Designing Strategic Cost Systems: How to Unleash the Power of Cost Information

Praise for Designing Strategic Cost Systems
"One of the key principles I learned in my years as an auditor (both internal and external) was to ‘let the numbers speak to you.’ Through a practical and accessible approach, Lianabel Oliver confirms this idea and then takes it further. She challenges us to make sure that these numbers are presented in language that can be understood by the operating management and that the numbers truly reflect the cost components of our products and services. Oliver then gives us a structured method for developing that understandable language so that the numbers may, in fact, be adequately communicated, allowing us to make informed management decisions. This book is a must–read for those who want to clearly let the numbers speak to their senior management."
–Angel Torres, CPA, President and CEO
Bacardi Corporation, Puerto Rico
"The author highlights the need for the strategic integration of all aspects of the business from the cost perspective. The concepts presented in this book can be readily applied to manufacturing, service, or any other economic sector. I highly recommend this book as a valuable tool for the evaluation, control, and measurement of an organization regardless of its size or years in business."
–Manuel Cidre, Chairman
Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association
"Oliver’s work is an excellent resource for cost management practitioners committed to the design of strategic cost systems that deliver value–added cost data to decision makers. The author provides the reader with valuable insight into both internal and external manifestations of dysfunctional systems and the remedial steps requisite to the development of effective system redesigns that can be successfully deployed for competitive advantage."
–Ron Bleeker, Program Director
Cost Management Systems Collaborative Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing–International< br>
Spis treści:
Preface.
Acknowledgments.
Chapter 1. Is Your Cost System Obsolete?
Chapter 2. What Constitutes a Strategic Cost System?
Chapter 3. Redesign Process.
Chapter 4. Conceptualizing the Cost Model Design.
Chapter 5. How to Calculate Costs.
Chapter 6. Costing Issues.
Chapter 7. Cost Systems Setup and Test.
Chapter 8. Performance Measurement and Reporting.
Chapter 9. Common Pitfalls.
Chapter 10. Lessons Learned.
Appendix A: Examples of Terms and Definitions.
Appendix B: Time–Based Capacity Models.
Appendix C: Use of Monte Carlo Simulations to Set Standards.
Glossary.
References.
Index.

Nota biograficzna:
LIANABEL OLIVER, MBA, CPA, CMA, is President and CEO of Pathways PR Inc., a company that provides training and consulting services in the areas of cost management, strategic planning, budgeting, performance measurement, statistics, quantitative modeling, accounting processes, and general business management. She has extensive industry experience in the areas of accounting and management and is the author of The Cost Management Toolbox: A Manager’s Guide to Controlling Costs and Boosting Profits. Her client base includes Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, and local manufacturing firms. She can be reached at pathwayspr.com.

Okładka tylna:
Praise for Designing Strategic Cost Systems
"One of the key principles I learned in my years as an auditor (both internal and external) was to ‘let the numbers speak to you.’ Through a practical and accessible approach, Lianabel Oliver confirms this idea and then takes it further. She challenges us to make sure that these numbers are presented in language that can be understood by the operating management and that the numbers truly reflect the cost components of our products and services. Oliver then gives us a structured method for developing that understandable language so t hat the numbers may, in fact, be adequately communicated, allowing us to make informed management decisions. This book is a must–read for those who want to clearly let the numbers speak to their senior management."
–Angel Torres, CPA, President and CEO
Bacardi Corporation, Puerto Rico
"The author highlights the need for the strategic integration of all aspects of the business from the cost perspective. The concepts presented in this book can be readily applied to manufacturing, service, or any other economic sector. I highly recommend this book as a valuable tool for the evaluation, control, and measurement of an organization regardless of its size or years in business."
–Manuel Cidre, Chairman
Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association
"Oliver’s work is an excellent resource for cost management practitioners committed to the design of strategic cost systems that deliver value–added cost data to decision makers. The author provides the reader with valuable insight into both internal and external manifestations of dysfunctional systems and the remedial steps requisite to the development of effective system redesigns that can be successfully deployed for competitive advantage."
–Ron Bleeker, Program Director
Cost Management Systems Collaborative Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing–International