Empresa

Discussion Questions:
1. The cost management information system is primarily concerned with producing outputs for internal users using inputs and processes needed to satisfy managementobjectives. The difference is that cost accounting deals with calculation and measurement of resources utilized for different business activities usually production and service provision and on the other handmanagement accounting relates to the use of all such information gathered and processed by cost accounting by management.
2. Cost management differs from financial accounting in the following majorways:
* an internal focus
* an emphasis on the future
* freedom from GAAP and other mandatory rules
* a multidisciplinary scope
* an evaluation of individual segments withinthe firm
* The provision of more detailed information.
3. Factors affecting the focus and practice of cost management are:
* Global competition- Global competition means that companies arenow competing with the best of the best. Accurate, timely, and relevant accounting data are crucial in appropriately managing costs.
* Service industry growth- Service industry growth has led tothe need for increased management accounting information to improve productivity and quality.
* Advances in information technology- The advances in information technology have led to the creationof integrated relational databases that allow a variety of users to develop their own reports based on their particular needs.
* Advances in the manufacturing environment- Advances in themanufacturing environment are characterized by practices such as the theory of constraints, just-in-time, and automation. These changes are affecting such practices as inventory management and productcosting.
* customer orientation
* new product development
* total quality management
* time as a competitive factor
* efficiency

Customer orientation, new product development,...