The Ernst & Young Guide to Total Cost 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.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW. The New Business Environment Has Changed--and Cost Information Must Change with It. Total Cost Management in a Nutshell. The Role of TCM in Supporting Competitive Advantage. TCM PRINCIPLES. The Whys and Hows of BPA. Performing Process Value Analysis. Using Process Value Analysis to Guide Improvement Efforts. ABC--What It Is and Where It Came From. Activity-Based Process Costing. Activity-Based Object Costing. Using ABC Information. ABC Costing--a Tool-Kit. Improving Performance Measures. Decision Support. IMPLEMENTATION. Implementing TCM. Conclusion. Bibliography.