed to reflect the rent charged for the year ended
31 December, 2009?
A. Debit rent account and credit adjustment account
B. Debit prepayment account and credit rent account
C. Debit rent account and credit prepayment account
D. Debit adjustment account and credit prepayment account
E. Debit prepayment account and credit adjustment account.
3. A dividend of 10% in a company with 5,000,000 ordinary shares of 50k
nominal value has been declared. How much will a shareholder receive as
dividend if he has 4,000 shares?
A. N500
B. N1,100
C. N2,000
D. N400
E. N200.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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4. An advantage of the use of the voucher system is that it
A. reduces the number of cheques that will be written during any given period.
B. provides a highly flexible system for handling unusual transactions.
C. provides comprehensive record of business done with particular
supplier
D. ensures that every expenditure is reviewed and verified before
payment is made.
E. reduces the procedure of processing transactions.
5. In which of the following will the provision for bad and doubtful debts be
treated?
A. Trading Account
B. Profit and Loss Account
C. Fund Flow Statement
D. Cash Flow Statement
E. Value Added Statement.
6. When did the Act establishing the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Nigeria (ICAN) come into being?
A. September 1, 1960
B. September 1, 1963
C. September 1, 1964
D. September 1, 1965
E September 1, 1966.
7. What is the accounting error which occurs as a result of a mistake made in
identifying a customer’s account?
A. Error of principle
B. Error of Commission
C. Error of Identity
D. Error of Complete Reversal of Entries
E. Error of Original Entry.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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8. In preparing a bank reconciliation statement, what action is required when a
bank statement does not show a credit balance?
A. Unpresented cheques are added to the balance as per bank statement
B. Uncredited lodgements are added to the balance as per bank
statement
C. Unpresented cheques are deducted from the balance as per bank
statement
D. Uncredited lodgements are deducted from the balance as per bank
statement
E. Unpresented cheques and uncredited lodgements are added to the
balance as per bank statement.
9. What is the name of the fore-runner of The Institute of Chartered Accountants
of Nigeria (ICAN)?
A. The Association of Professional Accountants of Nigeria
B. The Association of Professional Accountants in Nigeria
C. The Association of Accountants in Nigeria
D. The Association of Registered Accountants in Nigeria
E. The Association of Body of Accountants in Nigeria.
10. X and Y are in partnership without any agreement. If Z is admitted as a new
partner to take one-fifth as his share of profit, what should be the new
profits and losses sharing ratio of the partners?
A. X =1/3, Y =1/3 , Z = 1/5
B. X =1/5 , Y=1/5 , Z =1/5
C. X =2/5, Y= 2/5, Z = 1/5
D. X = 2/5, Y =1/5, Z =1/5
E. X = 2/5, Y= 3/5, Z = 1/5.
11. Which of the following is the purpose of maintaining a Branch Stock Account
at selling price in the head office books?
A. To check the excess of the head office members of staff
B. To check the excess of the management staff at the head of office
C. To check the excess of the customers
D. To check the excess of the members of staff at the branch
E. To check the excess of the transporter of the goods to the branch.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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12. What differentiates a private company from a public company?
A. It does not restrict the right to transfer its shares
B. It cannot invite members of the public to subscribe for its shares
C. Majority of its shares may be owned by one person
D. It can only offer its shares to members of the public for subscription
E. It does not require a certificate of incorporation.
13. What is the prime book of entry for motor vehicle bought on credit?
A. Purchases Day Book
B. Motor Vehicles Book
C. Creditors Book
D. Journal Proper
E. Motor Vehicle Register.
14. A cheque payment posted to the credit side of the cash book, but not in the
debit column of the bank statement, is
A. uncredited cheque
B. dishonoured cheque
C. standing order
D. unpresented cheque
E. undebited cheque.
15. Assigning revenue to the accounting period in which goods are sold or
services rendered and expenses incurred is known as
A. apportionment concept
B. consistency concept
C. accrual concept
D. revenue recognition concept
E. matching concept.
16. Which of the following describes an accounting year?
A. Time span during which taxes are paid to the Inland Revenue
B. Time span during which budget is prepared
C. Time span, usually one year, as disclosed by financial statements
D. Time span, usually one year, during which the economic viability of a
business enterprise is determined
E. Time span, usually one year, during which all financial transactions must
be concluded.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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17. Which of the following is NOT correct?
Assets Liabilities Capital
N N N
A. 390,000 120,000 270,000
B. 820,000 280,000 540,000
C. 392,500 62,500 330,000
D. 327,000 56,000 271,000
E. 477,750 57,500 410,000
18. What is the effect of overstated closing stock?
A. Understated gross profit
B. Overstated purchases
C. Understated sales
D. Overstated gross profit
E. Understated net profit.
19. What accounting entries are necessary for recording profit loading on goods
sent to the branch?
A. Credit Branch Stock Account and credit Branch Stock Adjustment
Account
B. Debit Branch Stock Account and credit Branch Stock Adjustment
Account
C. Debit Branch Stock Adjustment Account and credit Branch Stock
Account
D. Credit Branch Account and debit Goods Sent to Branch Account
E. Debit Goods Sent to Branch Account and credit Branch Stock Account.
20. What is a partner who has full powers of participating in the conduct of a
partnership business called?
A. Limited Partner
B. Sleeping Partner
C. General Partner
D. Nominal Partner
E. Special Partner.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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PART II SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. List any two characteristics of good accounting information.
2. State the concept that has been violated in the following statement:
N15,000 cost of electricity consumed during the first year of operation of a
business was not charged as expense for the year.
Use the following information to answer Questions 3 and 4:
In the books of Ade & Co:
N
Debtors 41,200
Provision for doubtful debts 1,750
Bad debt written off 3,850
Provision for doubtful debts is to be adjusted to 10% of the debtors at the
close of the period.
3. Calculate the adjusted provision for doubtful debts.
4. Calculate the additional provision required.
5. Where both the debit and credit entries are shown in a ledger account
particularly in a cash book, what is such an entry called?
6. A list of balances extracted from the ledger accounts at a given date is
known as………….
Use the following information to answer Questions 7 and 8.
The initial imprest as at 1 September was N5,000. Petty cash vouchers with
the petty cashier by 15 September added up to N3,940. An I.O.U slip received
from a co-worker was N650 and there was cash shortage of N50.The co-worker
made refund of the I.O.U on 18 September just before the imprest was
replenished.
7. What was the actual cash in the till as at 15 September?
8. The amount required to replenish the petty cash system on 15 September is …...
9. The accounting entries for non-returnable containers purchased and used
During the year in the books of a business enterprise are…………
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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10. A non-permanent or ad-hoc relationship which subsists between persons or
organizations carrying on a business in common with a view to making and
sharing profits therefrom in an agreed proportion is called……………….
11. State the type of rights that deals with special freedom granted by an owner
of intellectual property for others to produce and sell certain quantities of
the work at an agreed fee for a specific period.
12. The total of the discount column in the credit side of the cash book is posted
to the……………..
13. James returned part of the goods bought on credit worth N5,000 to XY
Enterprises due to defects. What document should James receive from XY
Enterprises?
14. ZY Enterprises Ltd bought AB Enterprises by issuing 3,000,000 ordinary
shares of 50k each at a discount of 5%.The assets of the vendor were Stock
N900,000 and Debtors N550,000.What is the purchase consideration?
15. Excess of purchase consideration over the fair value of the vendor’s assets is
called …………..
16. Prepaid rent of N650 had been recorded as N560.This is an error of………….
Use the following information to answer questions 17 and 18:
ZAX Ltd issued 2,000,000 ordinary shares at N1 each from its authorized
share capital of 3,000,000 ordinary shares of N1 each. At the end of the
first call, all shareholders paid in full, except for one subscriber who owes
N100,000.
17. What is the company’s paid up capital?
18. What is the uncalled- up- capital of the company?
19. Verification of the outcome of a joint venture is carried out in the ………..
20. The accounting entries for proceeds of scrapped containers using Containers
Trading Account Method are…………….
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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SECTION B ATTEMPT ANY FOUR QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
Dawadu is the petty cashier of Royal Palms Ltd. She gets her reimbursement from
Ajayi, the main cashier. Expenses below N1,000 are usually paid by Dawadu out of
her weekly imprest of N20,000. Midway into the second week, she had gone to
Ajayi for reimbursement the second time. The main cashier is surprised at the rate
Dawadu is disbursing the petty cash float and has therefore, demanded to see her
petty cash book together with the accompanying receipts/invoices before granting
the reimbursement. Dawadu has called for your assistance in writing her books
from the following transactions that were incurred for the first eight days, duly
backed up by receipts/ invoices. The book has the columns for Postages and
Telephone, Travelling expenses, Office expenses, and Electricity.
Date Description of transactions.
Feb. 2009.
1. Received petty cash float from the main cashier. Bought postage stamps of
N450 for office use. Paid N575 for the carriage of palm kernels to the
warehouse.
2. Paid three petty cash vouchers for staff on official travels to Port Harcourt,
amounting to N9,090.
3. Bought petty cash register for N1,200; office stationery for N3,685; and tea
cups of N750 for office use and office electricity bill of N2,250 was paid.
4. Paid telephone bills of N1,750 and paid N120 for courier services.
5. Bought brooms for cleaners’ use in the office for N90.
6. Paid N3,750 for the repairs of office machines.
7. Bought postage stamps of N600, paid telephone bills of N1,200 and
travelling expenses of N300.
8. Bought copier papers of N4,500 for office use. She was instructed to pay in
respect of three ceiling fans bought for N9,600.
You are required to:
(a) Prepare the Petty Cash Book for the period. (11 Marks)
(b) State how these transactions will be treated in the ledgers. (4 Marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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QUESTION 2
The following transactions took place between Lexus Enterprises of 15, Kumapayi
Street, Lagos and its customer, Vitamix Ventures of 7, Inalende Lane, Ibadan in
April,2009:
April 1 Amount outstanding N291,000.
2 Invoiced N73,600 goods on invoice number 036.
3 Invoiced N25,000 goods on invoice number 039.
3 Carriage outwards N3,000, charged to the customer.
7 Received cheque of N276,440 from Vitamix Ventures.
7 Discount Allowed N1,456, to Vitamix Ventures.
8 Invoiced N91,000 goods on invoice number 053.
11 Invoiced N298,000 goods on invoice number 075.
12 Credit Note number 215 for N1,680.
12 Received cheque of N620,000 from Vitamix Ventures.
17 Forwarded N130,000 goods on invoice number 100.
29 Carriage outwards N2,800 charged to the customer.
29 Forwarded N161,000 goods on invoice number 153.
30 Interest on outstanding balance N962.
You are required to prepare:
a) A Vitamix Ventures Account in the books of Lexus Enterprises. (10 Marks)
b) Customer’s Statement of Account for the month of April 2009. (5 Marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
QUESTION 3
Jato is a trader and does not keep a complete set of accounting records. A summary
of his bank and cash transactions for the year ended 31 March 2009 is as follows:
Receipts Cash Bank
N N
Balance in hand - 1 April 2008 4,200 -
Balance at bank - 1 April 2008 - 588,840
Cash Sales - 921,200
Credit Sales - 828,800
Part of business premises sublet 14,560 -
Proceeds of sale of old furniture 2,800 -
Dividend from private investment - 49,000
Cash from bank 341,040
362,600 2,387,840
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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Payments:
Purchases for resale - 1,181,600
General expenses 16,800 56,000
Electricity - 22,000
Rent - 60,000
Wages 156,800 -
Salaries - 84,000
Drawings 182,000 -
Furniture and Fittings - 44,800
Bank to cash - 341,040
Balance in hand - 31 March 2009 7,000 -
Balance at bank - 31 March 2009 - 597,800
362,600 2,387,240
Additional information:
i. The cost of the old furniture sold was N15,000 and with a written down
value of N8,400.
ii. An inspection of credit sales invoice file showed that customers owed
N350,000 on 1 April, 2008 and N436,800 on 31 March, 2009, of which
N16,240 and N19,040 respectively were expected to be bad debts.
iii. Unpaid suppliers’ invoices totalled N266,000 on 1 April, 2008 and N296,800
on 31 March, 2009.
iv. Jato estimated that he had taken goods worth N7,280 for his domestic use
during the year, and did not pay for them.
v. At the beginning of the year, the cost of furniture and fittings was N159,600.
Depreciation had been charged at 5% on cost for three years.
vi. Stock was valued at N 266,000 on 1 April, 2008 and N 252,000 on 31 March,
2009.
You are required to prepare (in vertical form) the Trading, Profit and Loss Accounts
for the year ended 31 March, 2009 and a Balance Sheet as at that date (Show all
workings). (15 Marks)
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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QUESTION 4
Rosa and Frank were partners sharing profits/losses in the ratio Rosa two-thirds;
Frank one-third.
Balance Sheet as at 31 December, 2009
N N
Capital Accounts: Motor Vehicles 2,000,000
Rosa 1,973,500 Office Equipment 375,000
Frank 1,630,000 Furniture & Fittings 127,500
3,603,500 Debtors 585,000
Stock 960,000
Creditors 583,500 Cash at Bank 139,500
4,187,000 4,187,000
On 1 January, 2010 Rosa and Frank agreed to admit Danladi into the partnership
giving him one-fifth share of profits. Danladi is to bring in capital to the extent of
one-quarter of the combined capitals of Rosa and Frank, after adjusting for the
value of goodwill at N1,000,000. The assets were revalued as follows:
Office Equipment N1,275,000; Furniture & Fittings N90,000; Motor Vehicles
N1,800,000; Stock N1,014,000; Debtors N561,000. The old partners’ proportion of
profits and losses in the new firm of Rosa, Frank and Danladi are to be in the same
ratio between themselves as before, assuming Danladi will bring in the required
cash as capital.
You are required to:
a) Show the entries in the Assets Accounts, the Revaluation Account, and the
Partners’ Capital Accounts. (10 Marks)
b) Prepare a revised Balance Sheet (after the admission of Danladi).
(3 Marks)
c) State the proportion in which profits and losses will be shared among the
partners in future. (2 Marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
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QUESTION 5
Presented below is the extract of the financial statements of Syllabus Limited as at
31 August, 2009.
Balance Sheet as at 31 August, 2009.
Share Capital Fixed Assets Cost Acc. Dep. NBV
N’000 N’000 N’000 N’000
5,000,000 Ordinary
shares of 50k each 2,500 Land and Buildings 5,250 2,250 3,000
Capital Reserve 500 Plant and Machinery 1,600 400 1,200
Profit & Loss 2,250 Motor Vehicles 1,350 600 750
5,250 Furniture and Fittings 900 300 600
9,100 3,550 5,550
Current Liabilities Current Assets
Creditors 1,200 Stock 850
Taxation 500 Net Debtors 900
Bank Overdraft 550 Cash in hand 200
1,950
7,500 7,500
However, the following information became known before the approval of the
financial statements by the Board of Directors, and it was agreed that they should
be incorporated in order to obtain accurate financial information:
(i) Depreciation of Plant & Machinery and Motor Vehicles which were computed
using straight-line method, was considered insufficient and the rates were to
be increased from 1 September 2009 as follows:-
Plant & Machinery from 10% to 15% and Motor Vehicles from 20% to 25%.
(ii) Stock included in the Balance Sheet at N150,000 which was considered
obsolete had the scrap value of N 25,000.
(iii) Provision for doubtful debts should be increased by N40,000.
(iv) The directors proposed a final dividend of 25% on Ordinary Shares.
(v) The provision for income tax on the profit of the year was estimated to be
N900,000.
(vi) There is contingent liability of N500,000 in respect of a pending court case.
(vii) The company has guaranteed car loan taken from a local bank by the
employees of N 1,100,000, on Balance Sheet date.
(viii) An invoice for raw materials in the sum of N125,000 has been found in a
filing tray. It is evident that this bill has not been passed through the books,
although the materials were included on the stock sheets.
(ix) Salaries and wages bill for the sum of N 500,000 was omitted from the
books.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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You are required to prepare:
a) The necessary journal entries to reflect the new developments. (10 Marks)
b) The revised Balance Sheet [in vertical format]of Syllabus Ltd
as at 31 August, 2009. (5 Marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
QUESTION 6
The following trial balance was extracted from the books of Ojadu Limited as at 31
December, 2009;
DR CR
N N
Paid Up Capital:
300,000 Ordinary Shares of N1 each 300,000
Share Premium 75,000
Freehold and Buildings(Cost) 316,500
6% Debentures, secured on Land and Building 150,000
Debenture Interest to 30 June 2009 4,500
Motor Vehicle (Cost N120,000) 48,000
Directors’ fees 78,000
Purchases/Sales 2,253,000 2,946,300
Stock 1 January 2009 204,000
General expenses 246,525
Salaries 267,000
Electricity 9,750
Balance at bank 80,850
Interim dividend paid 14,625
Motor Vehicle Expenses 12,900
Rent and Insurance 12,450
Discounts allowed and received 25,200 17,100
Bad debts 6,900
Provision for bad debts 4,800
Debtors and Creditors 276,900 243,000
Profit and Loss Account 1 January 2009 120,900
3,857,100 3,857,100
The following additional information were also available:
(i) The Authorized Share Capital of the company is N600,000 divided into
400,000 Ordinary Shares of N1 each and 200,000 Preference Shares of
N1 each.
(ii) The provision for debenture interest accrued should be made.
(iii) The provision for doubtful debts is to be adjusted to 10% of debtors as at 31
December, 2009.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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(iv) Rent and insurance prepaid in 2009 was N1,800.
(v) The provision for depreciation of Motor Vehicles is at the rate of 20% on cost.
(vi) Motor vehicle expenses outstanding at 31 December, 2009 amounted to
N1,050.
(vii) Provision is to be made for final dividend of 7% on the Paid Up Capital.
(viii) Entry is yet to be made in the books for goods purchased from Mama Royal
on credit on 31 December, 2009 amounting to N1,350.These goods were in
transit on 31 December , 2009 and adjustments must be made in the records
to reflect their inclusion.
(ix) At the end of the stock taking on 31 December 2009 the physical stock in the
premises was valued at N245,000.
You are required to prepare a Trading, Profit and Loss Accounts for the year ended
31 December, 2009 and a Balance Sheet as at that date. (15 Marks)
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SOLUTIONS TO SECTION A
MULTIPLE -CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. C
2. B
3. E
4. D
5. B
6. D
7. B
8. A
9. C
10. C
11. D
12. B
10 D
14 D
15 E
16 C
17 E
18 D
19 B
20 C
Workings
1 At 31/12/09, prepayment was the amount that has not been used out of the
total rent of N500,000
:- 24 months -7 months = 17 months
17/24 x N500,000 = N354,167
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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3. Dividend on 4000 shares =10% x 4,000 x N0.50 = N200
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The questions test candidates’ knowledge of various sections of the Syllabus. They
were attempted by all candidates and the performance was quite good.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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PART II SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. Relevance, Timeliness, Accuracy, Sufficiency, Completeness, Adequacy
2. Matching concept /Accrual
3. N3,735
4. N1,985
5. Contra entry
6. Trial balance
7. N360
8 N3,940
9. Dr. Manufacturing Account and Cr. Cash Book
10. Joint Venture
11. Copyright
12. Discount Received Account
13. Credit Note
14. N1,425,000
15. Goodwill
16. Transposition
17. N1,900,000
18. N1,000,000
19. Joint Venture Memorandum Account
20. Dr. Cash Account and Cr. Containers Trading Account
Workings
3. 10% (N41,200- N3,850)= N3,735
4. Additional provision = N(3,735-1,750)= N1,985
This is an expense in the P& L account
7. N(5,000 -3,940 – 650 -50) = N360
10 240,000 + (240,000 divided by 6 x 1) = 280,000 Ordinary shares
14 50k – (5% x 50k) x 3,000,000 Ordinary shares = N1,425,000
17 N2,000,000 – N100,000 = N1,900,000
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The questions test candidates’ knowledge of various sections of the Syllabus. They
were attempted by all candidates and the performance was quite good.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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SOLUTIONS TO SECTION B
QUESTION 1(a)
ROYAL PALMS LTD.
PETTY CASH BOOK
Receipts c/bk
fol.
Date 2009 Particulars Pcv no
folio
Total
payment
Postage
&Teleco
municati
on
Travelli
ng
Office Electricity Furnitu
re
N Balance b/d N N N N N N
20,000 1/2 Postage
stamps
450 450
- - - -
,, Carriage
inwards
575 - 575 - - -
2/2 Traveling exps. 9,090 - 9,090 - - -
4.2 Petty cash
register
1,200 - - 1,200 - -
,, Office
stationary
3,685 - - 3,685 - -
,, Office
expenses
750 - - 750 - -
,, Electricity bills 2,250 - - - 2,250 -
6/2 Telephone bills 1,750 1,750 - - - -
,, Courier 120 120 - - - -
7/2 Office
expenses
90 - - 90 - -
,, 19,960 12,320 9,665 5,725 2,250 -
7/2 Balance C/F 40
N 20,000 20,000
40 8/2 Balance B/F - - - - - -
19,960 ,, Reimbursemen
t
- - - - - -
10/2 Repairs of
machines
3,750 - - 3,750 - -
11/2 Postage
stamps
600 600 - - - -
,, Telephone bills 1,200 1,200 - - - -
,, Traveling exps. 300 - 300 - - -
12/2 photocopypap
ers
4,500 - - 4,500 - -
,, Ceiling fans
fittings
9,600 - - - - 9600
19,950 1,800 300 8,250 - 9600
12/2 Balance c/f 50
20,000 20,000 4,120 9,965 13,975 2,250 960
50 13/2 Balance b/f GL GL GL GL GL
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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(b)
DR CR
N N
Debit Postage and Telephone 4,120
Debit Travelling Expenses 9,965
Debit Office Expenses 13,975
Debit Electricity 2,250
Debit Furniture and Fittings 9,600
Credit Cash Account 39,960
Being the imprest float
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The question tests candidates’ knowledge of Imprest Petty Cash procedure and
preparation of Petty Cash analysis with posting of entries in the Petty Cash Book.
Many candidates attempted the question and the performance was poor.
Candidates are expected to prepare well for future examinations as they did not
understand the requirements of the question.
QUESTION 2
Debtors Ledger (Vitamix Ventures)
(a)
N N
Apr.1 Balance b/d 291,000 Apr. 7 Bank 276,440
2 Sales 73,600 7 Discount Allowed 1,456
3 Sales 25,000 12 Sales Returns 1,680
3 Carriage outwards 3,000 12 Bank 620,000
8 Sales 91,000 30 Balance c/d 176,786
11 Sales 298,000
17 Sales 130,000
29 Sales 161,000
29 Carriage outwards 2,800
30 Interest 962
1,076,362 1,076,362
May 1 Balance b/d 176,786
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
22
(b) Customer’s Statement of Account- April 2009
Dr. Cr. Balance
N N N
Apr.1 Balance b/d 291,000 291,000
Sales 73,600 364,600
3 Sales 25,000 389,600
3 Carriage Outwards 3,000 392,600
7 Bank 276,440 116,160
7 Discount Allowed 1,456 114,704
8 Sales 91,000 205,704
11 Sales 298,000 503,704
12 Returns 1,680 502,024
12 Bank 620,000 (117,976)
17 Sales 130,000 12,024
29 Sales 161,000 173,024
29 Carriage Outwards 2,800 175,824
30 Interest on balance 962 176,786
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The question tests candidates’ knowledge of Debtors Ledger Account and the
preparation of Statement of Accounts from the Ledger Account. Few candidates
attempted the question and the performance was poor, because they did not know
the accounts to be prepared.
Candidates are expected to cover all sections of the Syllabus before examination, so
as to be able to differentiate between various accounts to be prepared.
PATHFINDER
FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
23
QUESTION 3
Jato
Trading, Profit and Loss Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2009
N N
Sales 1,836,000
Opening Stock 266,000
Purchases (N1,212,400 – N7,280) 1,205,120
1,471,120
Less: Closing Stock 252,000
1,219,120
Wages 156,800
1,375,920
Gross Profit 460,880
Rent from premises 14,560
475,440
Salaries 84,000
General Expenses (N16,800 + N56,000) 72,800
Electricity 22,600
Rent 60,000
Prov. for Doubtful Debts (N19,040 – N 16,240) 2,800
Loss on disposal of old furniture (N8,400 – N2,800) 5,600
Depreciation: Furniture and Fittings 9,470
257,270
Net Profit 218,170
Jato
Balance Sheet as at 31 March, 2009.
Fixed Assets Cost Acc. Dep. NBV
N N N
Furniture and Fittings 189,400 26,810 162,590
Current Assets
Stock 252,000
Debtors 436,800
Less : Prov. For Doubtful Debts 19,040
417,760
Cash at bank 597,800
Cash in hand 7,000
1,274,560
Less: Current Liabilities
Trade creditors 296,800
977,760
1,140,350
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
24
Financed by:
Capital 1,062,460
Private dividend (Dividend from investments) 49,000
Net Profit 218,170
1,329,630
Less: Drawings (N182,000 + N7,280) 189,280
1,140,350
Tutorials
(I) Statement of Affairs as at 1/4/2008
N N
Furniture & Fittings 159,600
Stock 266,000
Debtors 350,000
Cash at bank 588,840
Cash in hand 4,200
1,368,640
Less:
Creditors 266,000
Prov. For Depreciation: Furniture & Fittings 23,940
Prov.for Doubtful Debts 16,240
306,180
Capital 1,062,460
(ii) Debtors Control Account (iii) Sales Account
N N N N
Bal.b/d 350,000 Bank 828,800 Trading 1,836,800 Debtors 15,600
Sales 915,600 Bal.c/ 436,800 Bank 921,200
1,265,600 1,265,600 1,836,800 1,836,800
(iv) Creditors Control Account (v) Purchases Account
N N N N
Bank 1,181,600 Bal.b/d 266,000 Creditors 1,212,400 Trading 1,212,400
Bal.c/d 296,800 Purchase 1,212,400
1,478,400 1,478,400
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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Provision for Depreciation on Furniture & Fittings
(vi) Prov.for Depreciation 1/4/2008 3 x 5% x N159,600 = N23,940
(vii) Cost Disposal Balance
N N N
Bal.b/d 159,600 15,000 144,600
Additional 44,800 - 44,800
204,400 15,000 189,400
(viii) Prov for Depreciation 1/4/08 23,940
Less: Prov. on Disposal (N15,000 – N8,400) 6,600
17,340
Prov. for Depreciation 31/3/09 (5% x N189,400) 9,470
26,810
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
This question which tests candidates’ knowledge of preparation of Final Accounts
From Incomplete Records was attempted by many candidates. The performance
was poor. Many of them prepared the required Accounts in “T” format instead of
the vertical presentation required in the question. Candidates are expected to
understand the modern trend of presentation of financial statements.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
26
QUESTION 4
a. Office Equipment Account Furniture & Fittings Account
N N N N
Balance b/d 375,000 Bal. c/d 1,275,000 Bal. b/d 127,500 Rev. 37,500
Revaluation 900,000 Bal.c/d 90,000
1,275,000 1,275,000 127,500 127,500
Balance b/d 1,275,000 Bal. b/d 90,000
Motor Vehicles Account Stock Account
N N N N
Bal. b/d 2,000,000 Rev. 200,000 Bal. b/d 960,000 Bal 1,014,000
Bal. c/d 1,800,000 Rev. 54,000
2,000,000 2,000,000 1,014,000 1,014,000
Bal. b/d 1,800,000 Bal. b/d 1,014,000
Debtors Account Creditors Account
N N N
Bal. b/d 585,000 Rev. 24,000 Bal. b/d 583,500
Bal. c/d 561,000
585,000 585,000
Bal. b/d 561,000
Capital account
Rosa Frank Danladi Rosa Frank Danladi
N N N N N N
Bal c/d 3,101,830 2,194,170 1,324,000 Bal b/d 1,973,500 1,630,000
Revaluation 1,128,330 564,170 -
Bank 1,324,000
3,101,830 2,194,170 1,324,000 3,101,830 2,194,170 1,324,000
Bal b/d 3,101,830 2,194,170 1,324,000
RevaluationAccount .
N N
Furniture and Fittings 37,500 Office Equipment 900,000
Motor Vehicles 200,000 Stock 54,000
Debtors 24,000 Goodwill 1,000,000
Balance c/d 1,692,500
1,954,000
1,954,000
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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Rosa [2/3X N1,692,500] 1,128,330 Balance b/d 1,692,500
Frank [1/3
X N169,250] 564,170 1,692,500 1,692,500
Goodwill Account
Revaluation 1,000,000
Cash Book [Bank]
N N
Balance b/d 139,500 Balance c/d 1,463,500
Capital: Danladi 1, 3 2 4 , 0 0 0
1,463,500 1,463,500
Balance b/d 1 , 4 6 3 , 5 0 0
(b) Revised Balance Sheet: Rosa, Frank and Danladi
N N
Capital Accounts Motor Vehicles 1,800,000
Rosa 3,101,830 Office Equipment 1,275,000
Frank 2,194,170 Furniture & Fitting 90,000
Danladi 1,324,000 Goodwill 1,000,000
6,620,000 Stock 1,014,000
Creditors 583,500 Debtors 561,000
________ Bank Balance 1,463,500
7,203,500 7,203,500
(c )Profits will be shared in future thus: As Danladi is to receive One-fifth of the
profits, the remaining four fifths [1-1/5] must be divided thus:
Rosa 2/3 X 4/5]= 8/15 ; Frank 1/3 X 4/5 = 4/15 while Danladi is to have 1/5 [3/15]
Note: Cash to be brought in by Danladi; 1/4 x [N3,101,830 + N2,194,170] =
N1,324,000
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The question on the accounting treatment of admission of a new Partner was
attempted by most of the candidates. Many of these candidates displayed poor
understanding of the question and the performance was poor. Some of the
candidates prepared Realisation Account instead of Revaluation Account required.
Candidates are expected to study all aspects of partnership accounts.
QUESTION 5
Syllabus Ltd
Journal entries
Dr. Cr.
N N
(a) Profit & Loss Account 147,500
Prov. for Depreciation Account [Plant & Machinery ] 80,000
Prov. for Depreciation Account [Motor Vehicles] 67,500
Being increase in the depreciation rate
on Plant & Machinery from 10% to 15% and on
Motor Vehicles from
20% to 25%.
(b) Profit and Loss Account. 125,000
Stock Account 125,000
Being write-off of the value of obsolete stock.
(c) Profit & Loss Account 40,000
Provision for Doubtful Debts 40,000
Being increase in the provision for doubtful debts
(d) Profit & Loss Account 400,000
Taxation Account 400,000
Being increase in provision for income tax on the
profit for the year, ended 31 August, 2009.
(e) Profit and Loss Account 500,000
Salaries and Wages Account 500,000
Being omitted salaries & wages from the books.
(f) Trading Account 125,000
Creditors Account 125,000
Being invoice of raw materials not previously passed
Through the books.
(b) Syllabus Ltd
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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Revised Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2009
Fixed Assets Cost Acc. Dep. NBV
N’000 N’000 N’000
Land & Buildings 5,250 2,250 3,000
Plant & Machinery 1,600 480 1,120
Motor Vehicles 1,350 667.5 682.5
Furniture & Fittings 900 300 600
9,100 3,697.5 5,402.5
Current Assets
Stock (N850 - N125) 725
Net Debtors (N900 – N 40) 860
Cash at Bank 200
1,785
Less: Current Liabilities
Creditors (N1,200 + N125) 1,325
Taxation (N500 + N400) 900
Accruals 500
Bank Overdraft 550
3,275
(1,490)
3,912.5
Financed by:
5,000,000 Ordinary Shares of 50k each 2,500
Capital Reserve 500
Profit & Loss 912.5
3,912.5
Notes to the Accounts
(i) There is a contingent liability made up as follows:
N
Pending court case 500,000
Employees car loan agreement guaranteed by the company 1,100,000
1,600,000
(ii) The Directors proposed a final dividend of 25% on Ordinary Shares.
Tutorials
(i) Provision for Depreciation on Plant and Machinery N
Already provided for in the Accounts (10% x N1,600,00) = 160,000
Provision at the new rate of depreciation (15% x N1,600,00) = 240,000
Additional Provision 80,000
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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(ii) Provision for Depreciation on Motor Vehicles N
Already provided for in the Accounts (20% x N1,350,00) = 270,000
Provision at the new rate of depreciation (25% x N1,350,00) = 337,500
Additional Provision 67,500
(iii) Value of Stock to be written off N
Cost of stock 150,000
Scrapped value 25,000
125,000
(iv) Profit and Loss Account
Balance b/d 2,250,000
Less:
Prov. for Depr. (Plant and machinery) 80,000
Prov. for Depr. (Motor Vehicles) 67,500
Obsolete stock written off 125,000
Prov. for doubtful Debts 40,000
Taxation 400,000
Salaries and Wages 500,000
Understated Stock of goods 125,000
1,337,500
912,500
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The question tests candidates’ knowledge of the use of journal entries to make
adjustments in Financial Statements and the preparation of revised Balance Sheet.
Few candidates that attempted the question did not do well as they did not show
adequate knowledge. They are advised to work harder in this section of the
Syllabus.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
31
QUESTION 6
OJADU LIMITED
Trading, Profit and Loss Account for the year ended 31December 2009.
N N
Sales 2,946,300
Cost of sales:
Opening stock 204,000
Purchases 2,254,350
2,458,350
Less: Closing stock 246,350 (2,212,000)
Gross profit 734,300
Add: Discount received 17,100
751,400
Less: Expenses
Debenture Interest 9,000
Directors Fees 78,000
General Expenses 246,525
Salaries 267,000
Electricity 9,750
Motor Vehicle expenses (N12,900+N1,050) 13,950
Rent and Insurance (N12,450- N1,800) 10,650
Discount Allowed 25,200
Bad debt 6,900
Provision for Bad debt 22,890
Provision for depreciation 24,000
(713,865)
Net Profit 37,535
Profit brought forward 120,900
158,435
Dividend- Interim 14,625
Profit carried forward 143,810
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
32
Balance Sheet as at 31 December, 2009
Cost Accum. Depreciation NBV
N N N N
Freehold Buildings 316,500 316,500
Motor Vehicle 120,000 96,000 24,000
436,500 96,000 340,500
Current Asset
Stock 245,000
Stock-in-transit 1,350
246,350
Debtors 276,900
Less: Provision for Bad Debts 27,690 249,210
Prepayments 1,800
Bank 80,850
578,210
Current Liabilities
Creditors 244,350
Accruals(N1,050 + N4,500) 5,550 249,900
328,310
668,810
Financed By
Authorised Share Capital
400,000 Ordinary Shares of N1 each. 400,000
200,000 Preference Shares of N1 each 200,000
600,000
Issued
300,000 Ordinary Shares N1 each 300,000
Share Premium 75,000
375,000
Net Profit 143,810
518,810
6% Debentures 150,000
668,810
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
This question tests candidates’ knowledge of Final Accounts of Companies, which
was attempted by majority of the candidates. The performance was good.
PATHFINDER
FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
33
ICAN/102/F/3 EXAMINATION NO.............................
THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF NIGERIA
FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Time allowed – 3 hours
SECTION A Attempt All Questions
PART I MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS (20 Marks)
1. Which one of the following is NOT a component of balance of payments?
A. Current account
B. Capital account
C. Official reserve account
D. Official cash account
E. Trade balance
2. The demand for factors of production is
A. derived demand.
B. composite demand.
C. competitive demand.
D. complementary demand.
E. join t demand.
3. In the labour market, households ...........
A. are buyers and firms are sellers.
B. and firms are both buyers and sellers.
C. are sellers and firms are buyers.
D. and firms are both sellers.
E. and firms are neither buyers nor sellers.
4. The transfer of assets or economic activities from the public sector to the
private sector is termed ...................................
A. indigenization.
B. privatization.
C. commercialization.
D. liberalization.
E. deregulation.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
34
5. If the price level is stuck above the equilibrium price level, actual output is
A. less than what firms are willing to supply.
B. less than what the economy is willing to purchase.
C. determined by what firms are willing to supply.
D. more than the economy is willing to purchase.
E. more than what firms are willing to supply.
6. When there is creeping inflation, the increase in the general price level is
A. rapid and persistent.
B. gentle and persistent.
C. rapid but not persistent.
D. gentle but not persistent.
E. spiral and persistent.
7. Trade without money requires a
A. unit of account.
B Central Bank.
C. store of value.
D. medium of exchange.
E. double coincidence of wants.
8. Institutional funding of housing projects in the Nigerian economy is a
primary responsibility of the................................
A. insurance companies.
B. development banks.
C. merchant banks.
D. mortgage banks.
E. microfinance banks.
9. An economic agent is said to draw a scale of preference when he
A. lists all his wants in any order.
B. draws a curve indicating all his wants in order of priority.
C. arranges his satisfied wants in order of importance.
D. prioritizes his unsatisfied wants in order of relative importance.
E. prioritizes his numerous ends.
10. All of the following factors are usually put into consideration by an
entrepreneur in a bid to locate a new business except.............
A. raw materials.
B. labour cost.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
35
C. power cost.
D. Security
E. transaction cost.
11. Which one of the following cannot be purchased directly in the factor
market?
A. Land
B. Labour
C. Entrepreneur
D. Capital
E. Technology
12. The proposed re-introduction of toll gates on Nigerian highways is an
example of........................
A. deregulation.
B privatization.
C commercialisation.
D toll gating.
E concessioning.
13. Structural unemployment occurs when workers.....................
A. are out of work as part of the normal transition from one job to
another.
B. are out of work because their jobs are only available at certain times
of the year.
C. no longer register themselves as unemployed because they have given
up any hope of finding work.
D. are out of work because their skills do not match those required for
newly created jobs.
E. are out of work because the economy is mired in recession.
14. Which one of the following is not a determinant of the size of the national
income of a country?
A. Natural resources
B. Political structure
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
36
C. Technology
D. Human capital
E. Foreign investment
15. The statement in a newspaper that “consumer prices rose last month by 1
percent and if this trend continues, the annual rate of inflation will be 10
percent for the year” is an example of .............................
A. a normative economic statement.
B. unbiased but loaded terminology.
C. a positive economic statement.
D. a historical statement.
E. a philosophical statement.
16. If a price ceiling below equilibrium price is imposed in a market, then
A. rationing will be unnecessary.
B. surplus of the commodity will develop.
C. quantity demanded of the commodity will be greater than quantity supplied.
D. quantity supplied of the commodity will be greater than quantity demanded.
E. quantity supplied of the commodity will be equal to quantity demanded.
17. Which one of the following is true of a firm in the short run?
A. It cannot vary its output
B. It can vary all factors of production
C. It can change its fixed input
D. It can change output by using different levels of variable inputs
E. It cannot pull out of the industry
18. When economists describe “a market” they mean....................
A. a place where goods are traded.
B. information networks that allow individuals to keep in touch with each
other.
C. a hypothetical place where the production of goods and services take
place.
D. an arrangement which brings consumers and producers together for the
purpose of business transaction.
E. a place where services are traded.
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
37
19. The output of Indians resident in Nigeria will form part of Nigeria’s
A. GDP
B. GNP
C. NNP
D. GNI
E. NNI
20. Suppose the model for the economy yielded the following data: C = N200m
+ 0.5Yd; Yd = Y- T; I = N60m; G = N86m; X = N40m; M = N45m; T = N30m.
The equilibrium national income is....................
A. N662m
B. N652m
C. N562m
D. N656m
E. N610m
PART II SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. The various combinations of two commodities that can be produced given a
certain amount of resources is depicted by ................................
2. The concept that measures how consumption of a good changes in response
to a change in income is known as....................
3. The explanation for the u-shaped nature of the average cost curve is
embedded in the law of ………………………….
4. The profit-maximising output level for a monopolistically competitive firm is
achieved at the point where …………
5. The total money value of all final goods and services produced within an
economy in a year is known as the……………………………….
6. If the commodity prices in 2006 (the base year) and 2010 (the current year)
were N200 and N500 respectively, the price index is ………………
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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7. If an economy is suffering from demand deficient unemployment, the Central
Bank could pursue ...............……….monetary policy.
8. When a bank is experiencing liquidity problem, it is said to be in....................
9. The process of reasoning from a part to the whole, from particular to general
or from the individual to the universal is called.......................
10. A business unit formed by a number of people who agree to contribute
towards its initial capital under the conditions stipulated by the Companies
and Allied Matters (CAMA) Act is known as .....................
11. The movement of workers from one job or one geographical location to
another is termed.....................................
12. The primary motivating factor for every decision taken by a firm is
....................
13. The slope of the aggregate consumption function is.....................
14. The expenditure incurred when new capital equipment is built and installed
is called ............................
15. An economic system where productive resources are controlled by private
individuals is termed...........................
16. A fall in the price of GSM handsets may likely cause the demand curve for SIM card
to shift to the .......................
17. The economic concept which describes how output responds to proportionate
variation in all inputs in a production process is called ............................
18. When firms in oligopolistic market collude, they form a ..........................
19. The unemployment rate which occurs when the labour market is in equilibrum is
called ...................
20. An economy that engages in unrestricted trade is described as ......................
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
39
SECTION B ATTEMPT ANY FOUR QUESTIONS (60 Marks)
QUESTION 1
(a) What is an Isoquant? (3 marks)
(b) Explain any THREE features of an Isoquant (12 marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
QUESTION 2
(a) What do you understand by demand for money? (3 marks)
(b) List and explain any THREE motives for holding money (12 marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
QUESTION 3
(a) What is economic corruption? (3 marks)
(b) Explain any FOUR adverse effects of economic corruption
on economic development in Nigeria. (12 marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
QUESTION 4
(a) What do you understand by balance of payments equilibrium? (3 marks)
(b) Explain any FOUR adverse effects of balance of payments disequilibrium in
your country. (12 marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
QUESTION 5
Describe any FIVE benefits that management can derive from budget preparation.
(15 Marks)
Question 6
Explain briefly the following production systems that may be found in
organisations:
(a) Job shop production (5 Marks)
(b) Batch Production (5 Marks)
(c) Flow Production (5 Marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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SOLUTIONS TO SECTION A
Part I Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
1 D
2 A
3 C
4 B
5 A
6 B
7 E
8 D
9 D
10. E
11 C
12 C
13 D
14 B
15 C
16 C
17 D
18 D
19 A
20 B
Y = C + I + G + X – M
Y = 200 + 0.5Y – 0.5(30) + 60 + 86 + 40 –
45
Y = 0.5Y + 326
Y – 0.5Y = 326
Y = 326 = 652
0.5
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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PART II SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS
1 production possibility curve
2 income elasticity
3 law of diminishing returns
4. MR = MC
5. GDP
6. 250 (N500 x 100) = 250
N200 1
7 expansionary
8. distress
9. inductive reasoning
10. limited liability/joint stock company
11. mobility of labour
12. profit maximization
13. marginal propensity to consume
14. investment expenditure
15. capitalist/laissez faire economy
16 . right
17. returns to scale
18. cartel
19. natural rate of unemployment/Equilibrium unemployment
20. open economy
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
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SOLUTIONS TO SECTION B
QUESTION 1
(a) Isoquant
An Isoquant is a curve that joins all points of different input combinations
which can be employed to produce a given level of output. (3 Marks)
(b) Features of Isoquant
Isoquants exhibit the following features:
(i) Isoquants are convex to the origin as illustrated in the following diagram
which depicts a production process that utilises two factor inputs L (Labour)
and K (capital) for the production of output (Q).
K
III > II >I
0 L
The convexity of isoquants to the origin relects the scope for factor substitutability
in the production process. It implies, going by the above diagram for example, that
as more units of one input (e.g. Labour) are used in production, less units of the
other (e.g. capital) must be used to produce a constant level of output.
(ii) Isoquants do not intercept. This implies that two isoquants do not
cross each other. If they do, it will amount to contradiction in terms
because the intersection of two isoquants will represent two different
levels of output.
(iii) Between any two isoquants, the upper one represents a higher level
of output than the lower one. This is, the higher isoquant represents
II
I I
I I
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FOUNDATION EXAMINATION – NOVEMBER 2010
43
a higher level of output as shown in the above diagram where III >
II >I
(iv) A family of isoquants represents an isoquant map. An isoquant map
can be used to indicate decreasing, constant or increasing returns to
scale features of a production process, based on the distances
between successive pairs of isoquants. If the distance between those
isoquants increases as output increases, the firm’s production
function is exhibiting decreasing returns to scale; if the distance
between the isoquants decreases as output increases, the firm is
experiencing increasing returns to scale.
4 marks each for any 3 points = 12 marks
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The question tested students’ understanding of the concept of isoquant from the
theory of production area of the syllabus. In essence, the question required the
students to define isoquant (part a) and to explain its features (part b) as done in
the suggested solutions above.
Part (a) of the question was satisfactorily answered by about 80 percent of the
candidates who attempted the question. A few candidates handled the question
carelessly on account of their misinterpretation of isoquant for indifference curve,
and unintelligently on account of their inappropriate definition of the concept.
Candidates lost marks in part (b) of the question because they merely outlined the
features of isoquants and failed to explain those features. Some candidates did not
have any clue as to what those features are. Additionally, a high proportion of the
candidates demonstrated poor communication skills. These pitfalls culminated into
very poor performance of the candidates who attempted the question.
QUESTION 2
(a) Demand for Money
Demand for money refers to the amount of money that individuals, firms or
governments are willing to hold during a given period of time. In other
words, it is the desire of economic agents to hold on to cash rather than
other assets.
(3 Marks)
(b) Motives for Holding Money
(i) The Transaction Motive:
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Since money serves as a medium of exchange, it is demanded to meet
day-to-day business transaction. For example, households demand for
money to pay for goods and services they buy on daily basis.
(i) The Precautionary Motive:
This is the demand for money to meet unforeseen expenses arising
from unexpected emergencies, such as, sudden illness, accidents,
fire/flood disasters, vehicle breakdown etc.
(iii) The Speculative Motive
The speculative motive for demanding money arises in situations
where holding money is perceived to be less risky than the alternative
of lending the money or investing it in some other asset. For example,
if a stock market speculator feels or gets information that stock prices
will fall on the stock exchange market in the nearest future, he would
likely sell his current stock holdings today and use the proceeds to
buy more stocks when the stock prices must have fallen.
4 Marks each; 1 Mark for mentioning and 3 Marks for discussion.
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EXAMINERS’ REPORT
Candidates were expected to explain the concept of the demand for money (Par a)
and to explain any three motives for holding money (Part b). The candidates
showed a fair understanding of part of the question, though quite a number of
them mixed up the “demand for a commodity” with the “demand for money”.
More than 70 percent of the candidates were able to list the 3 motives for holding
money but not many of them could clearly explain the motives. In particular, a
substantial proportion of the candidates was unable to explain the speculative
motive for holding money.
Even some of those who appeared to have an idea explained it in the context of the
effect of speculation in the goods market rather than in the bond market. They
gave the panic buying of petroleum products by consumers/motorists in Nigeria as
an example of speculative motive for holding money. It is hoped that the solutions
given to the question above would clear the misunderstanding of candidates with
respect to the requirements of the question.
This question was very popular among the candidates as it was attempted by 98
percent of the candidates who sat for the examination. Candidates’ performance
was above average.
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QUESTION 3
(a) Economic Corruption
Economic corruption is an unethical act perpetuated by individual economic
agents when they misappropriate common economic resources for private
use or selfish purpose.
(3 Marks)
(i) Reduction in the Growth Rate of Aggregate Output: It is believed that
the level of economic growth will be adversely affected when there is
corruption in an economy. This is because the higher the level of
corruption, the lower the resources available for productive activities
to further wealth creation and the lower the growth in aggregate
output. It means that economic corruption can stifle economic
growth which can result in economic development failure.
(ii) Reduction in Employment: The Level of employment in an economy is
positively related to the level of economic activities or output
production. The higher the level of corruption, the lower the level of
output production and the lower the number of people that would be
engaged in production.
(iii) Reduction in Foreign Direct Investment: Economic corruption in an
economy will discourage foreign direct investment as there will be no
objectivity in business valuation and analysis. In effect, the higher
the level of corruption, the lower the resources available for
investment and the lower the actual investment in the country.
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(iv) Increase the Level of Poverty: The prevalence of corruption affects the
distribution of income. The most privileged people in the society
especially those that are corrupt amass wealth by taking more than
their share of the common resources, thereby impoverishing the
larger population and increasing the inequality gap. The higher the
inequality gap, the higher in most cases, the level of poverty since
most of the resources that are meant to provide for the needs of the
poor are already amassed by the rich.
(v) Increase in Cost of Doing Business: Corruption leads to increase in cost
of business transaction and inflation of contract values. At each stage
of business transaction, the agent always adds its own inducement to
the cost of the business transaction, the longer the chains of middle
men the higher the increase in the cost of such transaction. In effect,
a corrupt environment is conducive to increasing the cost of doing
business.
(vi) Promotion of Economic Crime: Corruption promotes economic crimes
by making it easier for criminals to bribe their way out of justice.
(vii) Distortion in the Working of the Price Mechanism. Corruption makes
the price system to fail in allocating resources efficiently. When there
is prevalence of corruption, an economic agent that has vested
interest in a particular business transaction may use his/her economic
power, acquired through corrupt practices, to subvert the transaction
and make price system ineffective in such business transaction.
3 marks each for any 4 points = 12 marks
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EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The question tested candidates’ understanding of the concept of economic
corruption (part a), and its adverse effects on economic development in Nigeria
(part b). Many candidates had challenges defining economic corruption. They
interpreted corruption only in the context of public service, neglecting the possible
corruption in economic transactions in the private sector. In some instances,
candidates were unable to relate their discussions to developmental challenges in
Nigeria. But there were candidates who showed a good understanding of all the
requirements of the question. They were able to explain the concept of economic
corruption and the possible adverse effects of economic corruption on economic
development in Nigeria. This shows that some of the candidates are current and
follow trends in economic events and development in Nigeria. Overall, about 87
percent of the candidates attempted this question. Performance was fair.
QUESTION 4
(a) Balance of Payments Equilibrium
Balance of payment is a record of payment showing a country’s international
payments (for visible and invisible imports) and receipts (for visible and
invisible exports) with the rest of the world for a particular period usually a
year. It is the summary of a country’s financial transactions with the rest of
the world. It is in equilibrium if total receipts equals total payments.
(3 marks)
(b) Possible Adverse Effects of Balance of Payments Disequilibrium in Nigeria
(i) If balance of payments disequilibrium persists in Nigeria, it will make
the country to lose its reserve of foreign exchange and increase the country’s
international indebtedness.
(ii) The reduction in foreign reserves as a result of balance of payments
disequilibrium can retard the access of the people and government to
credit facilities available in the international financial market. Lack of
inflow of capital and other financial assistance will retard economic
growth.
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(iii) The use of foreign reserve to service external debt and correct balance
of payments disequilibrium will further create scarcity of foreign
exchange in the domestic economy. This will result into the inability of
local industries to get sufficient allocation of foreign exchange for the
procurement of essential raw materials and capital goods needed
from abroad thus reducing industrial capacity.
(iv) The government may be forced to resort to contracting debt
obligations in order to finance the balance of payments
disequilibrium.
(v) Reduction in foreign investment: Majority of foreign investors are
afraid of investing in an economy with persistent balance of payments
disequilibrium. Balance of payment disequilibrium gives negative
signals which creates fears for foreign investors about the friendliness
of the countries with such business environments.
3 marks each for any 4 points = 12 marks.
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The question is clear and unambiguous and candidates’ understanding of it was, to
a large extent, not in doubt. Most of the candidates were aware of the concept of
balance of payments (BOP) equilibrium and the adverse consequence of BOP
disequilibrium.
The major pitfall in some candidates’ answers has to do with the definition of
balance of payment equilibrium where some candidates only touched the visible
items of the BOP and neglected the invisible aspect. This was a popular question
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as it was attempted by about 80% of the candidates. Overall, candidates’
performance in the question was quite fair.
QUESTION 5
Five benefits that management can derive from budget preparation are:
(i) Coordination: One of the major means of coordinating the activities of the
organisation is the budget. The interaction between managers and
subordinates during the budget development process helps to define and
integrate the activities of the organisation. Budget preparation helps in
coordinating all the activities of an organisation and their respective
expenditures.
(ii) Clarification of Authority and Responsibility: Budget helps in clarifying the
various centres and those who exercise authority over them, and the
expected responsibilities to be carried out by the various position holders.
(iii) Communication: Prepared budget communicates the plan of the enterprise
over a period of time to insiders and outsiders with a view to aiding the
organisation to achieve their set objectives. It conveys information on the
allocation of the resources of the organisation and the timing of expected
results.
(iv) Establishes Standard of Performance: Budget establishes clear and
unambiguous standard of performance for a set time period, usually a year.
(v) Motivation and Goal Congruence: Budget preparation motivates
organisation members to contribute meaningfully to the attainment of group
goals. Budget preparation also ensures that there is goal congruence or
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agreement between the basic philosophy and goals of the company and its
employees.
(vi) Performance Evaluation: Budget enables the organisation to evaluate their
performance as to whether the organisation is on course or not in terms of
the set objectives.
(vii) Control: At stated intervals, actual performance will be compared directly
with the budget. Deviation can be detected quickly and action taken to
effect corrective measures.
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The question tested the benefits derivable from budgeting. Many of the candidates
attempted the question. Candidates had a shallow knowledge of the question and
their performance was below average. The candidates could not proffer correct
solution to the question because of various interpretations they had of the question.
They are advised to prepare adequately for future examinations by consulting
standard textbooks.
3 Marks for any 5 points = 15 Marks
QUESTION 6
(a) Job shop production: The essential feature of this method of production is
that it produces single articles or one –off items. These products may be
small or large single item for a particular customer.
The key characteristics of job shop production are as follows:
(i) There are a wide variety of different non-standardised operations to
be performed.
(ii) The sequences of operation vary from product to product.
(iii) The machinery and equipments utilised are general purpose types.
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(iv) The work layout varies on the basis of operation or process.
(v) Unpredictable demand on stores for inputs.
(vi) Supervisors and workers possess a wide range of skills.
(vii) The entire manufacturing process tends to be relatively expensive
compared with other forms of production. (5 marks)
(b) Batch Production: This is the production of standardised units or parts in
small or large lots. The unique feature of batch production is that it is
standardised in nature.
The key characteristics of batch production are as follows:
(i) A standardised set of operations is carried out intermittently as each
batch move from one operation to the next.
(ii) The machinery and plant utilised are general purpose types.
(iii) Large volume of raw materials are stored.
(iv) The skills required are limited.
(v) There is emphasis on production planning and progress monitoring,
(vi) Production runs are relatively short and intermittent. (5 marks)
(c) Flow Production: This is the system in which items are produced by flowing
uninterruptedly from one operation or process to the next until completion. It
requires high investment in plant and machinery as well as a high degree of
production planning. The characteristics of flow production are:
(i) Strict product specification.
(ii) Specialised machines and equipments arranged in a line formation.
(iii) Tools, materials and methods are standardised.
(iv) Production runs for each individual product is long.
(v) For each operation in the production line, the range of skills required
by workers is narrow. (5 marks)
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EXAMINERS’ REPORT
About 56% of the candidates attempted this question which tested their
understanding of the various types of production. They were expected to discuss
features of job shop production, batch production and flow production.
Performance was below average. The candidates could not proffer more than one
characteristic feature of each of the production systems. Candidates are advised to
study harder and ensure effective coverage of the syllabus to enable them to
perform better in the future.
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ICAN/ EXAMINATION NO...................................
THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF NIGERIA
INTERMEDIATE EXAMINATION-NOVEMBER 2010
CORPORATE AND BUSINESS LAW
Time allowed – 3 hours
SECTION A Attempt All Questions
PART I MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS (20 Marks)
1. Mutual mistake in contract means ...................
A. both parties are mistaken about the same thing.
B. both parties are mistaken about matters outside the contract.
C. both parties are mistaken about one thing.
D. both parties are mistaken about different things.
E. both parties are mistaken about identical things.
2. When an agent’s appointment is done either orally or in writing by the
principal, agency by ............... is created
A. express appointment
B. ratification
C. estoppel
D. necessity
E. law
3. Which one of the following is NOT an important term of a contract of sale of
goods?
A. The parties.
B. The price.
C. The goods.
D. The time.
E. The quality.
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4. The principal duty of the insured during the period covered by the insurance
is.........
A. protection of the insured`s interest
B. maintenance of the property insured
C. payment of premium
D. publicity of the insurance
E. preparation of annual report
5. The membership of a partnership is from two to .............. persons.
A. ten
B. twenty
C. fifty
D. twenty-five
E. thirty
6. One major difference between a private and a public company is that
A. membership of private company is limited to fifty while that of public
company is unlimited.
B. only professionals can run a public company.
C. a public company’s business is not limited by the memorandum and
articles of association.
D. only a private company pays tax.
E. a public company is owned by government.
7. Sale in market overt requires all of the following EXCEPT
A. private and discreet sale
B. sale according to usual market practice
C. sale between sunrise and sunset
D. sale at the existing market price
E. goods displayed openly for sale
8. The hirer must take one of the following actions in order to become the
owner of the hired goods
A. Payment of all the agreed instalments
B. Exercise of his option to purchase
C. Exercise of his right to indemnity from the owner
D. Conversion of his right of possession to ownership
E. Notification to the owner.
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9. Which of the following terms is NOT void in a hire purchase agreement?
A. A term which allows the owner to enter into the hirer’s premises to
recover the goods
B. A term which allows the hirer to terminate the agreement
C. A term which requires the hirer to use a particular insurer as the
agent of the hirer
D. A term which regards any person acting for the owner as the agent of
the hirer
E. A term which relieves the owner of liability for the acts or defects of
any person acting on his behalf
10. Identify which of the following, assignments is effected when the policy of
insurance is merely deposited with the other party?
A. Mutual assignment.
B. Legal assignment.
C. Equitable assignment.
D. Unilateral assignment.
E. Irregular assignment
11. One of the following is the principle of insurance law which states that once
the insurer has settled the claim of the insured, he becomes entitled to
anything which the insured may obtain from another person in respect of the
same loss
A. Indemnity
B. Re-instatement
C. Restoration
D. Subrogation
E. Contribution
12. Which of the following minimum number of persons can form a private and
public company respectively under the Companies and Allied Matters Act,
(Cap C.20) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004?
A. One and two
B. Two and two
C. Two and seven
D. Two and twenty
E. Two and infinity
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13. A company which has been allowed to issue its shares at a discount must do
so within
A. one month
B. two months
C. three months
D. six months
E. twelve months
14. Who is the central figure in the winding-up of a company?
A. The Official Receiver.
B. The Corporate Affairs Commission.
C. The members.
D. The Liquidator.
E. The Creditors.
15. When a bill is transferred from one person to another in such a manner as to
constitute the transferee the holder of the bill, it is said to be
A. delivered
B. complete
C. signed
D. sealed
E. negotiated.
16. An endorsement which prohibits further negotiation of the bill or limits the future
use of the bill e.g. “pay F only” is
A. special endorsement
B. holder’s endorsement
C. acceptor’s endorsement
D. restrictive endorsement
E. negotiable endorsement
17. The type of company that limits its members to fifty, not including past and present
employees who have acquired shares by virtue of their employment in it is called
A. Unlimited company
B. Public company
C. Private company
D. Company limited by guarantee
E. Chartered company.
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18. Statutory meeting is a meeting held by ...................
A. public company
B. company limited by shares
C. unchartered corporation
D. subscriber company
E. partnership.
19. An individual shall NOT join in the formation of a company if he ...........
A. is more than 19 years of age
B. is of a sound mind
C. is a discharged bankrupt
D. is less than 18 years of age
E. has reached voting age.
20. The following are sources of Nigerian Law EXCEPT
A. Customary Law
B. International Law
C. Statute of General Application
D. Uncommon Law
E. Principle of Equity
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PART II SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. When a person realizes that he was made to sign a document different from
the one he actually intended to sign, he can plead the defence of
.........................
2. The agent who is employed to sell goods or properties usually publicly on
behalf of their owners is called ...................
3. The insured must have ................... in the goods insured by the insurer.
4. In a hire purchase transaction, the owner has the obligation to ensure that
the hirer shall have the right to sell the goods when .............. is to pass to the
hirer.
5. One of the consequences of the incorporation of a company is that it has a
............... which is distinct from its members.
6. If a company is used to evade tax or to commit fraud or to do other acts that
are detrimental to the society, ...................... can be lifted for the purpose of
investigation.
7. Apart from motor vehicles, what is the maximum hire purchase or total
purchase price in respect of other goods to which the Hire Purchase Act is
applicable?
8. What is the extent of the insurable interest which a person has in himself?
9. What is the principle of law which states that once a company has been duly
formed in accordance with the provisions of the law, it becomes a legal
entity which is separate and distinct from the human beings who must have
formed it?
10. The type of company that is required to have a maximum membership of
fifty under the Companies and Allied Matters Act C.20 LFN 2004 is
...................
11. What is the majority which may pass an ordinary resolution in a meeting of a
company?
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12. The document which a company must prepare, register and publish in order
to offer its securities (shares or debentures) to the public is ...............
13. What type of duty of directors prohibits them from making secret profits or
allow their personal interests to conflict with that of their company?
14. State the relationship which subsists between two or more persons carrying
on business with a view to profit.
15. The part of issued capital which has been paid up by the shareholders is ..................
16. A contract entered into by the promoters on behalf of a company before it is
incorporated is known as..........................
17. A company which does not have any limit to the liabilities of its members is
................
18. The bank that serves as lender of last resort in Nigeria is ...................
19. The testator must sign the Will or acknowledges the signature on the Will in
the presence of how many witnesses?
20. Appeal lies from the Federal High Court to ..................
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SECTION B - ATTEMPT ANY FOUR QUESTIONS (60 MARKS)
QUESTION 1
(a) State FIVE considerations for the application of Statutes of General
Application in Nigeria. (5 Marks)
(b) Distinguish between Common Law and Equity. (5 Marks)
(c) Mr. Jackson visited the chemical plant of Broad Engineering Limited. At the
entrance of the factory was an inscription boldly written “All visitors must
wear the protective helmet provided by the company” Mr. Jackson refused
to wear the helmet and was injured when a metal hit him on the head inside
the factory. He now wants to claim damages against the company. Advise
Mr. Jackson. (5 Marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
QUESTION 2
(a) State FIVE essentials of a valid contract. (5 Marks)
(b) Allied Chemicals recently advertised in a National Daily Newspaper that any
company which desires to enter into a contract with them for the supply of
aspirin should pay N500,000 to their bank account. Prestige Chemicals
responded to the advertisement by paying the said amount to the bank.
Allied Chemicals does not want to enter into contract with Prestige
Chemicals. Advise the parties. (8 Marks)
(c) State TWO instances under which a contract may be terminated by
frustration.
(2 Marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
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QUESTION 3
(a) State and explain THREE terms that are void in a hire purchase agreement.
(6 Marks)
(b) State THREE remedies available to the seller under a sale of goods
transaction.
(3 Marks)
(c) Mr. Coker appointed Mr. Samson to be his agent for the marketing of his
agricultural products in Kano. Unknown to Mr. Coker, Mr. Samson became
insane three months ago. Discuss the effect of Mr. Samson’s condition on
their agency relationship. (6 Marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
QUESTION 4
(a) Explain FIVE consequences of incorporation. (10 Marks)
(b) International Pharmaceutical Limited was incorporated to manufacture
chemicals. The company recently took a decision to donate N100,000
annually to universities for Scientific Education and Research. Mr.
Badminton, a shareholder wants to sue the company on the ground that the
gesture was not within the objects of the company.
Advise Mr. Badminton. (5 Marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
QUESTION 5
(a) Explain THREE differences between a partnership and a limited company.
(6 Marks)
(b) State FOUR grounds for the dissolution of a partnership. (4 Marks)
(c) A group of friends numbering thirty-two, started a timber business ten years
ago without registering the company. A dispute recently arose among them
and ten of them want to sue the remaining twenty-two for an account to be
rendered to them as partners.
Advise the intending plaintiffs. (5 Marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
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QUESTION 6
(a) Explain THREE legal bases for the charging of commission by a Bank.
(6 Marks)
(b) Explain briefly the following:
(i) Negotiation of a bill
(ii) Types of negotiation of a bill (4 Marks)
(c) Distinguish between testate succession and an intestate succession.
(5 Marks)
(Total 15 Marks)
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SOLUTIONS TO SECTION A
PART I MULTIPLE CHOICE SOLUTIONS
1. D
2. A
3. E
4. C
5. B
6. A
7. A
8. B
9. B
10. C
11. D
12. B
13. A
14. D
15. E
16. D
17. C
18. A
19. D
20. D
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EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The questions are set to cover the entire syllabus and were well understood by
candidates.
Performance was generally good.
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PART II SHORT-ANSWER SOLUTIONS
1. Non est factum (not my deed)
2. auctioneer
3. insurable interest
4. title / property /ownership
5. legal personality
6 veil of incorporation
7. N2,000.00
8. unlimited
9. corporate /legal personality
10. public company
11. simple majority
12. prospectus
13. fiduciary duty
14. partnership
15. paid up capital
16. pre-incorporation contract
17. Unlimited company
18. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
19. two or more
20. Court of Appeal
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The questions are testing general knowledge which cover the entire syllabus.
Candidates performed very well.
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SOLUTIONS TO SECTION B
QUESTION 1
(a) Consideration must be given to the following, for the Statutes of General Application
to apply in Nigeria:
(i) It must be a public general Act in England.
(ii) It must be in force in England at the relevant date i.e. 1st January,
1900.
(iii) It is applicable, subject to local circumstances.
(iv) It must be applicable to all classes in England and applied by all
courts.
(v) Application depends on the decision of the court in each particular
case.
(vi) It must not be inconsistent with any existing local legislation.
(b) The differences between Common Law and Equity include:
(i) common law was a complete system of law while equity was not, as it
merely fills the gap in the common law
(ii) common law was rigid but equity was not
(iii) common law was administered by the old common law courts while
equity was administered by the court of chancery.
(iv) The only remedy available in a civil case under the common law is an
award of damages, whereas equity has created series of remedies.
(v) Common law evolved from decided cases, and are based on customs
common to people of England, whereas equity evolved to supplement
the deficiency of the common law.
(c) The issue involved in this case is contributory negligence.
Contributory negligence is a defence to an action in tort. It arises in a
situation where the plaintiff has contributed to the cause of his own injury.
In this case, Mr. Jackson`s failure to wear the protective helmet is a
contributory factor to the injury he suffered. In the circumstances, the
company can successfully raise a defence of contributory negligence to any
action brought by Mr. Jackson.
The damages recoverable by Jackson from Broad Engineering Limited will be
reduced to the extent of his contributory negligence.
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EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The questions test the general principles of the Nigerian Legal System, with
particular reference to Statutes of General Application in Nigeria, differences
between common law and equity, and contributory negligence.
Candidates` understanding of the questions and performance were fair.
Candidates are advised to pay more attention in this area of the syllabus.
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QUESTION 2
(a) The essentials of a valid contract are:
(i) Offer
(ii) Acceptance
(iii) Intention to create legal relations
(iv) Consideration
(v) Capacity to contract
(vi) Genuine consent of the parties to the terms of the agreement (consensus ad
idem)
(vii) Written formalities in certain types of contract
(viii) Contract not being illegal or contrary to public policy.
(b) This is the case of an offer. An offer is made with the intention that it shall be
binding on the person making it as soon as it is accepted by the person to
whom the offer was made. It is a firm offer and not an invitation to treat,
because it is an advertisement relating to a unilateral contract that does not
give Tropical Chemicals an opportunity for further negotiations.
In the case of Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Co. (1892) the court held that the
plaintiff who performed in accordance with the advertisement was held to be
entitled to the benefits of the promise of the advertiser.
Thus, Smart Chemicals is bound to enter into the contract with Tropical
Chemicals, the latter having performed in accordance with the
advertisement.
(c) A contract may be terminated by frustration in the following circumstances:
(i) Changes in law or operation of law. Where an othererwise legal
contract
becomes unlawful due to a change in law . Avery v. Bowden (1856)
(ii) Death, illness or incapacity of a party, if the contract is for personal
services. Robinson v. Davison (1871)
(iii) Destruction of the subject matter. Where a contract depends on the
existence of a certain thing, which ceases to exist or where the
commercial purposes are frustrated. Taylor v. Caldwell (1863)
(iv) Non-occurrence of an essential event. Krell v. Henry (1903)
(v) Outbreak of war with alien enemy.
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EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The questions test candidates’ knowledge of the essentials of a valid contract and
the effects of frustration on a contract.
Some candidates could not distinguish between an offer and invitation to treat;
otherwise performance was fair.
Candidates are advised to study these topics more thoroughly in order to pass.
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QUESTION 3
(a) Under the Hire Purchase Act 2004 the following terms are void:
(i) Any term allowing the owner or his agent to enter upon the hirers
premises for repossession of the good or which relieves him of liability
for doing so.
(ii) A term which excludes or restricts the right of the hirer to terminate
the agreement or any term that increases his liability over and above
the one provided by the Act.
(iii) Any term making the agent of the owner, also that of the hirer.
(iv) Any term imposing an insurer or repairer on the hirer.
(b) The remedies of the seller under a sale of goods transaction include the
following:
(i) Right of Lien.
(ii) Right to sue for damages where the buyer refuses to accept delivery.
(iii) Right to withhold delivery.
(iv) Stoppage in transit.
(v) Right to resale.
(vi) Rights to sue for recovery of price of the goods, where title has passed
to the buyer.
(c) The issue raised in this case is the effect of an agent`s insanity on the
continuation of agency relationship.
One of the circumstances under which an agency relationship may be
terminated is the insanity of either the principal or the agent.
In the circumstances under consideration, the insanity of Mr. Samson has
terminated the relationship the moment he became insane.
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The question tests the essentials of some commercial transactions, such as terms
which are void in a hire purchase agreement, remedies available to the seller and
effect of insanity of an agent on agency relationship.
Candidates understood the questions clearly and performed well.
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QUESTION 4
(a) The following are the implications of incorporation of a company:
(i) Separate entity – A company once formed becomes a person, although
artificial, in law distinct from its members.
(ii) Limited liability – The company is wholly liable for all its debts and
obligations.
The liability of the members is limited to any amount remaining
unpaid on the shares held by them or undertaking to contribute to the
company`s capital.
(iii) Perpetual succession – Since the company is an artificial person, it
does not die.
(iv) Property – The company owns its property, which is distinct from that
of its members.
(v) Transfer of shares – The shares of a company could be transferred in
accordance with its articles of association.
(vi) Legal proceedings – A company, as a legal person, may sue or be sued
in its corporate name
(vii) Formalities, Publicity and Expenses – The company cannot keep its
affairs secret. Most of its important documents are public documents
which can be inspected by anybody at the Corporate Affairs
Commission
(viii) Borrowing – A company may borrow money and charge its property as
security.
(b) The issue that arises in this case is that of Ultra Vires Doctrine. The principle
is that a company shall not carry on any business nor exercise any powers
not authorized or conferred on it by its memorandum of association. This is
contained in section 39 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act Cap C20,
LFN 2004.
In this case, we need to determine whether the donation of N100,000
annually universities for scientific education and research is within the
powers of the company to do.
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73
Since the company`s main business is the manufacturing of chemicals,
scientific research and education may be beneficial to it. A company is
allowed to exercise certain implied powers when there is a connection
between its business and the power it seeks to exercise, provided the
Companies and Allied Matters Act Cap C20 LFN 2004 or the company`s
memorandum and articles of association have not restricted its powers.
Therefore, the donation by International Pharmaceutical Limited is valid and
Mr Badminton will not succeed against the company
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The questions test the legal implications of incorporation of a company and the
application of the ultra vires doctrine.
The commonest pitfall was that many candidates who attempted the question did
not know the implications of incorporation of a company.
Candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with this topic.
PATHFINDER
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74
QUESTION 5
(a) The following are some differences between a partnership and a limited
company:
(i) Membership of a public company is unlimited, that of a private
company is limited to fifty while the membership of a partnership is
limited to twenty (except a partner for the practice of Accounting, Law
or that which is a co-operative society).
(ii) Once a limited company is formed, it becomes an artificial person in
law whereas a partnership remains an association of persons.
(iii) The liability of members of a limited liability company is limited to
their unpaid shares in case it runs into financial problems whereas in
a partnership, the partners have unlimited liability which could
extend to their personal belongings unless the partnership is a limited
partnership.
(iv) A limited company has perpetual succession because it cannot die,
whereas a partnership may be brought to an end by the death or
retirement of a partner.
(b) A partnership may be dissolved on the following grounds:
(i) death of a partner
(ii) insanity of a partner
(iii) permanent mental or physical incapacity of a partner
(iv) where a partner persistently commit acts prejudicial to the interest of
the partnership.
(v) where the partnership could be operated only at a loss
(vi) where the activities of the firm have become illegal.
(iv) bankruptcy of a partner
(v) by agreement
(c) The issue that arises in this case is whether or not the group of friends is a
partnership.
The membership of a trading partnership is limited to twenty whereas in this
case, they are thirty two.
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In view of this position, the ten men who want to sue the rest will not
succeed because the body is an illegal body that could not be sued either in
its name or in the name of the members.
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The questions test the candidates’ understanding of the differences between a
partnership and a limited liability company, grounds for the dissolution of a
partnership, and the number that constitute membership of a company.
Candidates performed very well.
PATHFINDER
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76
QUESTION 6
(a) The legal bases for charging commission exist where
(i) The customer has made an express agreement with his Bank concerning
the charging of commission.
(ii) By implication from a previous course of dealing between the Bank and
its customer.
(iii) The Bank usually has a right to charge a reasonable sum for its
services, because banking is a business.
(iv) The Bank acts as an agent of the customer and is thus entitled to
remuneration for services rendered.
(b)
(i) A bill is negotiated when it is transferred from one person to another
in such a manner as to constitute the transferee the holder of the bill,
free from any defect in the title of the transferor.
(ii) There are two types of bill i.e.
- a bill payable to bearer which is negotiated by mere delivery; and
- a bill payable to order which is negotiated by the endorsement of
the holder and is completed by delivery.
(c) Testate succession occurs where a person called Testator if male and
Testatrix if female leaves a Will in which he or she states how the property
which he or she left behind shall be distributed after his or her death.
An intestate succession is a situation where a person leaves no will and his
or her property will accordingly devolve upon or pass to those who are
entitled by law to receive it upon his or her death.
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The question tests candidates’ knowledge of the legal basis of charging commission
by banks, negotiation of a bill, and distinction between testate and intestate
successions.
Only few candidates attempted this question, but their performance was good.