Now assume that the hospital uses the step-down method for cost allocation, with salary dollars as the cost driver for general administration, housekeeping labor hours as the cost driver for facilities, and patient services revenue as the cost driver for financial services. Assume also that the general administration department provides the most services to other support departments, followed closely by the facilities department. The financial services department provides the least services to the other support departments.

a. Use an allocation table to allocate the hospital's overhead costs to the patient services departments.

b. Compare the dollar allocations with those obtained in Problem. Explain the differences.

c. Is the direct method or the step-down method better for cost allocation within St. Benedict's? Explain your answer.