The Design of Cost Management Systems


Book Description

Providing valuable insight into the latest practice and design philosophies, this collection of readings and cases analyzes the defects that exist with traditional cost management systems, and shows how to design systems that will benefit a wide range of organizations. Opens with a thorough introduction to cost systems - with discussions on their use, product and process costing, operational control, financial reporting, and strategic relevance - and explores target costing, and ABC and product design and development. Considers the foundations of activity-based costing, including its necessity for companies, cost hierarchy, and activity attributes, and dedicates entire sections to the use of cost systems for managing customer and supplier relationships, and for designing and developing new products. Second Edition features include many new cases and a critical study of service industry and activity-based budgeting. For management consultants, CFO's, and controllers.




Designing Cost Management Systems to Support Business Decision-Making


Book Description

This book illustrates the importance effective cost management systems in providing a supportive environment in which reliable and relevant management information can be generated. Such a cost management system is only attainable if the importance of key business, operational and stakeholder requirements are recognised within the organisational context. In illustrating this importance, this book provides several case studies as examples thereof. The first two case studies focus on the engineering sector and illustrates the development of a cost management system in a water recycling context; and the design of a budgetary system in a mining engineering context. The remaining case studies focus on the services sector, including cost management systems for a digital technology services provider and a medical insurance services provider; an alternative activity-based costing approach for a public sector services provider; and finally a re-designed value stream for an automotive services provider. Academic researchers and industry managers in the fields of management accounting and financial management, as well as engineering and operations management, will find value in the experiences described herein.




Integrated Design and Cost Management for Civil Engineers


Book Description

Find Practical Solutions to Civil Engineering Design and Cost Management Problems A guide to successfully designing, estimating, and scheduling a civil engineering project, Integrated Design and Cost Management for Civil Engineers shows how practicing professionals can design fit-for-use solutions within established time frames and reliable budgets. This text combines technical compliance with practical solutions in relation to cost planning, estimating, time, and cost control. It incorporates solutions that are technically sound as well as cost effective and time efficient. It focuses on the integration of design and construction based on solid engineering foundations contained within a code of ethics, and navigates engineers through the complete process of project design, pricing, and tendering. Well illustrated The book uses cases studies to illustrate principles and processes. Although they center on Australasia and Southeast Asia, the principles are internationally relevant. The material details procedures that emphasize the correct quantification and planning of works, resulting in reliable cost and time predictions. It also works toward minimizing the risk of losing business through cost blowouts or losing profits through underestimation. This Text Details the Quest for Practical Solutions That: Are cost effective Can be completed within a reasonable timeline Conform to relevant quality controls Are framed within appropriate contract documents Satisfy ethical professional procedures, and Address the client’s brief through a structured approach to integrated design and cost management Designed to help civil engineers develop and apply a multitude of skill bases, Integrated Design and Cost Management for Civil Engineers can aid them in maintaining relevancy in appropriate design justifications, guide work tasks, control costs, and structure project timelines. The book is an ideal link between a civil engineering course and practice.




Strategic Cost Management


Book Description

An indispensable guide for managers concerned with cost, strategy, and business re-engineering. Experts on the strategic use of cost data, the authors show how stategic cost management is revolutionizing accounting practices in leading companies. Includes numerous examples. 120 line drawings.







Cost & Effect


Book Description

Cost and Effect is written for the general manager, and explains activity-based costing systems. It focuses on creating integrated, knowledge-based systems that provide managers with meaningful information, not just data.




Target Costing and Value Engineering


Book Description

What would happen if everyone in your company followed a disciplined approach to cost reduction? Go ahead -- imagine it. What would it look like? How can it be done? The answer -- smart cost management. Effective cost management must start at the design stage. As much as 90-95% of a product's costs are added in the design process. That is why effective cost management programs focus on design and manufacturing. The primary cost management method to control cost during design is a combination of target costing and value engineering. Target Costing Objectives: Identify the cost at which your product must be manufactured at if it is to earn its profit margin at its expected target selling price. Break the target cost down to its component level and have your suppliers find ways to deliver the components they sell you at the set target prices while still making adequate returns. Value Engineering: The connection to function: An organized effort and team based approach to analyze the functions of goods and services that the design stage, and find ways to achieve those functions in a manner that allows the firm to meet its target costs. The result: Added value for your company (development costs on-line with added value for your company; development costs on-line with selling prices) and added value for your customer (higher quality products that meet, possibly even exceed, customer expectations.)







Proceedings of the 18th International Symposium on Advancement of Construction Management and Real Estate


Book Description

​The Chinese Research Institute of Construction Management (CRIOCM) in collaboration with Xi'an Jiaotong University proudly invites all academics, researchers and professionals to participate in the CRIOCM 2013, the 18th International Symposium on "Advancement of Construction Management and Real Estate". We will uphold and preserve the idea and tradition of pragmatism and innovation, to offer an excellent academic and communication platform for academics and professionals to exchange information on the latest developments in real estate and construction management.




The Routledge Companion to Cost Management


Book Description

Over the last two decades, cost management has been an area of dynamic change and development. This is evident in the extensive inventory of new, high-profile techniques that have emerged. With cost management now firmly established as a distinct sub-discipline within management accounting, The Routledge Companion to Cost Management is a timely reference volume covering both practical developments and research in this area. Topics covered include: Cost control issues Cost analysis and decision making Cost management systems Environmental cost management With chapters from an international team of contributors, this prestigious companion will prove an indispensible addition to any library with aspirations of keeping up-to-date with the world of accounting.