Covers the strategic management topics in cost accounting. This title helps students to understand about the management and the role of cost accounting in helping an organization succeed. It addresses issues such as: How does a firm compete? and What type of cost management information is needed for a firm to succeed?

Improve the accuracy of project estimates and make better in-progress modifications by following the discipline-independent approach mapped out in this book. Learn the best ways to apply new tools, including a breakdown structure for both work and resources and proven estimating models. In addition, you'll gain insights into best practices for progress monitoring and cost management, as well as for dealing effectively with external projects.

Proven strategy for reducing production and operating costs while increasing profits As the growth of the Internet shifts power to consumers, the pressure on companies to keep prices low will continue to mount. Increasingly corporations are relying on "margin management" and supply chain management as a means of keeping prices low while raising profits. Activity-based costing and management (ABC/M) data is key to succeeding in both these critical management strategies. This book explains how executives can effectively use the information furnished by cutting-edge ABC/M systems. The author, an acknowledged expert in the field, clearly defines the ABC/M system and explains how to use the information it provides for best results. He provides a rational framework for understanding the fifteen key defining characteristics of ABC/M and arms readers with an ABC/M Readiness Assessment test along with extremely user-friendly exhibits.

An accessible, practical survey of cost management methods Essentials of Cost Management provides an unbiased survey and explanation of the cost management approaches and methods currently available for immediate application in day-to-day activities. Rather than advocate a particular method, this book assists readers in choosing the best approach or blend of cost management strategies to address specific business problems. The expert authors also discuss cutting-edge topics such as target costing, capacity management, and activity-based costing/management.

With the use of non-technical language it enables readers to understand the underlying dynamics of cost in order to facilitate effective decisions regarding products and services, workflows, capital investments and day-to-day monitoring of their business. Combining customer's needs and reactions with the financial awareness of a company's strengths and weaknesses, it ties into all current, major business concerns, including environmental awareness and international competitiveness. Features case studies, checklists and self-assessment techniques that will aid readers in initiating a total cost management program.

The cost manager/quantity surveyor plays a pivotal role in the financial and contract management of construction projects, although the exact nature of the service they provide depends on the project employer’s terms of engagement. This can mean acting as consultant in a range of roles including cost and advisory services for budget setting to initiate a project, cost management through the design and construction phases, contract administration and acting as the client side project manager to oversee the entire building process. Cost Management of Construction Projects focusses on the cost manager/quantity surveyor engaged by the project client, and discusses key elements that help drive project success including measurement (based on the New Rules of Measurement published by RICS), procurement, cost planning, contract administration and project cost management. With examples, it provides a thorough guide to the role in the workplace and in the field, directly addressing the day to day situations faced by the cost manager/quantity surveyor. Donald Towey MRICS has extensive experience of the construction industry. His experience began as an estimator with a glass/glazing contractor in Manchester. Following a number of positions with UK contractors he relocated to Australia and has worked with a number of developers and main contractors, as well as doing freelance work. He is currently working in contracts management in Sydney.

Cost Management: Accounting and Control emphasizes that changing conditions often require a change in cost management systems. Emphasizing this point stresses the dynamic and exciting nature of the field. By taking a systems approach -- one that first covers functional-based cost and control and then activity-based cost systems -- students understand how to understand and manage any cost management system.

Busy decision-makers need the specifics quickly, without plowing through details that do not affect the economics of a project. Telecommunications Cost Management presents the key facts up front, with sample calculations for broadband, local access, equipment, and service alternatives. It provides a blueprint for cost reduction across all major technologies - from frame relay to IP telephony to contract recommendations. The text presents scenarios showing the effect of different architectural strategies for both voice and data communications. An Architectural Review lists alternatives to the traditional PBX and discusses how to minimize local access costs.

Cost and Value Management in Projects provides practicing managers with a thorough understanding of the various dimensions of cost and value in projects, along with the factors that impact them, and the managerial approaches that would be most effective for achieving cost efficiency and value optimization. This book addresses cost from a strategic perspective, offering thorough coverage of the various elements of value management such as value planning, value engineering and value analysis from the perspective of projects.

This study stresses the importance of a product life-cycle approach to cost analysis and cost management, focusing on the manner in which information provided by accountants is used by managers. Techniques discussed include cost tables, cost estimation, activity-based costing and more.