Mba-Iii-Cost Management Notes

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Cost Management 14MBAFM305

Subject Code : 14MBAFM305 IA Marks : 50
No. of Lecture Hours/Week : 04 Exam Hours : 03
Total No. of Lecture Hours : 56 Exam Marks : 100
Practical Component : 01 Hour / Week
Module I
Introduction to Cost Management – Cost Accounting to Cost Management – Elements of costs

– classification of costs – Methods of costing – Cost Management Tools – A Strategic View to
Cost Management – Preparation of a Cost Sheet.
Module II
Overheads, Classification and Collection, Difference between Cost Allocation and Cost
Apportionment, (Full-fledged Problems on Primary and secondary distribution, Simultaneous
equations, Absorption of overhead, Theory on under and Over absorption of Overhead).
Module III
Marginal Costing – Nature and Scope – Applications – Break even charts and Point, Decision
Making (all types with full problems) Differential Cost Analysis, Advantages and Disadvantages
of Marginal Costing.
Module IV
Budgetary Control – Objectives of Budgetary control, Functional Budgets, Master Budgets,

Key Factor Problems on Production and Flexible Budgets.
Standard Costing – Comparison with Budgetary Control, analysis of variances, simple

problems on Material and Labour Variances Only.
Module V
Demerits of Traditional Costing, Activity Based Costing, Cost Drivers, Cost Analysis under
ABC (Unit level, Batch level and Product Sustaining Activities), Benefits and weaknesses of
ABC, Simple Problems under ABC.
Dept. of MBA / SJBIT Page 1

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Module VI
Cost Audit – Objectives, Advantages, Areas and Scope of Cost Audit, Cost Audit in India –
Practical – Read the contents of the report of Cost Audit and the annexure to the Cost Audit
Report.
Management Audit – Aims and the objectives, Scope of Management Audit.
Module VII
Reporting to Management – Purpose of reporting – Requisites of a good report, Classifications

of Report, Segment reporting, Applicability of Accounting Standard 17, Objectives, Users of
Segment reporting. Cost Reduction, and Cost Control, Target Costing – its Principles, Balanced
Scorecard as a performance measure – Features, Purpose, Reasons for use of Balanced
Scorecard.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
1. Cost Accounting: Theory & Practice – Bhabatosh Banerjee 13/e, PHI.
2. A text book of cost and management accounting – Arora M N, 11/e, Vikas.
3. Cost Accounting – Jawaharlal & Seema Srivastava, 4/e, TMH.
4. Accounting & Costing for Management – Sinha P K, Excel Books, 2010
REFERENCE BOOKS:
1. Cost Accounting – Khan & Jain, TMH.
2. Principles and Practice of Cost Accounting – Bhattacharyya, 3/e, PHI.
3. Management Accounting – Khan M Y & Jain P K, 6/e, McGraw Hill, 2012.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
MODULE NO. CONTENTS PAGE NO.
I INTRODUCTION TO COST MANAGEMENT 4 – 26
II OVERHEADS 27 – 37
III MARGINAL COSTING 38 – 49
IV BUDGETARY CONTROL 50 – 80
V TRADITIONAL COSTING 81 – 85
VI COST AUDIT 86 – 100
VII REPORTING TO MANAGEMENT 101 – 113

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Module I
Introduction to Cost Management – Cost Accounting to Cost Management – Elements of costs

– classification of costs – Methods of costing – Cost Management Tools – A Strategic View to
Cost Management – Preparation of a Cost Sheet.
Cost Accounting to Cost Management
According to the dictionary meaning cost is the price paid for something. In other words cost is
the amount of resources used for something which must be measured in terms of money. Cost is
defined as the amount of expenditure whether actual or notional incurred on or attributable to a
given thing or to ascertain the cost of a given thing.
According to CIMA, London, ―costing is the techniques and processes of ascertaining cost‖.
In simple, it is the methods used and the actual process involved in cost finding. The technique
of costing involves two fundamental step namely:
a. Collection and classification of expenditure according to the cost elements and,
b. Allocation and apportionment of the expenditure to the cost centers or cost units.
Cost Accounting deals with collection, analysis of relevance of cost data for interpretation and
presentation. CIMA defines cost accounting ―as the process of accounting for costs from the
point at which the expenditure is incurred or committed to the establishment of its ultimate
relationship with cost centers and cost units.‖
Cost management is the process of planning and controlling the budget of a business. Cost
management is a form of management accounting that allows a business to predict impending
expenditures to help reduce the chance of going over budget.
Cost management is the process of effectively planning and controlling the costs involved in a
business. It is considered one of the more challenging tasks in business management. Generally,
the costs or the expenses in a business are recorded by a team of experts using expense forms.
The process involves various activities such as collecting, analyzing, evaluating and reporting
cost statistics for budgeting. By implementing an effective cost management system, a
company‘s overall budgeting can be brought under control.

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The cost management aims:
1. To develop a system such that the product costs / service costs can be accurately
calculated.
2. To assess the overall performance of a product through its life cycle.
3. To find out the process of linking the various activities in a logical and rational manner so
that they can be improved upon.
4. To control the costs at every stage as much as possible.
5. To evaluate the measures to be introduced in the process of controlling the costs.
6. To link all the activities of the organization to the basic management objectives.
7. To measure the variances form the actually planned goals.
8. To reset the activities towards the organizational goals.
Elements of costs
Basic cost elements are:
1. Raw materials
2. Labor
3. expenses/overhead
Material (Material is a very important part of business)
o Direct material/Indirect material
Labor
o Direct labor/Indirect labor
Overhead (Variable/Fixed)
o Production or works overheads
o Administration overheads
o Selling overheads

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o Distribution overheads
o Maintenance & Repair
o Supplies
o Utilities
o Other Variable Expenses
o Salaries
o Occupancy (Rent)
o Depreciation
o Other Fixed Expenses
There are broadly three elements of cost - (1) material, (2) labour and (3) expenses.:
The substance from which the product is made is known as material. It may be in a raw state-raw
material, e.g., timber for furniture and leather for shoe, etc. It may j also be in manufactured
state-components, e.g., battery for car, speaker for radio, etc, Materials can be direct and indirect.
Direct Material

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All materials which become an integral part of the finished product, the cost of which are
directly and completely assigned to the specific physical units and charged to the prime cost, are
known as direct material. The following are some of the materials that fall under this category:
(a) Materials which are specifically purchased; acquired or produced for a particular job, order or
process.
(b) Primary packing material (e.g. carton, wrapping, cardboard, etc.)
(c) Materials passing from one process to another as inputs.
In order to calculate the cost of material, expenses such as import duties, dock charges, transport
cost of materials are added to the invoice price.
Material considered direct at one time may be indirect on other occasion. Nail used in
manufacturing wooden box is treated as direct material, but treated as indirect material when
used to repair the factory building.
Indirect Material: All materials, which cannot be conveniently assigned to specific physical
units, are termed as 'indirect material'. Such commodities do not form part of the finished
products. Consumable stores, lubrication oil, stationery and spare parts for the machinery are
termed as indirect materials.
Labour
Human efforts used for conversion of materials into finished products or doing various jobs in
the business are known as labour. Payment made towards the labour is called labour cost. It can
also be direct and indirect.
Direct Labour: Direct labour is all labour expended and directly involved in altering the
condition, composition or construction of the product. The wages paid to skilled and unskilled
workers for manual work or mechanical work for operating machinery, which can be specifically
allocated to a particular unit of production, is known as direct wages or direct labour cost. Hence,
'direct wage' may be defined as the measure of direct labour in terms of money. It is specifically
and conveniently traceable to the specific products Wages paid to the goldsmith for making gold
ornament is an example of direct labour.

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Indirect Labour: Labour employed to perform work incidental to production of goods or those
engaged for office work, selling and distribution activities are known as 'indirect labour'. The
wages paid to such workers are known as 'indirect wages' or indirect labour cost.
Example: Salary paid to the driver of the delivery van used for distribution of the product.
Expenses
All expenditures other than material and labour incurred for manufacturing a product or
rendering service are termed as 'expenses'. Expenses may be direct or indirect.
Direct Expenses: Expenses which are specifically incurred and can be directly and wholly
allocated to a particular product, job or service are termed as 'direct expenses'. Examples of such
expense are: hire charges of special machinery hired for the fob, carriage inward, royalty, cost of
special and specific drawings, etc. These are also known as 'chargeable expenses'.
Indirect Expenses: All expenses excluding indirect material and indirect labour, which cannot be
directly and wholly attributed to a particular product, job or service, are termed as 'indirect
expenses'. Some examples of such expenses are: repairs to machinery, insurance, lighting and
rent of the buildings.
Classification of Costs
Costs may be classified on different bases. They can be classified as follows:
1. By time (historical, predetermined)
2. By nature of elements (material, labour, overhead)
3. By association (product or period)
4. By traceability (direct, indirect)
5. By changes in activities or volume (fixed, variable, semi-variable)
6. By function (manufacturing, administration, selling, research and development)
7. Controllability (controllable, non-controllable)
8. Analytical and decision-making (marginal, uniform, opportunity, sunk, differential

etc.)

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9. By nature of expense (capital, revenue)
10. Miscellaneous (conversion, traceable, normal, total)
Classification on the Basis of Time
Costs can be classified into historical costs and predetermined costs.
Historical costs: Historical costs are determined after they are incurred actually. When
production is completed, i.e., products reached their final stage of finished status, costs are
available and on that basis costs are ascertained. Only on the basis of actual operations, costs
are accumulated. Hence they are objective in nature.
Predetermined costs: Costs are calculated before they are incurred, i.e., before the production
process is completed.
These predetermined costs may further be classified into estimated costs and standard costs
Estimated costs: Costs are estimated before goods are produced. As these are purely
estimates, they lack accuracy.
Standard costs: These costs are also predetermined. But certain factors are analysed with care
before setting up costs. Standard cost is not only a concept of cost but a technique or method
of costing also.
Classification by Nature or Elements
Elements of costs may be broadly divided into material, labour and expenses.
Direct costs
In general, production is carried on in different cost centres. Costs which can be directly
identifiable with cost centres, processes or production units are known as direct costs.
Indirect Costs
If costs cannot be identifiable with cost centres or cost units, they are termed as ―indirect costs‖.
Such costs that cannot be easily identifiable with cost centres have to be apportioned on some
equitable basis. These terms should be understood properly, as the same will be applied in case
of materials, labour and wages.

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Material Costs
Commodities or substances from which products are produced are called materials. They may be
further divided into direct and indirect. The term ―direct‖ means that which can be identified
with and allocated to cost centres and cost units. The term ―indirect‖ means that which cannot be
allocated but can be apportioned to, or absorbed by, cost centres and cost units.
Direct Materials
Direct materials are those materials which enter into and form part of the product, e.g., wood in
furniture, chemicals in drugs, leather in shoes.
Direct materials include:
1. All materials specially purchased or requisitioned for a particular process or job or order.
2. All components—purchased or produced.
3. All materials passing from one process to another
4. All primary Packing Material.
Indirect materials: Materials which cannot be traced as part of the product are known as
indirect materials. Indirect materials include:
1. Fuel, lubricating oil, grease etc. (for maintenance of plant and machinery)
2. Tools of small value for general use.
3. Consumable stores
4. Printing and stationery materials
5. Stores of small value used
Labour Costs
It can also be classified into direct labour and indirect labour.
Direct labour
Where employees are employed directly in making the product and their work can be easily
identified in the process of conversion of raw materials into finished goods, such labour is called

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direct labour. The cost incurred on direct labour is called direct wages. Example: Wages paid to
the driver of a bus in a transport service.
Indirect labour
Labour employed in the works on factory which is ancillary to production is known as indirect
labour. The cost incurred on indirect labour is called indirect wages. These costs may not be
traced to specific units of output. Wages which cannot be directly identified with a job or process
are treated as indirect wages. Example: wages of store keepers, time keepers, supervisors etc.
Expenses Costs
Expenses also can be direct and indirect.
Direct expenses
Direct expenses do not include direct material cost and direct labour cost. These expenses are
incurred in respect of a specific product. Example: cost of special pattern, drawing or layout;
secret formula, hire charges of machinery to execute an order, consultancy fees to a specific job.
The latest trend in cost accounting is that these expenses are not taken into account. The
terminology of CIMA is also of this view. Generally, direct expenses form a small part of total
cost.
Indirect expenses: Expenses which cannot be charged to production directly and which are
neither indirect material cost nor indirect wages costs are treated as indirect expenses. Examples:
Rent, rates, taxes, power, insurance, depreciation.
Overheads
Overheads include the cost of indirect material, indirect labour and indirect expenses. Overheads
may be classified into (i) production or manufacturing overheads, (ii) administrative overheads),
(iii) selling overheads and (iv) distribution overheads.
Production or factory overhead: It is the aggregate of indirect material cost, indirect wages and
indirect expenses incurred in respect of manufacturing activity. It commences with the supply of
raw materials and ends with the primary packing of finished goods.

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Administration overhead: It is the aggregate of indirect material cost, indirect wages and
indirect expenses incurred for policy formulation, control and administration. Example:
Directors‘ remuneration.
Selling overhead: It is the cost of creating sales and retaining customers. It is the aggregate of
all indirect material costs, indirect wages and indirect expenses incurred in creating and
stimulating demand for a firm‘s products and securing orders. Example: advertisement, publicity
expenses.
Distribution overhead: It is the aggregate of indirect material cost, indirect wages and indirect
expenses incurred in preparing the packed products for despatch and making them available to
customers. Example: rates and taxes for finished goods, godown expenses.
Association with the Product (Costs in Their Relation to Product)
Prime Cost
Prime cost is the aggregate of direct material cost, direct wages and direct expenses.
Conversion cost:
Conversion cost is the aggregate of direct wages and factory overhead. It is the cost incurred
in the factory for the conversion of raw materials into finished goods.
Product Cost
Product Costs included in inventory values are called product costs. In manufacturing
organizations, raw material costs and cost incurred in the conversion of raw materials into
finished products are called product cost or inventory cost.
Period costs:
Period costs are costs that are charged against the revenue of a period of time in which they
are incurred. Period costs are incurred on the basis of time like rent and salaries. Period costs
include selling and distribution costs and administration costs. Since they are not directly
associated with the product, they are not assigned to the product. They are charged to the
period in which they are incurred and are to be treated as expenses. In this context, one has to
distinguish between expense and expenditure. Expense is nothing but expired cost or
expenditure. An organization incurs expenditure in order to acquire goods and services. The

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same can be said to have expired when consumption takes place, meaning thereby that it has
given the intended benefit. Thus, the cost of acquisition of goods for re-sale is an expenditure.
But it becomes an expense when the goods are sold and is shown in the profit and loss
account.
Joint costs: Joint costs arise when two or more products are processed at the same time or in a
single operation or from a common material. To apportion joint costs among products is not an
easy affair. If two or more products are produced from the same raw materials (e.g., petrol,
diesel, kerosene), joint costs are incurred up to the point of separation.
Accounting Period - Wise Classification of Costs
Capital expenditure: It may be defined as expenditure which results in the acquisition of or

increase in an asset, or pertains to the extension or enhancement of earning capacity at a smaller
cost. A capital expenditure is intended to benefit future periods. It is classified as a fixed asset.
Example: Costs of acquiring land, building and machinery.
Revenue expenditure: This expenditure occurs for the maintenance of assets in working
condition and not intended for increasing the revenue-earning capacity. A revenue expenditure
benefits the current accounting period. It is treated as an expense.
For matching of costs and revenues, the distinction between capital expenditure and revenue
expenditure is inevitable.
Behaviour-Wise Classification of Costs
Variable Cost
The terminology of CIMA defines variable cost as ―a cost which tends to follow (in the short-
term) the level of activity‖. Variable costs are also known as marginal costs. Variable costs vary
directly and proportionally with the output. Variable cost per unit is constant but the total costs
change corresponding to the levels of output. Variable cost is expressed in terms of units only.
Variable costs are synonymous with engineered costs.
Example: Materials used to manufacture a product, wages of workers in a manufacturing

process. To illustrate, let direct material cost to produce one unit of a product be Rs. 25. The
existing volume of production is 10,000 units per annum, then the existing direct material cost is

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10,000 units × Rs. 25 = Rs. 2,50,000. In case, if the production increases to 20,000 units, the
direct material cost would be Rs. 25 × 20,000 units = Rs. 5,00,000. This shows that the direct
material cost per unit remains constant but total material cost rises with an increase in activity
level.
Fixed Cost
The terminology of CIMA defines fixed cost as ―the cost which accrues in relation to the passage
of time and which, within certain limits, tends to be unaffected by fluctuations in the level of
activity‖.
Fixed costs are those which are not expected to change in total within the current budget year,
irrespective of variations in the volume of activity. Such costs are fixed for a given period over a
relevant range of output, on the assumption that technology and methods of manufacturing
remain unchanged.
For the purpose of cost analysis, fixed costs may be classified as follows:
Committed Costs: These costs cannot be eliminated instantly. These costs are incurred to
maintain basic facilities. Example: Rent, rates, taxes, insurance.
Policy and managed costs: Policy costs are incurred in enforcing management policies.
Example: Housing scheme for employees. Managed costs are incurred to ensure the operating
existence of the company. Example: Staff services.
Discretionary costs: These are not related to operations. These can be controlled by the
management. These occur at the discretion of the management.
Semi-Variable Costs

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The terminology of CIMA defines semi-variable cost as ―a cost containing both fixed and
variable elements which is thus partly affected by fluctuations in levels of activity‖ Semi-
variable costs consist of features of both fixed and variable costs.
These costs vary in total with changes in the level of activity—not in direct proportion. Due to
the fixed part of the element, they do not change in direct proportion to output. Due to the
variable part of the element, they tend to change with volume. Semi-variable costs change in the
same direction of output but not in the same proportion. Example: electricity charges, stationery,
telephone expenses.
To illustrate, telephone expenses is a semi-variable cost. Annual rental is Rs.1000. For every call
used the charge per call is Re. 1. Here the annual rental is the fixed part of the element—remains
unchanged—whereas the call made forms the variable element.
Total Fixed Cost
Fixed Cost Per Unit
Functional Classification of Costs

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Production costs: They are the cost of operating a production department in which manual and
machine operations are performed directly upon any part of product manufactured. This includes
the cost of direct materials, direct labour, direct expenses, primary packing expenses and all
overhead expenses pertaining to production.
Administration costs: These expenses include all indirect expenses incurred in formulating the
policy, directing the organization and controlling the operation of a concern. The expenses
relating to selling and distribution, production, development and research functions are not to be
included under this head.
Selling and distribution costs: These expenses include all expenses incurred with selling and
distribution functions.
Research and development costs: These include the cost of discovering new ideas, processes or
products by research and the cost of implementation of such results on a commercial basis.
Preproduction costs: when a new manufacturing unit is started or a new product is launched,
certain expenses are incurred. There would be trial runs. All such costs are called preproduction
costs. They are charged to the cost of future production because they are treated as deferred
revenue expenditure.
Costs for Planning and Control
Controllable cost: The terminology of CIMA defines controllable cost as ―a cost which can be
influenced by the action of specified member of an undertaking‖. It refers to those costs which
may be regulated at a specified level of authority (management) within a specified time period.
The term ―controllable costs‖ means variable costs. Cost-control factor depends on time factor
and level of managerial authority. If the time period is sufficiently long, cost can be well
controlled. Proper delegation of authority with responsibility facilitates the task of control of
costs.
Uncontrollable costs: Uncontrollable cost is defined as the ―cost which cannot be influenced by
the action of a specified member of an undertaking‖. This cost is not subject to control at any
level.

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The difference between the terms is important for the purpose of cost control, and responsibility
accounting costs which are not subject to the control of a person should not be charged to that
person. For instance, a foreman should not be charged with the plant superintendent salary.
Budget: A budget is a plan for a future period. It is expressed in monetary terms. The
terminology of CIMA defines a budget as ― a plan quantified in monetary terms, prepared and
approved prior to a defined period of time usually showing planned income to be generated
and/or expenditure to be incurred during that period and the capital to be employed to attain a
given objective‖. It is also a tool of control.
Standard costs: Standard costs are closely related to budgets, and both are said to be
complementary to each other. It is a basic accounting tool. A standard cost is a predetermined
calculation of how much costs should be under specific working conditions. It is built up from an
assessment of the value of cost elements and correlates technical specifications and
quantification of material, labour and other costs to the prices and/or wage raves expected to
apply during the period in which standard cost is intended to be used. Its main purposes are to
provide bases for control through variance accounting, for valuation of stock, and work-in-
progress and in some cases, for fixing selling prices.
Costs for Analytical and Decision-Making Purposes
Imputed costs: Imputed costs do not involve actual cash outlay (cash payment). They are not
recorded in the books of accounts. They are not measurable accurately. However, imputed costs
are useful while taking decisions. Imputed costs can be estimated from similar situations.
Imputed costs can be estimated from similar situations outside the organization. Although these
are hypothetical costs, in making comparison, in performance evaluation, in making decision, the
inclusion of imputed costs is inevitable. Examples: Interest on invested capital, rental value of
company-owned building, salaries of owner-directors of sole proprietorship firms.
Sunk costs: Sunk cost is invested cost or recorded cost. A sunk cost is one which has been
incurred already and cannot be avoided by decision taken in future. Sunk cost may be defined as
―an expenditure for equipment or productive resources which has no economic relevance to the
present decision-making process‖. Sunk cost is a past cost which cannot be taken into account in
decision making. Sunk cost may also be defined as the difference between the purchase price of

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an asset and its salvage value. Non-incremental costs (i.e., cost which do not increase) are also,
at times, termed as sunk costs (one specific group of non-incremental costs).
Differential costs: Differential costs arise on account of the change in total costs associated with
each alternative. In the language of the AAA committee, ―it is the increase or decrease in total
costs, or the changes in the specific elements of cost that results from any variation in operation.‖
Differential cost consists of both variable and fixed costs. The differential cost between any two
levels of production is (i) the difference between two marginal costs (variable cost) at these two
levels and (ii) the increase or decrease in fixed costs. A distinction has to be understood between
differential cost and incremental cost. Incremental cost applies to increase in production and
restricted to cost only, whereas differential cost confines to both increase or decrease in output.
Differential cost is of much use in decision-making process, especially in choosing the best
alternative and in ascertaining profit where additional investments are introduced in the business.
Opportunity costs:
Opportunity costs are the economic resources which have been foregone as the result of choosing
one alternative instead of another. The unique feature of an opportunity cost is that no cash has
changed hands. There is no exchange of economic resources. It results from sacrificing some
action. They are never shown in regular cost accounting records.
Postponable costs: These are costs which may be postponed to the future with little or no effect
on current operations. Actually it means deferring the expenditure to some future date. It does
not mean that the cost is avoided and rejected summarily. Example: Repairs and maintenance.
Avoidable costs: By choosing one alternative, costs may be saved. That means by avoiding one,
and choosing another, costs can be saved. Example: By not manufacturing a new product, the
appropriate direct material, labour and variable costs can be avoided.
Out-of-pocket costs: Out-of-pocket cost means those elements of cost which warrant cash
payment in the period under consideration. This is helpful in deciding whether a particular
venture will at least return the cash expenditure caused by the expected project. Example: Taxes,
insurance premium, salaries of supervisory staff, etc.

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Relevant costs: Relevant costs are those expected future costs that differ between alternatives. It
is a cost affected by a decision at hand. Historical costs are irrelevant to a decision. It is
reasonable because it helps to ascertain whether the costs are relevant to a particular decision at
the present condition. In general, variable costs are affected by a decision and so they are
considered relevant.
Uniform costs: Generally they are not distinct costs as such. According to this, common costing
principles and procedures are being adopted by a number of firms. These costs are mainly
intended for inter-firm comparison.
Marginal costs: It is the aggregate of variable costs. It is useful in various ways for the
management.
Common costs: Common costs are those costs which are incurred for more than one produce,
job territory or any other specific costing object. The National Association of Accountants
defines common costs as ―the cost of services employed in the creation of two or more outputs,
which is not allocable to those outputs on a clearly justified basis‖.
Other Costs
Normal cost: This cost is incurred at a given level of output in the conditions that level of output
is achieved.
Traceable cost: This cost can be easily identified with a product or job or process.
Total costs: It denotes the sum of all costs in respect of a particular process or unit or job or
department or even the entire organization.
Methods of Costing
Different industries follow different methods to establish the cost of their product. This varies by
the nature and specifics of each business. There are different principles and procedures for
performing the costing. However, the basic principles and procedures of costing remain the
same. Some of the methods are mentioned below:
Unit costing
Job costing

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Contract costing
Batch costing
Operating costing
Process costing
Multiple costing
Uniform costing
Different Methods of Costing
Here's a breakdown of each different method of costing:
Unit costing: This method is also known as "single output costing." This method of costing is
used for products that can be expressed in identical quantitative units. Unit costing is suitable for
products that are manufactured by continuous manufacturing activity: for example, brick making,
mining, cement manufacturing, dairy operations, or flour mills. Costs are ascertained for
convenient units of output.
Job costing: Under this method, costs are ascertained for each work order separately as each job
has its own specifications and scope. Job costing is used, for example, in painting, car repair,
decoration, and building repair.
Contract costing: Contract costing is performed for big jobs involving heavy expenditure, long
periods of time, and often different work sites. Each contract is treated as a separate unit for
costing. This is also known as terminal costing. Projects requiring contract costing include
construction of bridges, roads, and buildings.
Batch costing: This method of costing is used where units produced in a batch are uniform in
nature and design. For the purpose of costing, each batch is treated as an individual job or
separate unit. Industries like bakeries and pharmaceuticals usually use the batch costing method.
Operating costing or service costing: Operating or service costing is used to ascertain the cost
of particular service-oriented units, such as nursing homes, busses, or railways. Each particular
service is treated as a separate unit in operating costing. In the case of a nursing home, a unit is
treated as the cost of a bed per day, while, for busses, operating cost for a kilometer is treated as
unit.

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Process costing: This kind of costing is used for products that go through different processes. For
example, the manufacturing of clothes involves several processes. The first process is spinning.
The output of that spinning process, yarn, is a finished product which can either be sold on the
market to weavers, or used as a raw material for a weaving process in the same manufacturing
unit. To find out the cost of the yarn, one needs to determine the cost of the spinning process. In
the second step, the output of the weaving process, cloth, can also can be sold as a finished
product in the market. In this case, the cost of cloth needs to be evaluated. The third process is
converting the cloth to a finished product, for example a shirt or pair of trousers. Each process
that can result in either a finished good or a raw material for the next process must be evaluated
separately. In such multi-process industries, process costing is used to ascertain the cost at each
stage of production.
Multiple costing or composite costing: When the output is comprised of many assembled
parts or components, as with television, motor cars, or electronics gadgets, costs have to be
ascertained for each component, as well as with the finished product. Such costing may involve
different methods of costing for different components. Therefore, this type of costing is known
as composite costing or multiple costing.
Uniform costing: This is not a separate method of costing, but rather a system in which a
number of firms in the same industry use the same method of costing, using agreed-on
principles and standard accounting practices. This helps in setting the price of the product
and in inter-firm comparisons.
Cost Management Tools
With the focus on cost reduction for various fuctions, the management looks at various tools for
managing and cost control in the challenging business environment. The emphasis is on serving
the customers‘ needs through different tools. The following are the various toos used in strategic
cost management
1. Activity based costing and activity based management.
2. Benchmarking.
3. Just-in-time.
4. Economic Value Addition.

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5. Target Costing.
6. Balanced Scorecard.
7. Strategic Cost Management.
8. Value analysis and strategic positional analysis.
9. Managing the capacity costs using the flexible budget techniques
10. Using cost conformance techniques with the cost of quality.
Cost Sheet
Cost sheet is a statement of costs which show the various elements of the cost of goods produced
in terms of prime cost, factory cost, cost of production, cost of goods sold, cost of sales and
profit or loss. This is typically prepared in regular intervals such as weekly, monthly, quarterly,
annually depending on the requirements of the organization.

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PROFORMA OF COST SHEET
Particulars Per Amount Amount

Unit (Rs.) (Rs.)
Opening Stock of Raw Materials *** ***
Add: ***
Purchases ***
Carriage inwards ***
Octroi & Customs Duty ***
*****
Less
Closing Stock of Raw Materials ***
RAW MATERIALS CONSUMED ***
Direct or Productive Wages / Direct Labour ***
Add: Outstanding Wages, if any *** ***
Direct or Chargeable Expenses ***
PRIME COST *** ***
Add: Works or Factory Overheads
Indirect Materials ***
Indirect wages ***
Overtime charges ***
Fuel & Power ***
Factory rent ***
Factory lighting ***
Insurance ***
Supervisor salary ***
Staff welfare expenses ***
Works expenses ***
Depreciation of P&M ***
Gas & Water ***
Drawing office expences ***
Technical Directors Fess ***
Laboratory Expenses ***
Internal Transport Expenses ***
***
Less: Sale of Scrap ***
GROSS FACTORY COST / GROSS WORKS ***
COST
Add: Opening Stock of Work-in-Progress ***
***
Less: Closing Stock of Work-in-Progress ***
NET FACTORY COST / NET WORKS COST ***
Add: Office & Administration Overheads ***
Office Salary ***
Office Rent & rates ***

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Stationery & Printing ***
Office Expenses ***
Depreciation of office building ***
Depreciation of office furniture ***
Office lighting ***
Establishment charges ***
Director‘s fees ***
Director‘s travelling expenses ***
Legal charges ***
Audit fees ***
COST OF PRODUCTION ***
Add: Opening Stock of Finished Goods ***
***
Less: Closing Stock of Finished Goods ***
COST OF GOODS SOLD *** ***
Add: Selling & Distribution Overheads
Advertising ***
Showroom expenses ***
Carriage outwards ***
Salesman commission ***
Packing expenses ***
Bad debts ***
Counting house salaries ***
Delivery van expenses ***
Travelling expenses ***
Warehouse expenses ***
Sales Manager‘s salaries ***
Sales director‘s fees ***
Sales office expenses ***
Depreciatin of Delivery van ***
Repairs of delivery van ***
Expenses of sales branches ***
TOTAL COST OR COST SALES *** ***
PROFIT *** ***
SALES REVENUE ***
Points to be noted while preparing the cost sheet
1. Pure financial expenses such as
a. Cash discount
b. Interest paid
c. Premilinary expenses written off

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d. Donations
e. Income tax paid
f. Dividend paid
g. Proft or loss on sale of fixed assets and damages payable at law etc. should
not be included in the cost sheet
2. Acquisition of capital assets viz.
a. Cost of land and building
b. Purchase of machinery
c. Furniture etc. does not form part of the cost sheet.
3. Pre-incorporation expenses such as
a. Registration expenses
b. Legal charges
c. Miscellaneous expenses should not form part of the cost sheets.
4. The closing stock of work-in-progress must be valued at the current period’s works
cost.
5. The closing stock of finished goods must be valued at the current period’s cost of
production.
6. In absence of any other information, the opening stocks of work in progress and
opening stock of finished goods must be valued at the current periods’ costs only.
7. Any value realized from the sale of scrap must be deducted before identifying the
works cost and the valuation of the closing stock of work in progress must be done
only after this treatment.
8. When the profit is given as a percentage of cost of sales
9. When the profit is given as a percentage of sales revenue

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And, Profit = Sales Revenue – Cost of Sales

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Module II (10 Hours)
Overheads, Classification and Collection, Difference between Cost Allocation and Cost
Apportionment, (Full Fledged Problems on Primary and secondary distribution, Simultaneous
equations, Absorption of Overhead, Theory on Under and Over absorption of Overhead.
Meaning
Overhead is also known as, ‗overhead cost‘, ‗overhead charges‘, ‗non-productive cost‘, ‗burden‘,
‗loading‘, ‗on cost‘ etc.
- Overhead is the cost incurred in the course of making a product, providing a service or
running a department, but which cannot be traced directly and fully to the product, service or
department.
- Overheads is actually the total of the following
1. Indirect materials.
2. Indirect labour.
3. Indirect expenses
Definition of Overheads
According to CIMA, ―overhead cost as the total cost of indirect materials, indirect labour and
indirect expenses. In short, it is the cost of materials, labour and expenses that cannot be
economically identified with specific saleable cost unit.‖
According to ICMA, ―indirect cost is an expenditure on labour, material, services which cannot
be economically identified with a specific saleable cost per unit. Overhead costs are known as
supplementary cost, indirect cost, on cost etc.‖
Classification and Collection of Overhead
There are various methods of classifying or grouping overheads, which greatly depend upon the
objectives of classification, the type or the size of the firm. Generally, the following is the
classification according to

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Classification According to Nature
According to this classification, overhead can be classified into
(a) Indirect material
(b) Indirect labour and
(c) Indirect expenses.
Indirect Material: All materials, which cannot be conveniently assigned to specific physical
units, are termed as 'indirect material'. Such commodities do not form part of the finished
products. Consumable stores, lubrication oil, stationery and spare parts for the machinery are
termed as indirect materials.
Indirect Labour: Labour employed to perform work incidental to production of goods or those
engaged for office work, selling and distribution activities are known as 'indirect labour'. The
wages paid to such workers are known as 'indirect wages' or indirect labour cost.
Example: Salary paid to the driver of the delivery van used for distribution
Indirect Expenses: All expenses excluding indirect material and indirect labour, which cannot be
directly and wholly attributed to a particular product, job or service, are termed as 'indirect
expenses'. Some examples of such expenses are: repairs to machinery, insurance, lighting and
rent of the buildings.
Classification According to Function
The main groups of this classification are
(a) Manufacturing overhead,
(b) Administrative overhead,
(c) Selling overhead and
(d) Distribution overhead.
Manufacturing overhead

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It is also known as works overhead, production overhead or factory overhead. It is the aggregate
of the indirect expenses of operating the manufacturing division of a concern and includes all
expenses incurred by the concern from the receipt of the till its completion, ready for dispatch.
It includes all overhead cost incurred from the stage of procurement of materials till the
completion of the finished product but excludes expenses on administration, selling and
distribution. For egs.
- Rent, taxes, depreciation, insurance etc. of the factory land and buildings.
- Depreciation, insurance etc. of the factory plant, machines, equipment etc.
- Consumable stores, small tools etc.
- Cost of overtime, idle time, holiday pay etc.
- Salary of foreman, time-keepers, works managers etc.
- Fuel, power, coal etc.\factory lighting, heating, ar-conditioning etc.
- Welfare expenses, canteen, recreation club etc.
- Cost of works – stationery, works-telephone etc.
- Wages paid to indirect workers – watch & ward staff, repairs etc.
Administration overhead: It is the aggregate of indirect material cost, indirect wages and
indirect expenses incurred for policy formulation, control and administration. Example:
Directors‘ remuneration.
Selling overhead: It is the cost of creating sales and retaining customers. It is the aggregate of
all indirect material costs, indirect wages and indirect expenses incurred in creating and
stimulating demand for a firm‘s products and securing orders. Example: advertisement, publicity
expenses.
Distribution overhead: It is the aggregate of indirect material cost, indirect wages and indirect
expenses incurred in preparing the packed products for despatch and making them available to
customers. Example: rates and taxes for finished goods, godown expenses.
Classification According to Variability

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Expenses are also classified on the basis of behaviour or variability; it can be found that all items
of overhead do not vary in sympathy with production. Based on this behaviour the expenses can
be divided into
- Fixed
- Variable and
- Semi-variable or semi-fixed.
Fixed overhead or constant charges or period costs remain fixed in their nature and do not vary
with changes in the volume of output.
Such expenses remain constant even if the volume of production changes; when there is more
production, and the fixed overhead is true only for a shorter period, and in the long run, they
occurs the change. Examples for this context are Salaries of staff, taxes etc.
Example of fixed costs is: depreciation of plant, rent of storage-house and building, postage,
stationery, salaries, insurance etc.
Variable or fluctuating overhead is a cost which, in the aggregate, tends to vary in direct
proportion to changes in the volume of output or turnover. In other words, these costs change in
the same ratio in which output changes.
Total variable cost will tend to vary direct with volume, while unit variable cost is likely to
remain constant at all levels.
For example, indirect material, indirect labour power and fuel, spoilage, stores handling, over
time etc.
Semi – variable Overhead
This type of overhead varies with a change in the volume of output, but not in such a proportion
as the output changes. This type stands mid-way between fixed and variable overhead.
Semi-variable overheads may remain fixed at certain levels of output, while they vary at other
levels, but not in the proportion of output changes.
For example, repairs and maintenance, depreciation of plant and machinery, telephone, salary to
supervisors etc.

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Classification According to Normality
According to this class the costs are divided into two types – normal overhead and abnormal
overhead.
Normal expenses are expected to be incurred in attaining a given output. These are unavoidable.
These can be included in production cost.
Abnormal costs are those which are not expected to occur in attaining a given output; for
example, abnormal idle time, abnormal wastage etc. such expenses may be transferred to costing
profit and loss account.
Classification According to Control
It can be divided into two types –
- Controllable costs and
- Uncontrollable costs
Controllable costs are those which can be controlled b an efficient management. For example,
idle time, wastage etc. can be controlled.
Uncontrollable costs are those which cannot be controlled. All types of fixed costs are the best
example.
Allocation and Apportionment
Allocation of overhead is the function of identifying overhead items with particular cost centres
or production and service department. Allocation is the process of charging the full amount of
overhead costs to a particular cost centre. For example, salary to the Sales Manager is allocated
to the sales Department.
Apportionment of overhead is the process of distributing those items of overhead which cannot
be allocated to a cost centre or department, between cost centres or departments on an equitable
basis. It is the process of splitting up an item of overhead cost and charging it to the cost centres
on an equitable basis. That is, where the expense is a common one and it is to be allotted to
different cost centres proportionately on an appropriate basis, it is known as apportionment.

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For example, factory rent is an expense which cannot be allocated to any one department, but is
to be shared by all production department and service departments on suitable basis.
Overhead allocation
- Allocation is the process by which whole cost items are charged direct to a cost unit or cost
centre.
- For example, the following cost will be charged to the following cost centres via the process
of allocation.
Direct labour will be charged to the production cost centre.
1. The cost of warehouse security will be charged to the warehouse cost centre.
2. Costs such as canteen are charged direct to the various overhead cost centres.
Apportionment of overhead
• Apportionment of overhead is distribution of overheads to more than one cost centre on

some equitable basis.
• When the indirect costs are common to different cost centres, these are to be apportioned
to the cost centres on an equitable basis. For example, the expenditure on general repair
and maintenance pertaining to a department can be allocated to that department but has to
be apportioned to various machines (Cost Centres) in the department.
• If the department is involved in the production of a single product, the whole repair &
maintenance of the department may be allocated to the product.

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Basis of apportionment
Overhead apportionment basis
SI.No. Name of the overhead cost Bases of apportionment

Building tax Floor Area
Lighting and heating
1
Fire insurance
Air conditioning
Fringe Benefits Number of Workers
Labour welfare expenses
2 Time Keeping
Personnel Office
Supervision
Compensation to workers Direct Wages
3 Holiday Pay
ESI & PF Contribution
General Overhead Direct labour hours or direct wages or machine
4
hours
Depreciation of P&M Capital values
5 Repairs & Maintenance of P&M.
Insurance of stock
Power / Steam consumption Technical Estimates
6 Internal transport
Managerial Salaries
7 Lighting expenses No. of light points, or floor area
Electric Power Horse power of machines, or no. of machine
8
hours, or value of machines.
Material handling & Stores overhead Weight of materials, or Quantity of Materials,
9
or Value of materials.
Primary and Secondary Distribution of Overheads
 In case of multi-product environment, there are common service cost centres which are
providing services to the various production cost centres and other service cost centres.
 The costs of services are required to be apportioned to the relevant cost centres.
 First step to be followed is to apportion the overheads to different cost centres and then
second step is to apportion the costs of service cost centres to production cost centres on
an equitable basis.

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 The first step is termed as primary distribution and the second step is termed as secondary
distribution of overheads.
Absorption of overheads
• Absorption of overheads is charging of overheads from cost centres to products or

services by means of absorption rates for each cost center which is calculated as follows:
• The base (denominator) is selected on the basis of type of the cost centre and its
contribution to the products or services, for example, machine hours, labour hours,
quantity produced etc.
Apportionment of service departments costs
The aim is to apportion all the service department costs to the production departments, in one of
three ways:
1. The direct method, where the service centre costs are apportioned to production
departments only
2. The step down method, where each service cost centers‘ are not only apportioned to
production departments but to some (but not all) of the other service centres that make
use of the services provided.
3. Apportionment of service departments costs- the reciprocal method
Apportionment of service departments costs – the reciprocal method
The repeated distribution (or reciprocal) method, where service cost centers are apportioned to
both the production departments and services department that use the services.
The service centre costs are then gradually apportioned to the production departments. This
method is used only when service departments use each other‘s services
The reciprocal method of distribution

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Steps to be followed under this method are :
i. The proportion at which the costs of a service cost centres are to be distributed to
production cost centres and other service cost centres are determined.
ii. Costs of first service cost centres are to be apportioned to production cost centres and
service cost centres in the proportion as determined in step (i).
iii. Similarly, the cost of other service cost centres are to be apportioned.
This process as stated in (ii) and (iii) are to be continued till the figures remaining undistributed
in the service cost centres are negligibly small. The negligible small amount left with service
centre may be distributed to production cost centres
Overhead absorption
• Overhead absorption is the process whereby overhead costs allocated and apportioned to
production cost centres are added to unit, job or batch costs.
• Overhead absorption is sometimes known as overhead recovery
• Therefore having allocated and/or apportioned all overheads, the next stage is to add
them to, or absorb them into, cost units
• Overheads are usually added to costs units using a predetermined overhead absorption
rate, which is calculated using figures from the budget.
Calculation of overhead absorption rate
• Estimate the overhead likely to be incurred during the period
• Estimate the activity level for the period
• Divide the estimated overhead by the budgeted activity level
• Absorb the overhead into the cost unit by applying the calculated absorption rate
Over and under absorption of overheads

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The rate of overhead absorption is based on estimates (of both numerator and
denominator) and it is quite likely that either one or both of the estimates will not agree
with what actually occurs
- Over absorption means that the overheads charged to the cost of sales is more
than the overheads actually incurred
- Under absorption means that insufficient overheads have been included in the cost
of sales
The reasons for over/under absorbed overheads
The overhead absorption rate is predetermined from budget estimates of overhead cost
and the expected volume of activity.
Over or under recovery of overhead will occur in the following circumstances:-
- Actual overhead costs are different from budgeted overhead.
- The actual activity level is different from the budgeted activity level.
- Actual overhead costs and actual activity level differ from the budgeted costs and
levels.
Apportionment of Overheads on Non-Reciprocal Basis
Service Department Bases of Apportionment

Store – keeping department No. of material requisition or value / quantity of materials
consumed in each department.
Purchase Department Value of materials purchased for each department or no. of
purchase orders placed.
Time keeping department and No. of employees, or total labour or machine hours.
Pay roll Dept.
Personnel department Rate of labour turnover, or total no. of employees in each
dept.
Canteen, welfare and recreation No. of employees, or total wages.
depts..
Maintenance dept. No. of hours worked in each departments.
Internal transport dept. Value or weigh of goods transported, or distance covered.
Inspection dept. Direct labour hurs or machine operating hours
Drawing office No. of drawings made or man hours worked.

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Difference between Cost Allocation and Cost Apportionment
Cost allocation means the allotment of whole items of cost to cost centres or cost units. Cost
apportionment, means and involves allotment or proportion of items of cost centres or cost units.
In other words, cost allocation deals with items, whereas apportionment must deal only with a
proportion of items of cost.
Further, in allocation, costs are directly allocated. But apportionment of cost needs a suitable
basis for the sub-division of the costs to various cost centres or cost units.
Allocation is a direct process. But apportionment may be made indirectly on some suitable bases.

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Module III
Marginal Costing – Nature and Scope – Applications – Break even charts and Point, Decision
Making (all types with full problems) Differential Cost Analysis, Advantages and Disadvantages
of Marginal Costing.
Marginal costing is not a method of cost ascertainment like job costing or contract costing.
Marginal costing is a technique of costing, which may be used with other method of costing, viz.,
job or process. For decision-making, it is more helpful to the management. It is also knows as
direct costing, differential costing, incremental costing and comparative costing.
In marginal costing, only variable items of costs are taken into account. These variable costs will
change in direct relation to the change in the volume of production or change in the production
by one unit.
As such, variable costs are called product costs and are changed to production. Fixed costs are
not allocated to cost unit; and these are changed directly to profit and loss account during the
period and are called as period costs or capacity costs.
Definition of Marginal Costing
According to ICMA, ―the ascertainment by differentiating between fixed costs, and variable
costs, of marginal costs and of the effect on profit of changes in volume or type of output.‖
According to Dr. Joseph, ―marginal costing is a technique of determining the amount of change
in the aggregate costs due to an increase of one unit over the existing level of production. As
such, it arises from the production of additional increments of output‖.
According to Batty, ―marginal costing as a technique of cost accounting, which pays special
attention to the behaviour of costs with changes in the volume of output‖.
Nature and Scope
- Marginal costing is a technique or working of costing, which is used in

conjunction with other methods of costing (process or job).
- Fixed and variable costs are kept separate at every stage. Semi-variable costs are
also separated into fixed and variable.

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- As fixed costs are period costs, they are excluded from product cost or cost of
production or cost of sales. Only variable costs are considered as the cost of the
product.
- When evaluation of finished goods and work-in-progress are taken into account,
they will be only variable costs.
- As fixed costs are period costs, they are charged to profit and loss accont during
the period in which they are incurred. They are not carried forward to the next
year‘s income.
- Marginal income or marginal contribution is known as the income or the profit.
- The difference between the contribution and fixed costs is the net profit or loss.
- Fixed costs remain constant irrespective of level of activity.
- Sales price and variable cost per unit remain the same.
- Cost-volume-profit relationship is fully employed to reveal the state of
profitability at various levels of activity.
Application of Marginal Costing Techniques
Marginal costing is an extremely valuable technique with the management. The cost-volume-
profit relationship has served as a key to locked storehouse of solutions to many situations. It
enables the management to tackle many problems which are faced in the practical business.
Marginal Costing helps the management in decision-making in respect of the following vital
areas:
1. Cost Control
2. Fixation Of Selling Price
3. Closure Of A Department Or Discontinuing A Product
4. Selection Of Profitable Product Mix
5. Profit Planning
6. Decision To Make Or Buy
7. Decision To Accept A Bulk Order
8. Introduction Of A New Product
9. Choice Of Technique
10. Evaluation Of Performance

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11. Decision Making
12. Maintaining A Desired Level Of Profit
13. Level Of Activity Planning
14. Alternative Methods Of Production
15. Introduction Of Product Line
Cost Control
The two types of costs – variable and fixed – are controllable and non-controllable respectively.
The variable cost is controlled by production department and the fixed cost is controlled by the
management.
Fixation of selling price
Product pricing is a very important function of management. One of the purposes of cost
accounting is the ascertainment of cost for fixation of selling price. Marginal cost of a product
represents the minimum price for that product and any sale below the marginal cost would entail
a loss of cash. There are cyclic periods in business – boom, depression, recession etc.
Selling at or Below Marginal Cost
When we sell a commodity at marginal cost, only variable cost is recovered. Generally, the price
of a product is fixed to cover variable cost as well as fixed cost, in addition to a desired profit.
Fixing the selling price below the marginal cost, invites loss of some of variable cost. The
products may be sold below the marginal cost in the following cases, when:
- A competitor is to be driven out of market.

- To popularize the product.
- Labour engaged cannot be retrenched.
- The goods are of perishable nature.
- To keep the plant in running condition.
- There is a cut throat competition.
- To use the materials, which is about to perish.
- The product is used as a loss leader for the sale of another products.
- Not to close down the firm.
- Fear of market which may go out of hand.

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- To prevent the loss of future orders.
- To capture the foreign market.
Closure of a Department or Discontinuing a Product
Marginal costing technique shows the contribution of each product to fixed costs and profit. If a
department or a product contributes the least amount, then the department can be closed or its
production can be discontinued. It means the product which gives a higher amount of
contribution may be chosen and the rest should be discontinued.
Selection of Profitable Product Mix
In a multiproduct concern, a problem is faced by the management as to which product mix or

sales mix will give the maximum profit. The product mix which gives the maximum profit must
be selected. Product mix is the ratio in which various products are produced and sold.
The marginal costing technique helps the management in taking decisions regarding changing
the ratio of product mix which gives maximum contribution or in dropping unprofitable product
line. The product which has comparatively less contribution may be reduced or discontinued.
Profit Planning
Profit planning is a plan for future operation or planning budget to attain the given objective or to
attain the maximum profit.
Decision to make or buy
A firm may make some products, parts or tools or sometimes it may buy the same thing from
outside. The management must decide which is more profitable to the firm. The management
must decide which is more profitable to the firm. If the marginal cost of the product is lower than
the price of buying from outside, then the firm can make the product.
Decision to accept a bulk order or foreign market order
Large scale purchasers may demand products at less than the market price. A decision has to be
taken now whether to accept the order or to reject it.
By reducing the normal price, the volume of output and the sales can be increased. If the price is
below the total cost, rejection of the order is aimed at. In marginal costing, the offere may be

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accepted, if the quoted price is above marginal cost, because of the reason that existing business
contribution can recover the fixed costs and the margin of profits. In such cases, the contribution
made by foreign market, or bulk orders will be an addition to the profit. But the price should not
be less than the marginal cost. However, it should not affect the normal market price.
Introduction of a New Product
A producing firm may add additional products with the available facility. The new product is
sold in the market at a reasonable price, in order to sell it in large quantities. It may become
popular. If favorable, the sales can be increased, thus the total cost comes down and contributes
some amount towards fixed costs and profits.
Choice of Technique
Every management wishes to manufacture products at the most economical way. For this, the
marginal costing is a good guide as to the products at different stages of production, that is to say
whether the management has to adopt hand operated system or semi-automatic system or
complete automatic system. When operations are done by hand, fixed cost, will be lower than the
fixed cost incurred by machines and in complete automatic system fixed costs are more than
variable cost.
Evaluation of Performance
Marginal costing helps the management in measuring the performance efficiencies of a

department or a product line or sales division. The department or the product or division which
gives the highest P/V ratio will be the most profitable one or that is having the highest
performance efficiency.
Decision Making
Price must not be less than total cost under normal conditions. Marginal costing acts as a price
fixer and a high margin will contribute to the fixed cost and profit. But this principle cannot be
followed at all times. Prices should be equal to marginal cost plus a reasonable amount, which
depends upon demand and supply, competition, policy of pricing etc.
If the price is equal to marginal cost, then there is a loss equal to fixed costs. Sometimes, the
businessman has to face loss when,

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a. There is cut-throat completion
b. There is the fear of future market
c. The goods are of perishable nature
d. The employees cannot be removed
e. A new product is introduced in the market
f. Competitors cannot be driven out etc.
Maintaining a desired level of profit
An industry has to cut prices of its products from time to time on account of competition,
government regulations and other compelling reasons. The contribution per unit on account of
such cutting is reduced while the industry is interested in maintaining a minimum level of its
profits.
Marginal costing technique can ascertain how many units have to be sold to maintain the same
level of profits.
Level of activity planning
When different levels of production and / or selling activities are being considered and the
management has to decide the optimum level of activity, the marginal costing technique helps
the management. What level of activity is optimum for a business to adopt, is an important
problem faced by businesses.
Alternative methods of production
Marginal costing techniques are also used in comparing the alternative methods of manufacture
i.e. machine work or hand work, whether one machine is to be employed instead of another etc.
many a time, management has to choose a course of action from among so many alternatives, the
changes in the marginal contribution under each of the proposed methods are worked out and the
method which gives the greatest contribution is obviously adopted keeping in view the limiting
factor if any.
Introduction of new product or product line
The technique to assess the profitability of line extension products is the incremental
contribution estimates. The same technique of contribution analysis would be followed in

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assessing the profitability of a new product line. Sales forecast would result from a market
survey and market research.
Break Even Charts and Points
In simple words, the break-even point can be defined as a point where total costs (expenses)
and total sales (revenue) are equal. Break-even point can be described as a point where there is
no net profit or loss. The firm just ―breaks even.‖ Any company which wants to make abnormal
profit, desires to have a break-even point. Graphically, it is the point where the total cost and the
total revenue curves meet.
Break-even point is the number of units (N) produced which make zero profit.
Revenue – Total costs = 0
Total costs = (Variable costs * N) + Fixed costs
Revenue = Price per unit * N
Price per unit * N – (Variable costs * N + Fixed costs) = 0
So, break-even point (N) is equal
N = Fixed costs / (Price per unit - Variable costs)

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The origins of break-even point can be found in the economic concepts of ―the point of
indifference.‖ Calculating the break-even point of a company has proved to be a simple but
quantitative tool for the managers. The break-even analysis, in its simplest form, facilitates an
insight into the fact about revenue from a product or service incorporates the ability to cover the
relevant production cost of that particular product or service or not. Moreover, the break-even
point is also helpful to managers as the provided information can be used in making important
decisions in business, for example preparing competitive bids, setting prices, and applying for
loans.
Adding more to the point, break-even analysis is a simple tool defining the lowest quantity of
sales which will include both variable and fixed costs. Moreover, such analysis facilitates the
managers with a quantity which can be used to evaluate the future demand. If, in case, the break-
even point lies above the estimated demand, reflecting a loss on the product, the manager can use
this info for taking various decisions. It might choose to discontinue the product, or improve the
advertising strategies, or even re-price the product to increase demand.
Another important usage of the break-even point is that it is helpful in recognizing the relevance
of fixed and variable cost. The fixed cost is less with a more flexible personnel and equipment
thereby resulting in a lower break-even point. The importance of break-even point, therefore,
cannot be overstated for a sound business and decision making.
However, the applicability of break-even analysis is affected by numerous assumptions. A

violation of these assumptions might result in erroneous conclusions.
Differential Cost Analysis
Some management accountants use differential cost as a synonym to marginal cost. In fact, the
theory of marginal costing is only a part of differential cost analysis. These two are similar in
some aspects and differ in certain others. The points of similarities and differences are discussed
below:
Similarities
a. Both techniques are based on the classification of costs into fixed and variable. If fixed
costs do not change, the result under both remain same.

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b. Both techniques are used for cost analysis.
c. Both techniques are used for managerial decision-making and formulating policies.
Differences
The following are the differences between differential cost analysis and marginal cost analysis:
S. Differential Cost Analysis Marginal Costing Analysis

No.
i. It is a costing technique used for decision-making It is a technique used in ascertaining the

purpose with the use of differential revenue and marginal cost and effect on changes in
differential cost. profit due to changes in volume.
ii. The differential costing can be applied in varied The scope of marginal costing is
alternative proposals hence the scope is wider. comparatively lesser.
iii. The differential costing uses the accounting The marginal costing system can be
information and it can only be part of accounting included into accounting system.
system.
iv. The main analytical tools used in differential In marginal costing, the main analytical
costing are, incremental/ decremental cost, tools are, P/V ratio, Break-even point,
incremental revenue and contribution, CVP analysis etc.
incremental/decremental profit.
v. It is not possible to ascertain exactly the The marginal cost can be calculated
differential cost and sometimes it is used in exactly by adding variable overheads to
conjunction with costs and opportunity cost. prime cost.
vi. The differential costing can be used for short- The marginal costing is mainly used for
term, medium-term and long-term decision- short-term and medium-term decision-
making. making.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Marginal Costing
Advantages
Constant in nature
Variable costs fluctuate from time to time, but in the long run, marginal costs are stable.
Marginal costs remain the same, irrespective of the volume of production.

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Effective cost control
It divides cost into fixed and variable. Fixed cost is excluded from product. As such,
management can control marginal cost effectively.
Treatment of overheads simplified
It reduces the degree of over or under-recovery of overheads due to the separation of fixed
overheads from production cost.
Uniform and realistic valuation
As the fixed overhead costs are excluded from product cost, the valuation of work-in-progress
and finished goods becomes more realistic.
Helpful to management
It enables the management to start a new line of production which is advantageous. It is helpful
in determining which is profitable whether to buy or manufacture a product. The management
can take decision regarding pricing and tendering.
Helps in production planning
It shows the amount of profit at every level of output with the help of cost volume profit
relationship. Here the break-even chart is made use of.
Better results
When used with standard costing, it gives better results.
Fixation of selling price
The differentiation between fixed costs and variable costs is very helpful in determining the
selling price of the products or services.
Sometimes, different prices are charged for the same article in different markets to meet varying
degrees of competition.
Helpful in budgetary control
The classification of expense is very helpful in budgeting and flexible budget for various levels
of activities.

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Preparing tenders
Many business enterprises have to compete in the market, in quoting the lowest prices. Total
variable cost, when separately calculated, becomes the ‗floor price‘. Any price above this floor
price may be quoted to increase the total contribution.
Make or Buy Decision
Sometimes a decision has to be made whether to manufacture a component or a product or to

buy it ready-made from the market. The decision to purchase it would be taken if the price paid
recovers some of the fixed expenses.
Better Presentation
The statements and graphs prepared under marginal costing are better understood by
management executives. The break-even analysis presents the behaviour of cost, sales,
contribution etc in terms of charts and graphs. And, thus the results can easily be grasped.
Disadvantages of Marginal Costing
Difficulty to analyse overhead
Separation f costs into fixed and variable is a difficult problem. In marginal costing, semi-
variable or semi-fixed costs are not considered.
Time element ignored
Fixed costs and variable costs are different in the short run; but in the long run, all costs are
variable. In the long run all costs change at varying levels of operation, when new plants and
equipment are introduced, fixed costs and variable costs will vary.
Unrealistic assumption
Assumption of sale price will remain the same at different levels of operation. In real life, they
may change and give unrealistic results.
Difficulty in the fixation of price
Under marginal costing, selling price is fixed on the basis of contribution. In case of cost plus
contract, it is very difficult to fix price.

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Complete information not given
It does not explain the reason for increase production or sales.
Significance lost
In capital-intensive industries, fixed costs occupy major portions in the total cost. But marginal
costs cover only variable costs. As such, it loses its significance in capital industries.
Problem of variable overheads
Marginal costing overcomes the problem of over and under-absorption of fixed overheads. Yet
there is the problem in the case of variable overheads.
Sales-oriented
Successful business has to go in a balanced way in respect of selling production functions. But
marginal costing is criticized on account of its attaching over-importance to selling function.
Thus it is said to be sales-oriented. Production function is given less importance.
Unreliable stock valuation
Under marginal costing stock of work-in-progress and finished stock is valued at variable cost
only. No portion of fixed cost is added to the value of stocks. Profit determined, under this
method, is depressed.
Claim for loss of stock
Insurance claim for loss or damage of stock on the basis of such a valuation will be unfavourable
to business.
Automation
Now-a-days increasing automation is leading to increase in fixed costs. If such increasing fixed
costs are ignored, the costing system cannot be effective and dependable.

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Module IV
Budgetary Control – Objectives of Budgetary control, Functional Budgets, Master Budgets,

Key Factor Problems on Production and Flexible Budgets.
Standard Costing – Comparison with Budgetary Control, analysis of variances, simple
problems on Material and Labour Variances Only.
Introduction
In our daily life, we use to prepare budgets for matching the expenses with income; and available
funds can be invested in a profitable manner. Similarly in business, budgets are prepared on the
basis of future estimated production and sales in order to find out the profit in a specified period.
A budget is in the nature of an estimate and is a quantified plan for future activities to coordinate
and control the use of resources for a specified period. Thus budget is a quantitative statement of
management plans and policies for a given period and is used as a guide for the purpose of
attaining the given objectives. It is also used as standard with which actual performance is
measured. Budgets must be prepared with full knowledge and acceptance by the executives
whose performance is to be measured against the budget. Different types of budgets are
prepared for different purposes.
Budgeting may be defined as the process of preparing plans for future activities of a business
enterprise after considering and involving the objectives of the said organization. This also
provides process/steps of collection and comparison of data, by which deviations from the plan,
either favourable or adverse, can be measured. This analysis is helpful in performance analysis,
cost estimation, minimizing wastage and better utilisation of resources of the organization.
Concept of Budget & Budgetary control
Budgeting is a process, which includes two important functions: Budget and Budgetary control.
Budget is a planning function and budgetary control is a controlling system or technique. A
manager looks to the future, searches for alternative courses of action and predetermines a course
of action to be taken in relation to known events and the possibilities of future problems. Thus,
the budget will do this work for the activities of a business enterprise. I.C.M.A., London defines
the budget as ―Budget is financial and/or quantitative statement, prepared prior to a defined

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period of time, of the policy to be pursued during that period for the purpose of attaining a given
object‖.
Objectives of Budgeting
It is a well-known fact that a planned activity has better chances of success than an unplanned
one. The budgeting is a forward planning and effective control tool. Thus, the objectives of the
budgeting are:
a. To control the cost and increase revenue and thereby maximise profit, so as to know
profit at different level of production and best production level.
b. To run production activities in efficient manner by lay behind the chances of interruption
in production process due to lack of material, labour etc.
c. To bring about coordination between different functions of an enterprise, which is
essential for the success of any enterprise?
d. To incorporate measures of calculation of deviations from budgeted results and analysis
of the same, whereby responsibility can be fixed and controlling measures/action can be
taken.
e. To ensure that actions taken are in accordance with the targets and if required, to take
suitable corrective action.
f. To predict short-term and long-term financial positions for better financial position and
management of working capital in better manner.
Advantages of Budgeting
The following are the advantages of budgeting:
a. Budgeting leads to maximum utilisation of resources with a view to ensuring maximum

return.
b. Budgeting increases the awareness about business enterprise at all levels of management
in the process of fulfillment of targets.
c. Budgeting is helpful in better co-ordination between different functions/activities of
business/organisation and hence, better understanding between different functions.

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d. Budgeting is a process of self-examination and self-criticism which is essential for the
success of any organisation.
e. Budgeting makes a path for active participation and support of top management.
f. Budgeting enables the organisation to prefix its goals and push up the forces towards
their achievements.
g. Budgeting stimulates the effective use of resources and creates an attitude of cost
consciousness throughout the organisation.
h. It creates the bases for measuring performances of different departments as well as
different functions of the production activities.
Limitation of budgeting
In spite of the above advantages, budgeting has the following limitations:
a. Forecasting, planning or budgeting is not an exact science and a certain amount of

judgement is present in any budgeting plan.
b. The basic requirement for the success of budgeting is the absolute support and enthusing
provided by the top management. If it is lacking at any time, the whole system will
collapse.
c. Budgeting should be followed up by effective control action, this is often lacking in many
organisations, which defeats the very purpose of budgeting.
d. The installation of budgeting system is an elaborate process and it takes time.
e. It requires the experienced man-power, technical staff, analysis, control etc, hence, it is
costly affair.
Types of Budgets
Master Budget
Master Budget is a combination of all other budgets prepared for a specific period. It shows the
overall budget plan. All the budgets are coordinated into one harmonious unit.
According to Rowland and William H. Harr, ―Master Budget is a summary of the budget
schedules in capsule form made for the purpose of presenting in one report the highlights of the
budget forecast.‖ Thus, Master Budget sets out the plan of operations for all departments in

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considerable detail for the budget period. The budget may take the form of a Profit and Loss
Account and a Balance Sheet as at the end of the budget period.
The budget generally contains details regarding sales (net), production costs, cash position, and
key account balances like debtors, fixed assets, bills payable, etc. It also shows the gross and the
net profits and the important accounting ratios. It is prepared by the Budget Officer and it
requires the approval of the Budget Committee before it is put into operation. If approved, it is
submitted to the Board of Directors for final approval. The Board may make certain alterations if
necessary before it is finally approved.
Sales Budget
The sales budget is usually the keystone in planning and control of operation of a business. Sales
forecast serves as a base for the sales budget. The sales budget is prepared in quantitative terms
of units expected to be sold and the value expected to be realised. The Sales Manager should be
made directly responsible for the preparation and execution of sales budget. This is prepared
according to the requirements of the business while preparing sales budget. The useful
classification may be-products, territories, customers, salesmen, etc. More than one classification
may be employed. However, at the time of preparing sales budget the following factors should
be kept in mind:
(a) salesmen‘s estimates (b) orders in hand (c) Past behaviour (d) Management policies for future
(e) seasonal fluctuations (f) availability of materials (g) plant capacity (h) availability of finance
(i) potential market (j) level of competition (k) position of competitors, etc. Look at the
following illustration how a sales budget is to be prepared.
Production Budget
The Production Budget is a forecast of the production for the budget period. It provides an
estimate of the total volume of production product-wise with the scheduling of operations by
days, weeks and month and also a forecast of the closing finished product inventory. It is based
on sales budget. The Factory Manager is the person generally made responsible for its
preparation, administration and execution. This budget can also be prepared department-wise.
This budget is prepared in quantity terms only. The main factors, which are useful in preparing
production budgets, are:

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(a) Inventory Policies (b) Sales Requirements (c) Uniformity of Production (d) Plant
Capacity (e) Availability of inputs (f) Duration of Production.
Production may be computed as follows:
Units to be produced = Budgeted Sales + Desired Closing Stock of finished goods– Opening
Stock of finished goods.
Materials Budget
Materials are either direct or indirect. The Material budget generally deals only with the direct
materials. Indirect materials are generally included in overhead budget. The material
requirements are estimated on the basis of quantity of each class of products to be produced by
multiplying the exact material requirement for each class of product by the number of units of
that class. Material budget can be prepared on the basis of standards or, historical data regarding
percentage of raw materials to total cost, adjusted for current price and normal wastage of
material.
The factors to be considered while preparing the Material Budget are: the quantity of material
required for the production budget, tentative dates by which required material must be available,
the availability of storage facilities as well as credit facilities, price trends in the market, nature
of the materials required etc.
Only direct materials are to be taken into account and indirect materials are not taken into
account as they are considered under overheads budget. The material budget helps the
management for proper planning of purchases. The object of the budget is to ensure the
availability of adequate quantities of materials as and when required. It will be included in the
Master Budget after the approval of Budget Committee.
Purchase Budget
Purchase Budget gives the details of material purchases to be made in the budget period. It
correlates with sales forecast and production planning. It deals with purchases that are required
for planned production. Purchases would include both direct and indirect materials and goods.
While placing the purchase orders material manager has to see the orders on hand and unfulfilled
orders at the beginning of the budget period and adjust the purchases accordingly. Purchase

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budget enables the budget officer to provide funds in the cash budget according to delivery
schedules, terms of payment and credit period. While preparing purchase budget the factors like
the opening and closing stock to be maintained, maximum and minimum stock quantities to be
maintained, economic order quantity level, the resources available, the policy of management
etc., should also be taken into account.
Budgeted Purchase Quantity = Budgeted Consumption Quantity +

required Closing Stock – Opening Stock.
Direct Labour Budget
The direct labour budget tells about the estimates of direct labour requirements essential for
carrying out the budgeted output. The quantity of labour, e.g. skilled, unskilled, semi-skilled etc
are estimated first. The time taken by them can be measured in terms of man hours Thereafter,
the total cost of labour is estimated by multiplying the rates of pay with the labour hours. The
purpose of this budget is to ensure optimum utilization of labour force.
Overhead Budget
The overheads budget should be prepared in three parts as follows:
1) Manufacturing Overhead Budget
2) Administration Overhead Budget, and
3) Selling and Distribution Overhead Budget.
Manufacturing Overhead Budget
The budget is an estimate of the manufacturing overhead costs to be incurred in the budget
period to achieve the targeted production.
Manufacturing overheads include indirect material, indirect labour, and indirect expenses related
to the factory.
The cost of each and every item of these three components of manufacturing overhead Is
separately estimated as per the requirements of production.
Administration Overhead Budget

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Administration overhead includes the costs of framing policies, directing the organisation and
controlling the business operations. Most of the administration expenses are normally
unconnected with the volume of activity, therefore, experience and anticipated changes in
conditions are the guides for the preparation of this budget.
Selling and Distribution Overhead Budget
The budget includes all expenses relating to selling, advertising, delivery of goods to customers,
etc. The overheads may be determined on the basis of sales targets being allocated to different
territories or salesman etc. Those expenses which generally vary with the sales quantity are
estimated on sales basis, others which are of a fixed nature, are estimated on the basis of past
experience and anticipated changes. The responsibility for the preparation of this budget lies
with the executives of the sales departments.
Cash Budget
A Cash Budget is a summary statement of the firms‘ expected cash inflows and outflows over a
projected time period. In other words, cash budget involves a projection of future cash receipts
and cash disbursements over various time intervals. While preparing cash budget seasonal
factors must be taken into account and in practice cash budget is prepared on a monthly basis.
The availability of other budgets is tested in terms of cash availability. Cash budget is also
called as cash flow statement which indicates cash inflow and cash outflows. It is generally
prepared for a maximum period of one year.
A cash budget helps the management in (i) determining the future cash needs of the firm, (ii)
planning for financing of the needs; (iii) exercising control over cash and liquidity of the firm.
The overall objective of a cash budget is to enable the firm to meet all its commitments in time
and at the same time prevent accumulations of unnecessary large balance with it.
Methods of Preparing Cash Budgets
There are basically three methods for preparing cash budgets.
1. Receipts and Payments Method

2. Adjusted Profit and Loss Account Method
3. Balance Sheet Method
Let us study about these methods in brief.

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1) Receipts and Payments Method
Under this method, all receipts are added and out of the total, the sum of all payments is
deducted to arrive at the balance in hand. The closing balance in hand say, for a particular month
is the opening balance of the next month and is added to the total of receipts so as to know the
total availability of cash during the month. The receipts and payments during the budget period
are found out from various functional budgets prepared. The credit allowed to debtors, the credit
allowed to us by suppliers, the delay in payment of wages and other expenses etc. are the factors,
which are taken into account to determine the timing of receipts and payments. Advance
payments and receipts are to be included but the payment in abeyance and income accrued on
outstanding are excluded from cash budget. Revenue as well as capital receipts and payments are
recorded in cash budget.
2) Adjusted Profit and Loss Account Method
The budgeting done by Adjusted Profit and Loss account method is known as cash flow
statement and is more suitable for long-term forecasting. Under this method profit is taken as
equivalent to cash and necessary adjustments are done in respect of non-cash transactions. The
net estimated profit is taken as the base and non-cash items like depreciation, outstanding
expenses, provisions etc. already deducted to arrive at the net profit are added back. The capital
receipts, reduction in debtors, stocks, increase in liabilities, issue of share capital and debentures
are other items which are added to compute the total cash receipts. The payments of dividends,
prepayments, capital payments, increase in debtors, and increase in stock and decrease in
liabilities are deducted out of the total cash receipts. The profit adjusted this way denotes the
estimated cash available.
3) Balance Sheet Method
Under this method, at the end of budget period a projected balance sheet is drawn up setting out
the various assets and liabilities, except cash and bank balances. The balancing figure would be
the estimated closing cash/bank balance. Thus, under this method, closing balances other than
cash/bank will have to be found out first to be put in the budgeted balance sheet. This can be
done by adjusting the anticipated transaction of the year in the opening balances. If the liabilities
are more than assets, this reveals a balance of cash/bank and if assets exceed liabilities, it reveals

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a bank overdraft. Thus, under Adjusted Profit and Loss method, the amount of cash is computed
by preparing a Cash Flow Statement and the same amount is computed as a balancing figure
under Balance Sheet method.
Fixed Budget
According to C.I.M.A., London, ―a fixed budget is a budget which is designed to remain

unchanged irrespective of the level of activity actually attained.‖ Thus, a budget prepared on the
basis of a standard or fixed level of activity is known as a fixed budget. It does not change with
the change in the level of activity. Therefore, it becomes an unrealistic yardstick in case the level
of activity actually attained does not confirm to the one assumed for budgeting purposes. The
management will not be in a position to assess the performance of different heads on the basis of
budgets prepared by them because they can serve as yardsticks only when the actual level of
activity corresponds to the budgeted level of activity. Fixed budget is useful when there is no
significant variation between the budgeted output and the actual output. It does not consider
variances due to changes in the volume. In the industries where the pattern of demand is stable a
fixed budget may be adequate, especially where the budget period is comparatively short. In
such concerns it is possible to forecast sales with a considerable degree of accuracy.
Flexible Budget
Flexible budget, also known as variable or sliding sale budget, is a budget which is designed to
furnish budgeted costs for any level of activity actually attained. Flexible budgeting technique
may be employed to adjust other budgets according to current conditions arising out of seasonal
variations or changes in the length of the working period etc.
According to C.I.M.A., London, ―a flexible budget is a budget designed to change in accordance

with the level of activity actually attained.‖ Thus, a budget prepared in a manner so as to give the
budgeted cost for any level of activity is known as a flexible budget. Such a budget is prepared
after considering the fixed and variable elements of cost and the changes that may be expected
for each item at various levels of operations.
Under this method, a series of budgets would be prepared at different levels of activity. Variable
items are shown in the budget as per the level of output. Fixed costs are shown at the same
amount irrespective of level of output. Sales value is computed and entered into the flexible

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budget. The position of profit or loss will be revealed at the various levels of activity.
Management will take a decision to operate at a particular level of activity where the profit is
maximum taking into account all other factors.
A flexible budget is more realistic, useful and practical. The likely changes in the actual
circumstances are taken into account while preparing a flexible budget. The technique is highly
useful for control purposes. Actual performance of an executive may be compared with what he
should have achieved in the actual circumstances and not with what he should have achieved
under quite different circumstances.
Zero Based Budgeting (ZBB)
The technique of zero based budgeting suggests that an organisation should not only make
decisions about the proposed new programmes but it should also, from time to time, review the
appropriateness of the existing programmes. Such review should particularly done of such
responsibility centres where there is relatively high proportion of discretionary costs.
Zero based budgeting, as the term suggests, examines a programme or function or responsibility
from ―scratch.‖ The reviewer proceeds on the assumption that nothing is to be allowed. The
manger proposing the activity has, therefore, to prove that the activity is essential and the various
amounts asked for are reasonable taking into account the volume of activity. Nothing is allowed
simply because it was being done or allowed in the past. Thus, it means writing on a clean slate.
Peter A. Pyhrr defined the zero based budgeting as ―an operating planning and budgeting process
which requires each manager to justify his entire budget requests in detail from scratch (hence
zero basis). Each manager states why he should spend any money at all. This approach requires
that all activities be identified as decision packages which would be evaluated by systematic
analysis ranked in order of importance.‖
Thus, a cost-benefit analysis is done in respect of every function or process. It has to be justified
while framing budgets. The assumption underlying zero base budgeting is that the budget for the
previous period was zero, therefore whatever costs are likely to be incurred or spending
programmes are chalked out, justification or the full amount is to be given. Under conventional
system of budgeting, however, the justification is to be submitted by the manager only in respect

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of the increase in the demand for allotment of funds in excess over the budget for the previous
period.
Thus, instead of functionally-oriented spending approach, programme-oriented and decision-

oriented approach is followed under zero based budgeting.
Advantages of ZBB
1) This system is decision oriented.
2) The technique is relatively elastic, because budgets are prepared every year as zero base.
3) It reduces wastage, eliminates inefficiency and reduces the overall cost of production
because every budget proposal is on the basis of cost-benefit ratio after careful evaluation of
different alternatives and the one which is ‗best‘ is approved.
4) It provides for a greater possibility of goal congruence.
5) It takes into consideration inflationary trends, competitor games and consumer behaviour.
6) It vastly improves financial planning and management information system in view of its
revolutionary approach.
Disadvantages of ZBB
1) It is possible to quantify and evaluate budget proposals involving financial matters but
computation of cost-benefit analysis is not possible in respect of non-financial matteRs
2) The cost of administration of zero based budgeting is high.
3) It may be difficult to search out various alternatives for the same activity.
4) Some decision packages are inter-related which may be difficult to rank.
5) Ranking the decision is a scientific technique. Every manager cannot be expected to have
the necessary technical expertise in this matter.
6) Zero based budgeting dismisses that the past is irrelevant and thereby challenges the
fundamental theory of continuity.
Budgeting is a continuous process of estimating and forecasting about the future and is based on
past happenings.

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Standard Costing & Variance Analysis
One of the prime functions of management accounting is to facilitate managerial control and the
important aspect of managerial control is cost control. The efficiency of management depends
upon the effective control of costs. Therefore, it is very important to plan and control cost.
Standard costing is one of the most important tools, which helps the management to plan and
control cost of business operations. Under standard costing, all costs are pre-determined and pre-
determined costs are then compared with the actual costs. The difference between pre-
determined costs and the actual costs is known as variance which is analyzed and investigated to
the reasons. The variances are then reported to management for taking remedial steps so that the
actual costs adhere to pre-determined costs. In historical costing actual costs are ascertained
only when they have been incurred. They are useful only when they are compared with
predetermined costs. Such costs are not useful to management in decision-making and cost
control. Therefore, the technique of standard costing is used as a tool for planning, decision-
making and control of business operations. In this unit you will study the basic concepts of
standard costing.
Meaning of Standard Cost
Standard costs are predetermined cost which may be used as a yardstick to measure the
efficiency with which actual costs has been incurred under given circumstance. To illustrate, the
amount of raw material required to produce a unit of product can be determined and the cost of
that raw material estimated. This becomes the standard material input. If actual raw material
usage or costs differ from the standards, the difference which is called ‗variance‘ is reported to
manager concerned. When size of the variance is significant, a detailed investigation will be
made to determine the causes of variance
According to the chartered Institute of Management Accountants (C.I.M.A) London, ―Standard

cost is the predetermined cost based on technical estimates for materials, labour and overhead for
a selected period of time for a prescribed set of working conditions.‖
The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants defines standard costs as ―Standard costs are
prepared and used to clarify the final results of a business, particularly by measurement of

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variations of actual costs from standard costs and the analysis of the causes of variations for the
purpose of maintaining efficiency of executive action.‖
Thus standard costs is a predetermined which determines what each product or service ‗should
be‘ under given circumstances. From the above definitions we may note that standard costs are:
Pre-determined cost: Standard cost is always determined in advance and ahead of

actual point of time of incurring of costs.
Based on technical estimated: Standard cost is determined only on the basis of a
technical estimate and on a rational basis.
For the purpose of Comparison: The very purpose of standard cost is to aid the
comparison with actual costs.
Based for price fixing: The prices are fixed in advance and hence the only variation
basis is the standard cost.
Concept of Standard Costing
Standard costing is a technique used for the purpose of determining standard cost and their
comparison with the actual costs to find out the causes of difference between the two so that
remedial action may be taken immediately. The Charted Institute of Management Accountants,
London, defines standard costing as ―the preparation of standard costs and applying them to
measure the variations from actual costs and analysing the causes of variations with a view to
maintain maximum efficiency in production‖.
Thus, standard costing is a technique of cost accounting which compares the ‗standard cost‘ of
each product or service, with the actual cost, to determine the efficiency of the operation. When
actual costs differ from standards the difference is called variance and when the size of the
variance is significant a detailed investigation will be made to determine the causes of variance,
so that remedial action will be taken immediately.
Thus, standard costing involves the following steps:
- Setting standard costs for different elements of costs.
- Recording of actual costs.
- Comparing between standard costs and actual costs to determine the variances

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- Analysing the variances to know the causes thereof, and
- Reporting the analysis of variances to management for taking appropriate actions wherever
necessary.
The system of standard costing can be used effectively to those industries which are producing
standardised products and are repetitive in nature. Examples are cement industry, steel industry,
sugar industry etc. The standard costing may not be suitable to jobbing industries because every
job has different specifications and it will be difficult and expensive to set standard costs for
every job. Thus, standard costing is not suitable in situations where a variety of different kinds
of tasks are being done.
Standard Cost and Estimated Costs
Estimates are pre-determined costs which are based on historical data and is often not very
scientifically determined. They usually compiled from loosely gathered information and
therefore, they are unsafe to use them as a tool for measuring performance. Standard costs are
pre-determined costs which aims at what the cost should be rather then what it will be. The
following are some of the important differences between standard cost and estimated cost
Standard Cost Estimated Cost

Standard cost emphasizes as what the cost Estimated cost emphasizes on what the cost
‗should be‘ in a given set of situations. ‗will be‘.
Standard costs are planned costs which are Estimated costs are determined by taking
determined by technical experts after into consideration the historical data as the
considering levels of efficiency and basis and adjusting it to future trends.
production
It is used as a devise for measuring It cannot be used as a devise to determine
efficiency efficiency. It only determines expected
costs.
Standard costs serve the purpose of cost Estimated costs do not serve the purpose of
control cost control.
Standard costing is part of cost accounting Estimated costs are statistical in nature and
process may not become a part of accounting.
It is a technique developed and recognised It is just an estimate and not a technique
by management and academecians
It can be used where standard costing is in It may be used in any concern operating on
operation a historical cost system.

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Standard Costing and Budgeting
Budgeting may be defined as the process of preparing plans for future activities of the business
enterprise after considering and involving the objectives of the said organisation. This also
provides process/steps of collection and preparation of data, by which deviations from the plan
can be measured. This analysis helps to measure performance, cost estimation, minimizing
wastage and better utilisation of resources of the organisation. Thus, budgets are prepared on the
basis of future estimated production and sales in order to find out the profit in a specified period.
In other words Budget is an estimate and a quantified plan for future activities to coordinate and
control the uses of resources for a specified period. According to Institute of Cost and Works
Accountants, ―A budget is a financial and / or quantitative statement prepared prior to a defined
period of time, of the Policy to be pursued during that period for the purpose of attaining a given
objective.‖ Budgeting is a process which includes both the functions of budget and budgetary
control. Budget is a planning function and budgetary control is a controlling system or a
technique. You might have already studied the budgeting in detail in Block 3, under Unit-8:
Basic Concepts of Budgeting.
The objective of the standard costing and budgeting is to achieve maximum efficiency and cost
control. Under both the systems actual performance is compared with predetermined standards,
deviations, if any, are analysed and reported. Budgeting is essential to determine standard costs
while standard costing is necessary for planning budgets. Both are complimentary in nature and
in determining the results. Besides similarities there are certain differences between standard
costing and budgeting which are as follows
Standard costing Budgeting

1. Standard costing is based on 1. It is based on standard cost, historical costs
technical information and is fixed and estimates.
scientifically.
2. Standard costs are used mainly for 2. Budgets are prepared for different
the manufacturing function and functional departments such as sales,
also for marketing and purchase, production, finance, personnel
administration functions. department. Therefore, it requires
Therefore, it does not require functional coordination.
functional coordination.
3. Standard costs emphasises the 3. Budgets emphasises cost levels which
cost levels which should be should not be exceeded.
reduced

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4. In standard costing variances are 4. In Budgeting, variances are not revealed
usually revealed through through accounts and control in exercised
accounts. by putting
budgeted figures and actual side by side.
5. In standard costing, a detailed 5. No further analysis is required if costs are
analysis is needed in case of within the budget.
variances.
6. Standard costing sets realistic 6. Budgets generally set maximum limits of
yardsticks and therefore, it is expenditure without considering the
more useful for controlling and effectiveness of expenditure.
reducing costs.
7. Standard cost is revised only 7. Budgeting is done before the beginning of
when there is a change in the each accounting period.
basic assumptions and basis.
8. Standard costs are based on the 8. Budgets are set on the basis of present
basis of standards set by level of efficiency.
management.
9. Standard costing cannot be used 9. Budgeting can be done either wholly or
partially. Standards will have to partly.
be set for all elements of cost.
10. Standard cost is a projection of 10. Budgeting is a projection of financial
cost accounts. accounts.
Variance Analysis
After the standard costs have been set, the next step is to ascertain the actual cost of each element
and compare them with the standard already set. The difference of actual from the standard is
Variance. While setting standard specific method of production is to be kept in mind. If a
different method of production is adopted, it gives rise to a different amount of cost, thereby
causing variance, known as method variance. In standard costing, Variance means the difference
between a standard cost and the comparable actual cost incurred during a period. Variance
analysis is the process of analysing variances by sub-dividing the total variance in such a way
that management can assign responsibility for any off-standard performance. Thus, variance
analysis means the measurement of the deviation of actual performance from the desired
performance.
Variance may be favourable or unfavourable depending upon whether the actual cost is less or
more than the standard cost. If the actual cost is less than the standard cost, the variance is
termed as ‗favourable‘ and if the actual cost is more than the standard cost, variance is called as
‗unfavourable‘ or ‗adverse‘ variance. The effect of favourable variance increases the profit and

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it is a sign of efficiency of the organisation. On the other hand, unfavourable variance refers to
the loss of the business and it is a sign of inefficiency of the organisation.
Controllable and Uncontrolled Variances
The variance may be classified as Controllable and Uncontrollable. Variance is said to be

controllable if it is identified as the primary responsibility of a particular person or department.
The excessive use of materials or labour hours than the standards can be attributable to a
particular person. When the variations are due to the factors beyond the control of the concerned
person or department, it is said to be uncontrolled. The rise in prices of materials, increase in
wage rates, Govt. restrictions etc., are the examples of uncontrollable variance. These factors are
not within the control of the management and the responsibility of the variance cannot be
assigned to any particular person or division. The division of variance into controllable and
uncontrollable is important from the view point of management as it can place more emphasis on
controllable variance and thus facilitates to the principle of management by exception. Standard
costing to be more realistic, sometimes the standards set are to be revised on account of changes
in uncontrollable factors like wages, materials etc. To take into account these factors into
variance, a ‗revised variance‘ is created and the basic standard is allowed to continue. This
revision variance is the difference between the standard cost originally set and the revised
standard cost.
Finding variance is not the ultimate objective of the standard costing. But their analysis and
finding the causes of variance is the ultimate aim to control cost. Control of cost depends on the
corrective action taken by the management. The analysis of variance helps the management to
locate deficiency and assign responsibility to particular person or cost centre. The next step of
the management is to find out the reason for the variance to pin points where necessary,
corrective action should be taken over.
Direct Material Variances
Materials constitute most important element of cost. Therefore, utmost care should be taken in
purchasing and using the materials. When deviations occur between the standards specified and
the actuals the following variances could be calculated:
Direct Material Cost Variance,

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Direct Material Price Variance, and
Direct Material Usage or Quantity Variance
Let us study the above variances in detail.
a. Direct Material Cost Variance:

It is the difference between the standard cost of materials specified for the output
achieved, and the actual cost of direct materials consumed. The standard cost of
materials is computed by multiplying the standard price with the standard quantity for
actual output. The actual cost is computed by multiplying actual price with the actual
quantity used. The Direct Material Variance may be calculated with help of the
following formula:
Direct Material Cost Variance (DMCV) = Standard Cost – for actual output Actual Cost
Where,
Standard Cost = Standard Price per unit X Standard Quantity used for actual output
Actual Cost = Actual Price X Actual Quantity used.
Direct material cost variance arises due to change in price of materials or change in the quantity
of material used or both. If the standard cost is more than the actual cost, the variance will be
favourable and on the other hand, if the actual cost is more than the standard cost the variance
will be unfavourable or adverse.
b. Direct Material Price Variance:

Direct Material Price Variance is the difference between actual price and standard
price of materials consumed. Material price variance may arise due to the following
reasons:
i) Changes in the prices of materials,
ii) Uneconomical size of purchase orders,
iii) Failure to purchase materials at proper time,
iv) Fluctuations in the cost of transportation and carriage of goods,
v) Buying efficiency or inefficiency

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vi) Not availing cash discounts when setting standards,
vii) Purchase of substitute material for non-availability of specified material
viii) Changes in the duty structure which is forming part of price,
ix) Inefficiency of purchase department etc.
Some of the above factors are controllable if proper care is exercised by the management.
Generally, the Purchase Manager will be held responsible for material price variance. Material
price variance will be calculated as follows:
Direct Material Price Variance = Actual Quantity (Standard Price – Actual Price)
= AQ (SP – AP)
If the standard price is more than the actual price, the variance would be favourable and in case
the actual price is more than the standard price, it shows adverse variance. Adverse material
price variance shows that unfavourable prices were paid for materials consumed and the
Purchase Manager would be asked to explain the position.
Material Usage (Quantity) Variance: Material Usage Variance is that portion of material cost
which arises due to the difference between the standard quantity specified and the actual quantity
used. In other words, it is the difference between standard quantity for actual output and actual
quantity, multiplied by standard price of material. The formula for material usage variance is as
follows:
Material Usage Variance (MUV) = Standard Price (Standard Quantity for actual output –
Actual Quantity)
MUV = SP (SQ - AQ)
This Variance will be considered favourable when standard quantity is more than actual quanity
and vice versa. The production Manager will be held responsible for material usage variance.
Material usage variance will arise due to the following reasons:
i) Use of sub-standard or defective materials,
ii) Carelessness in the use of materials,
iii) Use of substitute materials,

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iv) Inefficient production methods,
v) Change in designs than those specified,
vi) Pilferage of material,
vii) Use of non-standard mix,
Direct Material Cost Variance is equal to the sum of Direct Material Price Variance and Material
Usage Variance. Thus,
Direct Material Cost Variance = Material Price Variance + Material Usage Variance
Classification of Material Usage Variance:
When more than one type of material is used in producing a product, the total usage variance will
be classified into (a) Material mix Variance and (b) Material Yield Variance. Let us study these
two variances in detail:
a) Material Mix Variance: Material Mix Variance may be defined as that portion of the
material usage variance which is due to the difference between the standard and actual
composition of material mixture. It means that the cause of variance is due to a change in the
ratio of actual material mix from the standard material mix. The variance results from a
variation in the materials mix used in production. Material mix variance may arise in those
industries where a number of raw materials are mixed in order to produce a final product.
Examples are chemical industries, rubber industries etc.
Material Mix Variance is calculated as follows:
Material Mix Variance = (Revised Standard Quantity – Actual Quantity) X Standard Price
Or
RSQ = Total AQ X Standard Ratio
Where,

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If the actual quantity is more than revised standard quantity, an adverse variance will occur and
vice versa.
Material mix variance may arise due to the following reasons:
i) Price actually paid for materials differs from standard prices
ii) Delay in supply of raw materials
iii) Non-availability of one or more components of the mix
iv) Non-purchase of materials at proper time
v) Inefficiency in production department to use proper mix
vi) Actual mix may be different from standard mix, etc.
b) Material Yield Variance (MYV) : Material Yield Variance is calculated on the basis
of output while the other variance are calculated on the basis of input. The variance is calculated
as the difference between the standard output and the actual output. If the actual output is more
than the standard output, then the variance would be favourable and vice versa. The formula for
material yield variance is as follows:
Material Yield Variance = (Actual Yield – Standard Yield) Standard output price
Where, standard output price is the total standard material cost per unit of output,
This variance arises in the case of process industries where loss of material is inevitable in the
process of production of final product. Therefore, in these industries normal loss is to be taken
into account while setting standards. But the actual loss may be different from the normal loss
during the process of actual production. This gives rise to the variance in the standard yield.
The material yield variance may be caused due to the following reasons:
i) Defective method of operation
ii) Purchase of substandard quantity of material
iii) Lack of proper care in handling
iv) Lack of proper supervision etc.

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It should be noted that where several types of materials are used Material Revised Usage
Variance (MRUV) and Material Yield Variance (MYV) imply the same thing, though both are
computed using different formulae.
Direct Labour Variances
The labour directly engaged in the production of a product is known as direct labour. The
wages paid to such labour is known as direct wages. For example, the wages paid to a machine
operator is a direct labour cost. Labour variances arise when actual labour costs are different
from standard labour cost. The setting up of standard direct labour cost will depend upon the
following factors:
a) Methods of Production: Standardized methods of production will be decided by studying

motion study.
b) Labour time standards: The time taken by different categories of workers is known as
Labour time standard it will be ascertained by using past record performance, time and motion
study.
c) Labour rate standards: It refers to the expected wage rate to be paid to different categories
of workers. While deciding standard labour rate past wage rates, demand and supply of labour,
anticipated changes in wage rates etc. should be taken into account. The methods of wage
payment like time rates or piece rates and incentive plans are also to be considered while fixing
standard labour rate.
d) Different grade of labour mix: Standard proportion of different grades of labour mix is
another important factor in setting standard labour cost.
Direct labour variance is the difference between the standard direct labour cost specified for the
activity achieved and the actual direct labour cost incurred. It is calculated as follows:
Direct Labour Cost Variance = Standard Labour Cost – Actual Labour Cost
or
= (Std. hours X Std. Rate) – (Actual hours X Actual rate)
= (SH X SR) – (AH X AR)

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Note: When the actual output differs from standard output, standard labour cost of actual output
is to be worked out and then the following formula is to be applied:
DLCV = Std. cost of actual production – Actual cost
Direct Labour Cost Variance is sub-divided into:
1. Labour Rate Variance
2. Labour Efficiency Variance
Labour Efficiency or Time Variance may again sub-divide into:
a. Labour Idle Time Variance
b. Labour Mix Variance and Labour Yield Variance
Labour Rate Variance
Labour rate variance is that portion of the usage variance which is due to the difference between
standard rate specified and actual rate paid. It is calculated with the help of the following
formula:
Labour Rate Variance = (Standard Rate – Actual Rate) X Actual Hours Paid
LRV = (SR – AR) X AHP
The variance will be favourable if actual rate is less than the standard rate and it will be adverse
if actual rate is more than the standard rate. The responsibility for labour rate variance lies with
the production centre. Labour rate variance is generally uncontrollable.
If the variance is due to wrong grade of labour, the responsibility lies on production foreman.
Labour rate variance arises due to the following reasons:
i) Change in the basic wage rate of piece-work rate
ii) Employment of one or more workers of different grades than the standard grade
iii) Payment of more overtime than fixed earlier
iv) Higher or lower wage rates paid to casual labourers
v) Faculty recruitment and placement of workers

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vi) New workers not being paid at full wage rates etc.
Labour Time Variance or Labour Efficiency Variance
Labour efficiency ratio is the difference between the standard labour hours specified for actual
output and the actual hours paid for. This variance helps in controlling efficiency of workers and
also labour cost. This variance can be calculated as follows:
Labour Efficiency Variance = (Standard hours for actual production – Actual hours worked) X
Standard rate
OR
(LEV) = (SHAP – AHW) X SR
If actual time taken for doing a work is more than the specified standard time, the variance will
be unfavourable and vice versa. Labour efficiency ratio arises due to one or more of the
following reasons:
1) Defective machinery and equipment
2) Lack of proper supervision
3) Use of defective or non-standard materials
4) Lack of proper training to workers
5) Poor working conditions
6) Labour turnover or change over of workers from one operation to another.
7)Alterations in the methods of production
Labour efficiency variance is the responsibility of Production Manager and is similar to materials
usage variance. Both these variance measure the difference in performance.
Classification of Labour Efficiency Variance
Labour efficiency variance can be further sub-divided into:
1) Labour Idle Time Variance
2) Labour Mix Variance

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3) Labour Yield Variance
Labour Idle Time Variance
Labour Idle time variance is a sub-variance of labour efficiency variance. It is the standard wage
payable during the idle hours due to abnormal circumstance like strikes, lockout, break-down or
machinery, power cut, shortage or raw materials etc. The abnormal idle time should be separated
from the labour efficiency variance as it is due to the reasons beyond the control of workers.
Otherwise it will show inefficiency on the part of workers. This variance will always be
adverse. It is calculated as follows:
Idle Time Variance = Idle Hours X Standard Rate
ITV = IH X SR
Labour Mix Variance
It is also known as Gang composition Variance. It is similar to Material Mix variance and is a
part of labour efficiency variance. Labour mix variance arises only when two or more different
types of workers employed and the composition of actual grade of workers differ from the
standard composition of workers. The change in the labour composition may be due to shortage
of one grade of labour. This variance indicate how much labour cost variance is there due to the
change in labour composition. It is calculated with the help of the following formula:
Labour Mix Variance = Standard Cost of Standard Mix – Standard Cost of Actual Mix
LMV = SCSM – SCAM,
Or
Labour Mix Variance = (Revised Standard – Actual Hours Worked) X Standard Rate
Symbolically,
LMV = (RSH – AHW) X SR
Where,

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Where,
Actual Hours Worked = Actual hours – Idle Time
If the actual hours taken are less than the revised standard hours, the variance is favourable, and
vice versa.
Labour Revised Efficiency Variance (LREV)
This variance arises due to the difference between the total actual hours taken and the total
standard hours specified for the actual output. This variance is a sub-variance of labour
efficiency variance. It arises when there is difference between actual hours paid and actual hours
worked, there will be revised efficiency variance and idle time variance. The formula for Labour
Revised Efficiency Variance is:
LREV = (Standard Hours for Actual output – Revised Standard Hours ) X Standard Rate
Where,
Or
= Total Actual Hours Paid X Standard Ratio
Labour Yield Variance (LYV)
It is similar to Material Yield Variance. It studies the impact of actual yield on labour cost where
output varies from the standard. The formula for LYV is:
Labour Yield Variance = (Actual yield – Standard yield) X Standard labour cost per unit of
output
Where,

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If the standard yield is more than the actual yield the variance will be adverse and vice versa.
Overhead Variances
After having studied the variance analysis consisting of material and labour variances. Let us
proceed to analysis of variances relating to overheads. Now the overheads variance analysis is
different from variance analysis relating to materials and labour. Here the overheads and inputs
are already determined. These pre-determined overheads and inputs are called the standard. The
overhead is considered in terms of predetermined rate and is applied to the input. There can be
different bases for the absorption of overheads e.g., labour hours, machine tools, output (in
units), etc.
Overhead variances may be classified into fixed and variable overhead variances and fixed
overhead variance can be further analysed according to the courses. In case of variable
overheads, it is assured that variable overheads vary directly with production so that any change
in expenditure can affect costs. Some authors say that a variance may arise through inefficiency,
but as these costs are usually very small per unit of output, it is to be ignored and any variance in
variable overhead is attributed to expenditure variance. Considering the fixed overheads cost,
the difficulty arises in determining standard overhead rates. This is so because this is dependent
on the volume or level of activity. Any change in volume or level of activity causes a change in
the overhead rate. Therefore the fixing the volume or level of activity is a crucial aspect in
determining standard overhead rate. Now if the management decides to change the normal
volume or level of activity, without a corresponding change in the fixed amount of overheads,
then a change occurs in the overhead rate. Here it may be noted that in the case of material or
labour variances, the volume decision does not in any way influence the fixation of standard
rate. So to resolve this problem, normally the Budget is used in place of the standard.
Another important thing to be noted in case of overhead analysis is that different writers use
different modes of computation of overhead variance and also different terminologies. E.g.
spending variance is same as expenditure variance and volume variance is same as capacity
variance.
After having discussed the preliminary aspect of overhead variance, now we go about the
analysis of the overhead cost variances.

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Overhead cost variance is the difference between standard cost of overhead absorbed in the
output achieved and the actual overhead cost. Simply, it is the difference between total standard
overheads absorbed and total actual overheads incurred. Therefore, the formula for overhead
cost variance is as follows:
Overhead Cost Variance (OHCV) = Total Standard Overheads – Total Actual Overheads
The overhead cost variance may be divided into variable overhead cost variance and fixed
overhead cost variance. Fixed cost variance may be further divided as fixed expenditure
variance and fixed volume variance. Fixed volume variance may again be sub-divided into
efficiency variance, capacity variance and calendar variance. Let us study, how these variances
are calculated.
Variable Overhead Cost Variance (V.OH.C.V):
This variance is the difference between the standard variable overhead and the actual variable
overhead. The formula is:
Variable Overhead Cost Variance = Standard Variable overhead for actual output – Actual
Variable Overhead
Where,
Standard Variable Overhead = Standard hours allowed for actual output X Standard Variable
Overhead Rate
It is stated earlier that there are two basic variances, price and volume. If volume does not affect
the cost per unit the only variance to be calculated is price variance known as the variable
overhead variance. But when assumed that variable overheads do not move directly with output,
the variable overhead variances are to be calculated on similar lines as to fixed overhead
variances which you will study later. In this unit, we are assuming that variable overheads do
change directly with the output and infact it is the practice that many firms follow and by a
number of writers on the subject.
Variable overhead cost variances arise due to the following reasons:

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1) Advance payment of overheads
2) Outstanding overheads during the current period
3) Payment of past outstanding overheads during the current period
Fixed Overhead Variances
The treatment of these variances differ from that of variable overhead variable because of the
fact that the fixed overheads are incurred anyway and do not vary with change in production
levels. These have to be apportioned to production on a basis. Now the standard recovery rate is
fixed by considering the budgeted fixed overhead by budgeted or normal volume, regardless of
actual activity. It also can be on the basis of management‘s idea of normal volume, which may
considerably differ from actual volume or even actual time taken. So when overheads are
actually incurred, they may be over recovered or under-recovered. This over or under recovery
is known as the variance. Now this variance can be on the basis of output (in units) or standard
time
Fixed Overhead Variance
It is also called fixed overhead cost variance by some writers, and represents the total fixed
overhead variance. Actually it is the difference between the Standard fixed overhead charged on
the basis of actual fixed overhead.
Symbolically we can express it as:
Fixed Overhead Variance = Standard Fixed Overhead – Actual Fixed Overheads
Fixed Overhead Variance may be further subdivided into two:
1) Fixed overhead volume variance
2) Fixed overhead expenditure variance
1) Fixed Overhead Volume Variance: Also called as activity variance by some writers, this is
the difference between the Budgeted hours based on normal volume and the standard hours for
actual output. Now the variance occurs because all the overheads cannot actually be absorbed or
may be over absorbed in some cases.
Symbolically we can compute this variance as follows:

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Fixed overhead volume variance = Standard Rate of recovery of fixed overheads X (Standard
hours – Budgeted hours)
Where,
Classification of Fixed overhead volume
Fixed overhead volume variance can be sub-divided into:
i) Fixed overhead efficiency variance
ii) Fixed overhead calendar variance
iii) Fixed overhead capacity variance
i) Fixed Overhead Efficiency Variance: This is the difference between actual hours taken to
complete a work and standard hours that should have been taken to complete a work and
standard hours that should have been taken to complete the work.
It measures the efficiency of performance. Symbolically we can express it as
Fixed overhead efficiency variance
= Standard fixed rate of recovery X (Standard Hours– Actual hours)
ii) Fixed Overhead Calender Variance: This variance arises due to the actual time consumed,
expressed in terms of hours or days as the case may be, being different from standard time that
should have been taken. In other words, it is due to the difference between the number of
working days in the budgeted period and the number of actual working days in the period to
which the budget is applied. This variance is obtained by multiplication of the standard rate of
recovery of fixed or overhead by difference between revised budgeted hours and budgeted hours.
Symbolically it can be expressed as:
Fixed Overhead Calendar Variance
= Standard Rate of Recovery of fixed overheads (per hour) (Revised Budgeted Hours –
Budgeted Hours) or

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= (Actual no. of working days – Standard no. of working days) X Standard rate of recovery of
fixed overheads (per day)
The calendar variances arise due to the extra holidays declared to celebrate the anniversary of the
firm or on the death of a national leader or any other reason. It arises only in exceptional
circumstances as normal holidays are taken into account while setting the standards. When
there is no change in the working days then there should be no need for a calendar variance.
Generally, this variance is adverse, but sometimes it shows favourable variance where there are
extra working days.
iii) Fixed Overhead Capacity Variance: This variance arises due to difference between Revised
Budgeted Hours and the actual hours taken multiplied by the standard rate of recovery of fixed
overheads. Symbolically we can express this as:
Fixed overhead capacity variance = Standard rate of recovery of fixed overheads X (Actual hours
– Revised Budgeted hours)
Where, Revised Budgeted Hours = Standard hours per day X Actual no. of days
This variance arises when there is difference between utilization of plant capacity of planned and
actual utilization of plant capacity. It may be due to the factors like idle time, strikes, power
failure etc. This variance can be both favourable a well as unfavourable. If the actual hours
worked is more than revised budgeted hours it is favourable and vice
versa.
Check:
Fixed overhead volume variance = Fixed overhead efficiency variance + Fixed overhead
capacity variance + Fixed overhead calendar variance
Note: When there is no calendar variance, the calculation of capacity variance has to be modified
as follows:
Capacity variance = Standard Rate of recovery of fixed overheads X (Actual hours – Budgeted
Hours)
Check
Fixed overhead Volume Variance = Efficiency Variance + Capacity Variance

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Module V
Demerits of Traditional Costing, Activity Based Costing, Cost Drivers, Cost Analysis under
ABC (Unit level, Batch level and Product Sustaining Activities), Benefits and weaknesses of
ABC, Simple Problems under ABC.
Introduction
To support compliance with financial reporting requirements, a company's traditional cost-

accounting system is often articulated with its general ledger system. In essence, this linkage is
grounded in cost allocation. Typically, costs are allocated for either valuation purposes (i.e.,
financial statements for external uses) or decision-making purposes (i.e., internal uses) or both.
However, in certain instances costs also are allocated for cost-reimbursement purposes (e.g.,
hospitals and defense contractors).
The traditional approach to cost-allocation consists of three basic steps: accumulate costs within
a production or nonproduction department; allocate nonproduction department costs to
production departments; and allocate the resulting (revised) production department costs to
various products, services, or customers. Costs derived from this traditional allocation approach
suffer from several defects that can result in distorted costs for decision-making purposes. For
example, the traditional approach allocates the cost of idle capacity to products. Accordingly,
such products are charged for resources that they did not use. Seeking to remedy such
distortions, many companies have adopted a different cost-allocation approach called activity-
based costing (ABC).
Activity-Based Costing
In contrast to traditional cost-accounting systems, ABC systems first accumulate overhead costs
for each organizational activity, and then assign the costs of the activities to the products,
services, or customers (cost objects) causing that activity. As one might expect, the most critical
aspect of ABC is activity analysis. Activity analysis is the processes of identifying appropriate
output measures of activities and resources (cost drivers) and their effects on the costs of making
a product or providing a service. Significantly, as discussed in the next section, activity analysis
provides the foundation for remedying the distortions inherent in traditional cost-accounting
systems.

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Traditional Cost Accounting Systems Versus ABC
Geared toward compliance with financial reporting requirements, traditional cost-accounting

systems often allocate costs based on single-volume measures such as direct-labor hours, direct-
labor costs, or machine hours. While using a single volume measure as an overall cost driver
seldom meets the cause-and-effect criterion desired in cost allocation, it provides a relatively
cheap and convenient means of complying with financial reporting requirements.
In contrast to traditional cost-accounting systems, ABC systems are not inherently constrained
by the tenets of financial reporting requirements. Rather, ABC systems have the inherent
flexibility to provide special reports to facilitate management decisions regarding the costs of
activities undertaken to design, produce, sell, and deliver a company's products or services. At
the heart of this flexibility is the fact that ABC systems focus on accumulating costs via several
key activities, whereas traditional cost allocation focuses on accumulating costs via
organizational units. By focusing on specific activities, ABC systems provide superior cost
allocation information—especially when costs are caused by non-volume-based cost drivers.
Even so, traditional cost-accounting systems will continue to be used to satisfy conventional
financial reporting requirements. ABC systems will continue to supplement, rather than replace,
traditional cost-accounting systems.
Implementation
In most cases, a company's traditional cost-accounting system adequately measures the direct
costs of products and services, such as material and labor. As a result, ABC implementation
typically focuses on indirect costs, such as manufacturing over-head and selling, general, and
administrative costs. Given this focus, the primary goal of ABC implementation is to reclassify
most, if not all, indirect costs (as specified by the traditional cost-accounting system) as direct
costs. As a result of these reclassifications, the accuracy of the costs is greatly increased.
According to Ray H. Garrison and Eric W. Noreen, there are six basic steps required to
implement an ABC system:
1. Identify and define activities and activity pools

2. Directly trace costs to activities (to the extent feasible)

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3. Assign costs to activity cost pools
4. Calculate activity rates
5. Assign costs to cost objects using the activity rates and activity measures previously
determined
6. Prepare and distribute management reports
Costs & Benefits
While ABC systems are rather complex and costly to implement, Charles T. Horngren, Gary L.
Sundem, and William O. Stratton suggest that many companies, in both manufacturing and
nonmanufacturing industries, are adopting ABC systems for a variety of reasons:
1. Margin accuracy for individual products and services, as well as customer classifications,
is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve given that direct labor is rapidly being
replaced with automated equipment. Accordingly, a company's shared costs (i.e., indirect
costs) are becoming the most significant portion of total cost.
2. Since the rapid pace of technological change continues to reduce product life cycles,
companies do not have time to make price or cost adjustments once costing errors are
detected.
3. Companies with inaccurate cost measurements tend to lose bids due to over-cost
products, incur hidden losses due to under-costed products, and fail to detect activities
that are not cost-effective.
4. Since computer technology costs are decreasing, the price of developing and operating
ABC systems also has decreased.
In 2004 John Karolefski cited the following benefits realized by foodservice distributors and
restaurants that have converted to activity-based costing practices:
1. Understanding the true costs and productivity of capital equipment
2. Understanding which products are most profitable and where to focus sales efforts
3. More accurate pricing and determination of minimum order size
4. Less time, money, and effort spent on the wrong products

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Implementation costs are an obstacle to some, who feel that ABC is just a fad or will show little
benefit. According to Karolefski, "ABC works better if it's kept simple" (2004, pp. 18).
Nevertheless, when implemented properly ABC yields benefits to the company, its business
partners, and to consumers.
Activity-Based Management
In order to manage costs, a manager should focus on the activities that give rise to such costs.
Accordingly, given the activity focus of ABC, managers should implement ABC systems in
order to facilitate cost management. Using ABC systems to improve financial management is
called activity-based management (ABM). The goal of ABM is to improve the value received by
customers and, in doing so, to improve profits.
The key to ABM success is distinguishing between value-added costs and non-value-added
costs. A value-added cost is the cost of an activity that cannot be eliminated without affecting a
product's value to the customer. In contrast, a non-value-added cost is the cost of an activity that
can be eliminated without diminishing value. Some value-added costs are always necessary, as
long as the activity that drives such costs is performed efficiently. However, non-value-added
costs should always be minimized because they are assumed to be unnecessary. Examples of
non-valued-added activities include storing and handling inventories; transporting raw materials
or partly finished products, such as work-in-process inventory items, from one part of the plant
to another; and redundancies in production-line configurations or other activities. Oftentimes,
such non-value activities can be reduced or eliminated by careful redesign of the plant layout and
the production process.
Responsibility Accounting
As the title suggests, responsibility accounting is a cost accounting system established on a

responsibility basis. A basis is said to be responsible where actual results are as close to planned
results as possible. As such, the variances are minimal. Planned results could be stated in
budgets and standards. Properly speaking, responsibility accounting is a method of budgeting
and performance reporting created around the structure of the organization. Individual managers

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are hold accountable for the costs within their jurisdiction. The purpose, obviously, is to exercise
control over the operations.
Hence, in simple words, it could be described as a system of collecting and reporting accounting
data on the basis of managerial level. Moore and Jaedicke rightly define it as ―the approach to
accountability- identification of cost, with the persons responsible for their incurrence.
Performance is evaluated by assigned responsibilities. Reporting on performance is on the lines
of organizational structure. There is a separate report for each box of the organization chart.
Responsibility accounting considers both historical and future costs. For some purposes, the
activity of responsibility centres is expressed in historical amounts. For others, these are
expressed in estimated future amounts.

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Module VI
Cost Audit – Objectives, Advantages, Areas and Scope of Cost Audit, Cost Audit in India –
Practical – Read the contents of the report of Cost Audit and the annexure to the Cost Audit
Report.
Management Audit – Aims and the objectives, Scope of Management Audit.
Cost Audit
The institute of cost and management accountants, London says ― Cost audit is the verification of
cost accounts and a check on the adherence to cost accounting plan‖. The term stands for a
detailed checking of the costing records system and techniques of periodical intervals with a
view to verifying their correctness. It seeks to ensure that all the routines and directions relating
to cost accounts have been duly compiled with and the cost has been correctly ascertained with
reference to the circumstances and relevant data available.
Cost audit procedure
A cost auditor flows more or less the same procedure as the financial auditor and could be stated
as below
An audit programme is laid down and observed
Only a proportion of day to day transactions are checked .fully checking is undertaken
only when amounts are large or precisely exact analysis is insisted upon
Audit note sheets are compiled
Unusual items are examined and queries followed up until the auditor is certain that he
has obtained the full explanation.
Merits of cost audit
Improves performance
Cost audit reports are highly desirable basis to enter into contract
It reveals centers of excessive costs
Helps in Fair pricing policy
Helps in inter and intra firm comparison

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Overview
India was the first country in South Asia (and perhaps in the world) to make cost audit
mandatory for some of its business sectors. The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India
(ICWAI) refers to cost audit as an audit of efficiency of minute details of expenditure while the
work is in progress and not a post-mortem examination. Objectives of cost audit include the
determination and control of cost together with providing data for making judgements and
decisions on various matters, such as operational efficiency. GOI has added industries involved
in the manufacturing of plantation products together with the petroleum and telecommunication
industries in 2002 to the list of industries requiring mandatory cost audits.
Objectives
From the perspective of management: Cost audit detects errors, frauds and
misappropriation and hence enhances efficiency. 2. From the perspective of shareholders:
Cost audit ensures that the valuation of closing stock and work-in-progress are correct,
hence helps in the computation of more accurate profit figures. 3. From the perspective of
the government: To curb the profiteering by the manufacturing concerns and help in the
decision to provide tariff protection to any industry. 4. From the perspective of
customers: Customers may obtain more benefit if the cost is reduced due to effective
control, implemented as a result of a cost audit. 5. From the perspective of cost
accountants: Cost accountants, who are employees of a company, obtain a share of all
benefits derived by the company from a cost audit.
Financial Audit vs Cost Audit
Financial Audit :The Companies Act 1956, which has been amended several times, and
is now known as Companies (Amendment)/(Second Amendment) Act 2002 contains the
detailed provisions concerning the preparation of annual accounts and reporting.
Cost Audit :A cost accountant offers to perform or perform services concerning the
costing or pricing of goods and services or the preparation, verification or certification of
cost accounting and related statements.
COST AUDIT PROGRAMME The Cost Auditor should pay his attention to the
following records: Record of Materials Labour Records Record of Overhead Charges

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Depreciation Work-in-Progress Records Incomplete Records Stores and Spare Parts
Records
Cost Audit (Report) Rules, 1996
* This Rules have been amended vide the Cost Audit Report Rules 2001, dated 27.12.2001,
notification No.G.S.R. 924(E)
In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (4) of section 233B, read with sub-section (1)
of section 227 and clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 642, of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of
1956), and in supersession of the Cost Audit (Report) Rules, 1968, except as respect things done
or omitted to be done, before such supersession, the Central Government hereby makes the
following rules, namely:-
1. Short title and commencement-
(1) These rules may be called the Cost Audit (Report) Rules, 1996.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Definitions
In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,
(a) "Act" means the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956) ;
(b) "Cost Auditor" means an auditor appointed under sub-section (1) of section 233B of the Act;
(c) "Form" means the Form of Cost Audit Report specified in the Schedule ; and includes
Annexure to the Cost Audit Report and Proforma specified in the Schedule.
(d) "Product under reference" means the product to which the rules made under clause (d) of sub-
section (1) of section 209 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956) apply;
(e) "Schedule" means Schedule annexed to these rules ;
(f) All other words and expressions used in these rules but not defined, and defined in the
Act and rules made under section 209 of the Act shall have the same meanings respectively
assigned to them in the Act or rules, as the case may be.
Application –

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These rules shall apply to every company in respect of which an audit of the cost accounting
records has been ordered by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of section 233B of
the Act.
4. Form of Report-
(1) Every Cost Auditor who conducts an audit of the cost accounting records of the company
shall submit a report in triplicate to the Central Government in the Form (including Annexures
and proforma) in accordance with the procedure specified in the Schedule annexed to these rules
and at the same time forward a copy of the report to the company.
(2) Every Cost Auditor, who submits a report under sub-rule (1), shall also give clarifications, if
any, required by the Central Government on the Cost Audit Report submitted by him, within
thirty days of receipt of the communication addressed to him calling for such clarifications.
5.Time limit for submission of report -
The Cost Auditor shall send his report referred in sub-rule (1) of rule 4 to the Central
Government and to the concerned company within one hundred and eighty days from the end of
the company's financial year to which the Cost Audit Report relates.
6. Cost auditor to be furnished with the cost accounting records, etc.
(1) Without prejudice to the powers and duties the Cost Auditor shall have under sub-section (4)
of section 233B of the Act, the company and every officer thereof, including the persons referred
in sub-section (6) of section 209 of the Act, shall make available to the Cost Auditor within
ninety days from the end of the financial year of the company such cost accounting records, cost
statements, other books and papers that would be required for conducting the cost audit, and
shall render necessary assistance to the Cost Auditor so as to enable him to complete the cost
audit and sent his report within the time limit specified in rule 5.
(2) If the cost accounting records, cost statements, other books and papers are not made available
by the company within the time limit specified in sub-rule (1), the Cost Auditor shall intimate the
fact of not having made available to him such records, statements, books and papers to the
Central Government within ten days after expiry of time limit of ninety days specified in sub-
rule (1).

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7. Penalties -
(1) If default is made by any Cost Auditor in complying with the provisions of rule 4 or rule 5,
he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.
(2) If a company contravenes the provisions of rule 6, the company and every officer of the
company including the persons referred to in sub-section (6) of section 209 of the Act, who is in
default, shall, subject to the provisions of section 233B of the Act, be punishable with fine which
may extend to five hundred rupees and where the contravention is a continuing one, with a
further fine which may extend to fifty rupees for every day after the first day during which
period such contravention continues.
8. Saving-
Saving of action taken or that may be taken for contravention of the Cost Audit (Report)
Rules, 1968- It is hereby clarified that the supersession the Cost Audit (Report) Rules, 1968, as
amended from time to time, shall not in any way affect-
(i) any right, obligation or liability acquired, accrued or incurred there under ;
(ii) any penalty, forfeiture or punishment incurred in respect of any contravention committed
there under ;
(iii) any investigation, legal proceeding or remedy in respect of any such right, privilege,
obligation, liability, penalty, forfeiture or punishment as aforesaid, and ; any such investigation,
legal proceeding or remedy may be instituted, continued or enforced and any such penalty,
forfeiture or punishment may be imposed as if those rules had not been superseded.
ANNEXURE TO THE COST AUDIT REPORT
[See rule 2(c) and 4]
1. General
(1) Name and address of the registered office of the company whose accounts are audited.
(2) Name and address of the Cost Auditor.
(3)Reference number and date of Government Order under which the audit is conducted.

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(4) Reference number and date of the Government letter approving the appointment of the
Cost Auditor.
(5) The company's financial year for which the Audit Report is rendered.
(6) Location of factory/factories.
(7) Date of first commencement of commercial production of the product under reference.
(If more than one factory under the same company produces the product under reference,
particulars in respect of each may be given).
(8) If the company is engaged in other activities besides the manufacture of the product under
reference, give a brief note on the nature of such other activities.
(9) A copy of the Annual Report, along with the audited Profit and Loss Account and
Balance Sheet in respect of the company's financial year for which the report is rendered, shall
be enclosed with the Cost Audit Report.
2. Cost Accounting System
(1) Briefly describe the cost accounting system existing in the company and comment on the
same, keeping in view the requirements of the Cost Accounting Records Rules applicable to the
class of companies manufacturing the product under reference and also its adequacy or otherwise
to determine correctly the cost of production of the product.
The description of the system shall cover, inter alia, the procedure for accounting of materials,
labour, depreciation, overheads and their allocation apportionment and absorption to products,
treatment of by-products, joint products, scrap etc. Specify persistent deficiencies in the system
pointed out in earlier reports but not rectified.
(2) Give specific comments on the inventory valuation system followed for raw materials, for
work-in progress and for finished products in respect of the product under reference.
(3) Briefly specify the changes, if any made in the costing system, method of overhead
allocation, apportionment, etc. during the current financial year as compared to the previous
financial year.
3. Financial Position

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Indicate separately the particulars of amounts in respect of each items (1)(a), (2), (3)(a) and
4(a) mentioned below, duly reconciled with the financial accounts of the company and in respect
of each item 1(b), 3(b), 4(b), 5 and 6 mentioned below duly reconciled with cost accounts of the
company.
(1) Capital employed - Capital employed as average of fixed assets at net book values (excluding
intangible assets, value of revalued fixed assets, investment outside the business, capital works in
progress, miscellaneous expenditure and losses) and current assets minus current liabilities
existing at the beginning and close of the financial year.
(a) For the company as a whole ; and
(b) For the product under reference.
(2) Net Worth- Net-worth as share capital plus reserves and surplus (excluding revaluation
reserve) less accumulated losses and intangible assets. If there is any change in the composition
of the net worth during the current financial year of reporting, special mention may be made with
the reasons there for.
(3) Profit- Profit as the profit after providing for depreciation and all other expenses except
interest on borrowings including debentures but before providing for taxes on income :-
(a) For the company as a whole; and
Note:-
The profit arrived at for the company and the product shall not include interest received on
investments outside the business, capital gains, and any other income which is neither normal nor
of recurring nature. The profit so arrived shall be the normal profit earned during the current
financial period of the company.
(4) Net sales-
Define net sales as sales excluding sales returns, excise duties, sales tax, octroi and other local
taxes :-
(a) For the company as a whole; and

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(5) Operating profit-
Define operating profit as the excess of the operating revenue over the operating expenses for the
product under reference.
(6) Value addition-
Define value addition as the difference between the net output value (net sales) and cost of
bought out materials and services for the product under reference.
(7) Ratios-
Indicate ratios expressed in terms of value in rupees and as percentage separately in respect of
following, namely:-
(a) For the company is a whole;
(i) Profit arrived at item 3(3)(a) to capital employed as per item 3(1)(a) ;
(ii) Profit arrived at item 3(3)(a) to net sales as per item 3(4)(a) ;
(iii) Current assets to current liabilities;
(iv) Net worth arrived at item 3(2) to capital employed as per item 3(1)(a) ;
(v) Net worth arrived at item 3(2) to long term borrowings and liabilities.
(b) For the product under reference:
(i) Profit arrived at item 3(3) (b) to capital employed as per item 3(1) (b) ;
(ii) Profit arrived at item 3(3) (b) to net sales as per item 3(4) (b);
(iii) Operating profit arrived at item 3(5) to
(a) Capital employed as per item 3(1) (b);
(b) Net sales as per item 3(4) (b) ; and
(c) Value addition as per item 3(6);
(iv) Value addition arrived at item 3(6) as a percentage of net sales as per item 3(4)(b) ;

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(v) Working capital requirement in terms of number of months of cost of sales excluding
depreciation.
4. Production
The following information is to be given for each type of product under reference and for each
factory, namely :-
(1) Licensed/registered capacity (give reference to licence/registration number, etc.)
(2) Installed capacity.
(3) Production capacity enhanced by leasing and all details of added capacities and other
utilisations.
(4) Actual Production.
(5) Percentage of production to installed capacity.
Notes-
(i) It should be clarified whether the installed capacity is on single shift or multiple shift basis..
(ii) In order to have a meaningful comparison of production and installed capacity wherever
necessary, these should also be expressed in appropriate units e.g. standard hours or
equipment/plant/vessel occupancy hours, crushing hours, spindle/loom shifts etc. If there is any
shortfall in production of the product under reference as compared to the installed capacity, brief
comments should be furnished as to the reasons for the shortfall bringing out clearly the extent to
which they are controllable both in short term as well as long term
5. Process of manufacture
A brief note regarding the process of manufacture along with a flow chart of the product under
reference shall be given.
6. Raw materials.
(1) Show the cost of major raw materials (raw materials constituting eighty per cent and more of
the total raw material cost) consumed both in terms of quantity and value.

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Where the cost of transport, etc. of raw material is significant, specify the same separately. In the
case of imported raw materials, FOB value, ocean freight, insurance, customs duty and inland
freight charges may be indicated. If both indigenous and imported materials are consumed, the
percentage mix of the same may be indicated for each item
(2) (a) Quantity of consumption of major raw materials (raw materials constituting eighty
per cent and more of the total raw material cost) per unit of production ;
(b) Standard requirement/theoretical norm per unit of production in terms of quantity ;
(c) Explanation for variations, if any, in the quantity of consumption of major raw materials (raw
materials constituting eighty per cent and above of the total raw material cost) per unit of
production as compared to standard consumption/theoretical requirement, and also of the
consumption of the preceding two years ;
(d) Indicate the value of raw materials and components, finished and semi-finished which have
not moved for over twelve months and above and indicate their proportion to the value of stock
at the end of the year.
7. Power and fuel
(1) Give details of quantity, rate per unit and total cost in respect of each major form of power
and fuel used in production e.g. coal, furnace oil, electricity (separately for purchased and
generated) and other utilities separately.
(2) Compare the actual physical consumption per unit of production of the product under
reference with standards/budgeted if any and with the preceding two years consumption and give
comment on the differences, if any, noticed.
(3) Give impact on the unit cost of production of the product under reference due to measures
taken for the conservation or energy.
8. Wages and salaries
(1) Give total wages and salaries paid for all categories of employees, separately in respect of the
following ; namely :-
(a) direct labour cost on production ;

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(b) indirect employee costs on production ;
(c) employee costs on administration ;
(d) employee costs on selling and distribution ;
(e) other employee costs, if any (specifying purpose) ;
(f) total employee costs [Total of items (a) to (e) above].
(2) Total mandays of direct labour available and actually worked for the year.
(3) Average number of workers employed for the year.
(4) Direct labour cost per unit of output of the product under reference (if more than one type of
product, give information in respect of each).
(5) Brief explanation for variation in item 8(4) above, if any, as compared to the previous two
years.
(6) Comments on the incentive schemes, if any, with particular reference to its contribution
towards increasing productivity and its effect on cost of production.
9. Repairs and maintenance
(1) Furnish the expenditure per unit of output of the product under reference separately for the
current financial year and for the preceding two financial years for the following namely :-
(a) stores and spares ;
(b) labour charges ;
(c) outside contract repair charges.
(2) Indicate the amount and also the proportion of closing inventory of stores and spare parts
Representing items which have not moved for over twenty-four months.
10. Depreciation
(1) State the method of depreciation adopted by the company. If the company has not provided in
full for the depreciation worked out in accordance with the provisions of sub-section 2 of section
205 of the Companies Act, 1956, the extent of amount included or excluded in the cost statement
shall be indicated.

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(2) State the basis of apportionment of depreciation on common assets to the different
departments/cost centres and final absorption in the product (s) under reference.
Note-
The depreciation, if any, provided on the amount of revalued assets shall not form part of
cost of production
11. Overheads
(1) Give separately the total amounts of the following overheads both for the company and
factory and the product under reference, namely:-
(a) Factory overheads;
(b) Administration overheads;
(c) Selling overheads;
(d) Distribution overheads;
(2) Indicate the basis followed for allocation and apportionment of the common overheads
including head office expenses to the product, capital works and other activities of the company.
(3) Indicate the basis adopted for absorption of overheads to the cost centres and products.
(4) Indicate reasons for any significant variations in the overheads incurred in respect of item
11(1) as compared with the previous two financial years.
12. Sales:-
(1) Indicate the sales in quantities and net sales realisation of the product under reference
showing the average sales realisation per unit. (If more than one type of product is sold,
information to be given in respect of each).
(2) If product under reference is exported, give details of quantity exported, net realization per
unit, countries to which exported and also indicate the profit/loss incurred in exports.
(3) Where the product (such as sugar, drugs etc.) is sold at different prices in accordance with
government policy, sales realisation of each product at different prices shall be shown separately
along with quantity and value. Also indicate profit or loss per unit of production separately.

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(4) Indicate whether net sales realisation includes cost of packing, freight and delivery charges,
recoverable from the customers or not.
13. Abnormal non-recurring costs
If there were any abnormal features affecting production during the year e.g. strikes, lock
outs, major break downs in the plant, substantial power, cuts, serious accidents, etc. they shall,
wherever practicable, be briefly mentioned indicating their effect on the unit cost of
production.
14. Auditor's observations and conclusions
A. (1) The Cost Auditor shall report on-
(a) matters which appear to him to be clearly wrong in principle or apparently unjustifiable ;
(b) cases where the company's funds have been used in a negligent or inefficient manner ;
(c) factors which could have been controlled but have not been done resulting in increase in the
cost of production ;
(d) contracts or agreements, if any, between the company and other parties relating to selling,
purchasing, etc. by bringing out any peculiar features, undue benefits ;
(e) the adequacy or otherwise of budgetary control system, if any, in vogue in the
company.
(2) The Cost Auditor shall suggest measures for improvements in performance, if any, in respect
of the following, namely :-
(a) rectification of general imbalance in production facilities ;
(b) fuller utilisation of installed capacity ;
(c) concentration on areas offering scope for ;
(i) cost reduction ;
(ii) increased productivity ;
(iii) key limiting factors causing production bottlenecks ;

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(d) improved inventory policies.
(3) The Cost Auditor may give his other observations and conclusions, if any, relevant to the cost
audit.
(4) The report, suggestions, observations and conclusions given by the Cost Auditor under this
paragraph shall be based on verified data, reference to which shall be made here and shall,
wherever practicable, be included after the company has been afforded an opportunity to
comment on them.
B. (1) If as a result of the examination of the books of account, the Cost Auditor desires to give a
qualified report, he shall indicate the extent to which he has to qualify the report and the reasons
there for.
(2) A statement showing the reconciliation of the profit or loss as indicated in paragraph 3(3)(a)
with the profit or loss relating to the product under reference as arrived at on the basis of the cost
statements annexed to the report and also the net sales realisation as indicated in item 12(l) shall
be appended by the Cost Auditor.
(3) Cost Auditor shall give figures for the year under audit and for the two preceding years in
respect of paragraphs 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12
(4) If the company has more than one factory producing the product under reference,
Cost Auditor shall give separately details indicated in the Annexure for each factory.
(5) If different varieties/types of products under reference are manufactured by the company,
Cost Auditor shall give details of cost in respect of each variety, type of such product in the
Annexure and Proforma.
(6) The matters contained in the Annexure and Proforma shall be duly authenticated by the Cost
Auditor.
(7) The Cost Auditor shall ensure that the report along with Annexures and Proforma is to be
neatly stitched and bound in a file and sent by registered post or otherwise delivered in person to
the Central Government through messenger and acknowledgment obtained.
(8) All cost statements and other statements in respect of intermediate and finished products as
prescribed in Schedules I and II of the relevant cost accounting records rules made under clause

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(d) of sub-section (1) of section 209 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956), duly audited and
signed by the Cost Auditor, shall be filed with the company in respect of which the audit has
been ordered by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of section 233B of the Companies
Act, 1956 (1 of 1956).
Management Audit
A systematic assessment of methods and policies of an organization‘s management in the

administration and the use of resources, tactical and strategic planning, and employee
and organizational improvement.
The objectives of a management audit are to
Establish the current level of effectiveness
Suggest improvements and lay down standards for future performance.
Scope
The present organizational structure is reviewed in relation to current and prospective demand of
business and study must related to aims and objectives of enterprise. It includes the study of
present return on investor capital. Whether the return is adequate, fair of poor. Management audit
also requires the study of relationship of business with shareholders and investing public in
general. The performance of the concern should be compared with that of the other firms in the
same field. By comparing the different ratios we can get the comparative position of the
business. .The aims, objectives, duties should also be kept in mind of the auditor. Financial
planning and control also is a part of the management audit. . The reviews of the production and
sales function are also a important part of the management audit.

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Module VII
Reporting to Management – Purpose of reporting – Requisites of a good report, Classifications

of Report, Segment reporting, Applicability of Accounting Standard 17, Objectives, Users of
Segment reporting. Cost Reduction, and Cost Control, Target Costing – its Principles, Balanced
Scorecard as a performance measure – Features, Purpose, Reasons for use of Balanced
Scorecard.
Management Reporting Overview: A significant output of management reporting systems, but

by no means their sole output, is a recasting of the firm‘s overall financial results into profit and
loss statements arrayed by, for example:
Organization (such as division, business unit or department)
Geographic Region
Product
Client Segment
Individual Client
Introduction
Management reporting is the process of providing agency management with timely, accurate and
relevant information that is designed to assist in the strategic and operational management of an
agency.
This Information Sheet is intended to assist agencies to design and implement effective
management reporting.
Benefits of effective management reporting
Effective management reporting is critical to management in making appropriate decisions for

the efficient, effective and economical delivery of agency objectives and services.
By focusing on timely and effective management reporting, agencies benefit by:
mproved decision making

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hey arise.
Effective management reporting
Developing management reporting structures and formats are fundamental elements in providing
agency management and staff with appropriate, accurate and timely information. For example,
reporting provided to senior management would normally be ‗summary‘ reports on various
aspects of agency operations. These reports would be supported, ideally, by ‗drill-down‘
functionality allowing for transactional review by management, if required.
Reporting provided to line management and staff would generally provide more targeted and
transactional reporting on agency functions than the higher level management reports. Reporting
at the lower level should also be supported by drill-down functionality as a quick and efficient
means of reviewing transactional details if needed. Where appropriate, high level summary
reports may also be made available to line management.
When designing effective management reports, consideration may be given to:
presenting reports in form and content that satisfy users‘ needs

recognizing specific reporting preferences for users, for example, in the presentation of
financial data, some management members may better understand the data when
presented graphically, rather than in numeric table form
Ensuring reports are free from bias, errors or material misstatement
ensuring that reports are checked for accuracy prior to release
Completing and distributing reports in a timely manner
recognizing changing reporting requirements, and adapting reports accordingly
reviewing report formats that may be available from similar agencies, and adopting, after
discussion, elements of these reports to enhance the quality of current agency reports, and
seeking feedback from agency management on changes to report formats.
Reports can be set up as standard reports which are generated on a regular basis, or ad hoc
reports which are developed in response to specific agency demands. Standard report formats

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should provide management with the information required for day to day agency activities and
may, depending on user requirements, include:
Reports on key performance indicators, achievement of government commitments,

operational/service delivery
Capital project reports, including information such as:
o budget and actual cost review
o project timelines
o project variations, and
o estimated time to completion.
Budget/forecast versus actual results (financial and non-financial performance), and other
reports, such as:
staffing levels
revenue and expenses by line item, program, category, asset class or project
schedules of assets, including estimates of remaining useful lives
schedules of liabilities, including payment due dates, and
cash flow reports.
While the timing of standard reports will differ depending upon the nature of the information,
many of the above reports should be prepared on a monthly basis.
Ad hoc reports should be available to management in timeframes and formats that allow
effective and timely decision making by management. For example, performance reporting on
high risk projects might be more regularly reported than those considered to be low risk. A
simple ‗traffic light‘ approach may be incorporated to draw attention to urgent or problem areas
requiring immediate attention.
Assessment of the effectiveness of management reporting can be enhanced through:

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management reporting systems capabilities), and
Applications of Management Reporting:
Management reporting systems frequently are critical tools for evaluating the performance of
organizations and managers, and sometimes that of lower level employees as well. The results
can be key determinants of compensation, such as the setting of bonus pools. For example, the
head and staff of a business unit might have their bonuses driven off the profit that a
management reporting system ascribes to that unit. Likewise for a product manager, if the firm
has a well develope product profitability measurement system. Also for a marketing manager
with responsibility for the development and profitability of a given client segment, if the
performance of that segment is measured.
Accounting Standards Objective
The objective of this Standard is to establish principles for reporting financial information, about
the different types of products and services an enterprise produces and the different geographical
areas in which it operates. Such information helps users of financial statements:
(a) Better understand the performance of the enterprise;
(b) Better assess the risks and returns of the enterprise; and
(c) Make more informed judgements about the enterprise as a whole.
Many enterprises provide groups of products and services or operate in geographical areas that
are subject to differing rates of profitability, opportunities for growth, future prospects, and risks.
Information about different types of products and services of an enterprise and its operations in
different geographical areas - often called segment information - is relevant to assessing the risks
and returns of a diversified or multi-locational enterprise but may not be determinable from the
aggregated data. Therefore, reporting of segment information is widely regarded as necessary for
meeting the needs of users of financial statements

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Applicability Of Accounting Standards
For the purpose of applicability of Accounting Standards, enterprises are classified into three
categories, viz.; Level I, Level II and Level III. Under this classification, Level II and Level III
enterprises are considered as Small and Medium Enterprises.
Criteria for Classification of Enterprises
1. Criteria for classification of non-corporate entities as decided by the Institute of

Chartered Accountants of India
Level I Entities
Non-corporate entities which fall in any one or more of the following categories, at the end of the
relevant accounting period, are classified as Level I entities:
i. Entities whose equity or debt securities are listed or are in the process of listing on any stock
exchange, whether in India or outside India.
ii. Banks (including co-operative banks), financial institutions or entities carrying on insurance
business.
iii. All commercial, industrial and business reporting entities, whose turnover (excluding other
income) exceeds rupees fifty crore in the immediately preceding accounting year.
iv. All commercial, industrial and business reporting entities having borrowings (including
public deposits) in excess of rupees ten crore at any time during the immediately preceding
accounting year.
v. holding and subsidiary entities of any one of the above.
Level II Entities (SMEs)
Non-corporate entities which are not Level I entities but fall in any one or more of the following
categories are classified as Level II entities:
i. All commercial, industrial and business reporting entities, whose turnover (excluding other
income) exceeds rupees forty lakh but does not exceed rupees fifty crore in the immediately
preceding accounting year.

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ii. All commercial, industrial and business reporting entities having borrowings (including public
deposits) in excess of rupees one crore but not in excess of rupees ten crore at any time during
the immediately preceding accounting year.
iii. Holding and subsidiary entities of any one of the above.
Level III Entities (SMEs)
Non-corporate entities which are not covered under Level I and Level II are considered as Level
III entities.
1. Criteria for classification of companies under the Companies (Accounting

Standards) Rules, 2006
Small and Medium-Sized Company (SMC) as defined in Clause 2(f) of the Companies
(Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006:
―Small and Medium Sized Company‖ (SMC) means, a company-
i. whose equity or debt securities are not listed or are not in the process of listing on any stock
exchange, whether in India or outside India;
ii. which is not a bank, financial institution or an insurance company;
iii. whose turnover (excluding other income) does not exceed rupees fifty crore in the
immediately preceding accounting year;
iv. which does not have borrowings (including public deposits) in excess of rupees ten crore at
any time during the immediately preceding accounting year; and
v. which is not a holding or subsidiary company of a company which is not a small and medium-
sized company.
Explanation: For the purposes of clause (f), a company shall qualify as a Small and Medium
Sized Company, if the conditions mentioned therein are satisfied as at the end of the relevant
accounting period.

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Cost control and cost reduction
Cost control is operated through setting standards of targets and comparing actual performance
therewith, with a view to identify deviations from standards or norms and taking corrective
action in order to ensure that future performance conforms to standards or norms.
Cost reduction is a continuous process of critical cost examination, analysis and challenge of
standards. Each aspect of business viz., products, process, procedures, methods, organization,
personnel, etc. is critically examined and reviewed with a view of improving efficiency and
effectiveness and reducing the costs.
Cost control lacks the dynamic approach which planned cost reduction demands. In cost
reduction, standards which are the basis of control are constantly challenged for improvement.
Important aspects or elements of cost control
A standard performance
A system for accumulating actual loss
Clearly defined authority
A timely comparison
An effective reporting system
Investigating variances
Corrective action
Motivated employees
Tools and techniques to control and reduce costs
Budgetary control
Standard costing
Control Ratios
Value analysis
Works study

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Standardization and methods study
Production Planning and control
Operations research
Distinction between Cost Control and Cost Reduction:
COST CONTROL COST REDUCTION
Controls costs towards achievement of Represents real and permanent decrease in

predetermined target or goals costs.
It is a routine exercise. It is a planned process.
It is a preventive function It is a corrective function.
Target costing
Target costing is a system under which a company plans in advance for the product price points,
product costs, and margins that it wants to achieve. If it cannot manufacture a product at these
planned levels, then it cancels the product entirely. With target costing, a management team has a
powerful tool for continually monitoring products from the moment they enter the design phase
and onward throughout their product life cycles. It is considered one of the most important tools
for achieving consistent profitability.
The primary steps in the target costing process are:
1. Conduct research. The first step is to review the marketplace in which the company
wants to sell products. The team needs to determine the set of product features that
customers are most likely to buy, and the amount they will pay for those features. The
team must learn about the perceived value of individual features, in case they later need
to determine what impact there will be on the product price if they drop one or more of
them. It may be necessary to later drop a product feature if the team decides that it cannot
provide the feature while still meeting its target cost. At the end of this process, the team
has a good idea of the target price at which it can sell the proposed product with a certain
set of features, and how it must alter the price if it drops some features from the product.

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2. Calculate maximum cost. The company provides the design team with a mandated gross
margin that the proposed product must earn. By subtracting the mandated gross margin
from the projected product price, the team can easily determine the maximum target cost
that the product must achieve before it can be allowed into production.
3. Engineer the product. The engineers and procurement personnel on the team now take
the leading role in creating the product. The procurement staff is particularly important if
the product has a high proportion of purchased parts; they must determine component
pricing based on the necessary quality, delivery, and quantity levels expected for the
product. They may also be involved in outsourcing parts, if this results in lower costs.
The engineers must design the product to meet the cost target, which will likely include a
number of design iterations to see which combination of revised features and design
considerations results in the lowest cost.
4. Ongoing activities. Once a product design is finalized and approved, the team is
reconstituted to include fewer designers and more industrial engineers. The team now
enters into a new phase of reducing production costs, which continues for the life of the
product. For example, cost reductions may come from waste reductions in production
(known as kaizen costing), or from planned supplier cost reductions. These ongoing cost
reductions yield enough additional gross margin for the company to further reduce the
price of the product over time, in response to increases in the level of competition.
Balanced Scorecard:
Balanced scorecard was made popular by Kaplan and Norton. It is a management tool that
presents a holistic view of the company measures. It is a reporting tool that shows the financial
and non-financial metrics of a company. It can be used for real time monitoring of the company
metrics. The balanced scorecard is a single report consisting of mainly four perspectives. The
idea is to monitor not only the financial but also the non financial parameters that are critical to a
company's success.

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Key Performance Indicators (KPI) –
Key performance indicators are the metrics that may be the part of the balanced scorecard. KPIs
are used to present actionable results across the organization. The selection of KPIs is a tricky
area and can sometimes be an art. However, any KPI selected should be actionable and should be
relevant. Here's one way to select KPIs
1.List down the organizations vision and goals.
2. Prepare a strategy map that is in line with the company goals.
3. Divide the strategy map into different components (financial, non-financial etc).
4. List down business processes for each strategy.
5. List down the critical success factors (CSF) for each business process.
6. Design metrics that monitor these critical success factors on an on-demand basis.
KPIs have the following characteristics:

-> The KPI should be actionable. The management should be able to use the KPI dashboard for
decision making. The employees should use the dashboard to align and modify their activities so
that the activities are in line with the company goals.
-> The KPI should be mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive - Two KPIs that give the
same kind of information are redundant. Each KPI should be responsible for causing a unique
action. Each KPI should try and encompass multiple Critical Factors.

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Benefits Of balanced score card
1) Scorecards drive better performance.
The evidence is clear that solid feedback enhances performance—at all levels and across all
organizational units. When people people and groups throughout an enterprise know how they
are doing and what needs improving, they do better.
2) Scorecards implement strategy.
Scorecards translate your strategy into concrete terms and help you track its implementation.
Though scorecards also reflect operational issues, they are developed in a way that specifically
directs attention to your strategy and future direction.
3) Scorecards help ensure that you have the right measures.
A group of measures implemented without a well-thought-out performance model in mind or,

worse yet, imposed from the outside, seldom bring new focus or drive desired actions. Effective
performance scorecards are, by nature, consciously and purposefully constructed. In building
one, you develop a logical structure that helps everyone know what should be measured, what
belongs on the scorecard and what does not belong.
4) Scorecards encourage balanced performance.
Executing today‘s work is absolutely crucial, but so is implementing the strategic initiatives that
prepare the enterprise for tomorrow. The proper scorecard design keeps the right balance of
operational and strategic factors on your radar screen.
5) Scorecards point out what‘s missing.
Because your scorecard is designed to offer a comprehensive view of how the enterprise is
doing and where it‘s going, the scorecard will help you see if any key factors are missing—the
gaps stand out. Those who use unstructured measures without an underlying performance model
have no way of knowing what may be missing
6) Scorecards encourage good management.
As noted earlier, scorecards make it possible to readily monitor all the measures in a complex
organization. As a result, reviews are more regular and more thorough. When performance issues

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stand out on a top-level scorecard, it‘s possible to ―drill down‖ to layers of data that give further
details. The bottom line is that scorecards encourage thorough monitoring and timely corrective
actions.
7) Scorecards communicate
Many individuals and groups take a keen interest in the performance of an enterprise.
Strong scorecards help you tell the full story of performance—how the complex variables are
being balanced and optimized as a group. This allows you to present a compelling picture of
performance that is undistorted by focus on an individual issue.
Segmental Reporting
Segment reporting is the reporting of the operating segments of a company in the disclosures
accompanying its financial statements. Segment reporting is required for publicly-held entities,
and is not required for privately held ones. Segment reporting is intended to give information to
investors and creditors regarding the financial results and position of the most important
operating units of a company, which they can use as the basis for decisions related to the
company.
Under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), an operating segment engages in

business activities from which it may earn revenue and incur expenses, has discrete financial
information available, and whose results are regularly reviewed by the entity's chief operating
decision maker for performance assessment and resource allocation decisions. Follow these rules
to determine which segments need to be reported:
 Aggregate the results of two or more segments if they have similar products, services,
processes, customers, distribution methods, and regulatory environments.
 Report a segment if it has at least 10% of the revenues, 10% of the profit or loss, or 10%
of the combined assets of the entity.
 If the total revenue of the segments you have selected under the preceding criteria
comprise less than 75% of the entity's total revenue, then add more segments until you reach that
threshold.

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 You can add more segments beyond the minimum just noted, but consider a reduction if
the total exceeds ten segments.
The information you should include in segment reporting includes:
 The factors used to identify reportable segments
 The types of products and services sold by each segment
 The basis of organization (such as being organized around a geographic region, product
line, and so forth)
 Revenues
 Interest expense
 Depreciation and amortization
 Material expense items
 Equity method interests in other entities
 Income tax expense or income
 Other material non-cash items
 Profit or loss
The segment reporting requirements under International Financial Reporting Standards are
essentially identical to the requirements just noted under GAAP.

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Smartworld.

Cost Management 14MBAFM305

Introduction to Cost Management – Cost Accounting to Cost Management – Elements of costs

Budgetary Control – Objectives of Budgetary control, Functional Budgets, Master Budgets,

Standard Costing – Comparison with Budgetary Control, analysis of variances, simple

Dept. of MBA / SJBIT Page 1

Cost Management 14MBAFM305

Management Audit – Aims and the objectives, Scope of Management Audit.

Reporting to Management – Purpose of reporting – Requisites of a good report, Classifications

1. Cost Accounting: Theory & Practice – Bhabatosh Banerjee 13/e, PHI.

2. A text book of cost and management accounting – Arora M N, 11/e, Vikas.

3. Cost Accounting – Jawaharlal & Seema Srivastava, 4/e, TMH.

4. Accounting & Costing for Management – Sinha P K, Excel Books, 2010

1. Cost Accounting – Khan & Jain, TMH.

2. Principles and Practice of Cost Accounting – Bhattacharyya, 3/e, PHI.

3. Management Accounting – Khan M Y & Jain P K, 6/e, McGraw Hill, 2012.

Dept. of MBA / SJBIT Page 2

Cost Management 14MBAFM305

MODULE NO. CONTENTS PAGE NO.

I INTRODUCTION TO COST MANAGEMENT 4 – 26

III MARGINAL COSTING 38 – 49

VI COST AUDIT 86 – 100

VII REPORTING TO MANAGEMENT 101 – 113

Dept. of MBA / SJBIT Page 3

Cost Management 14MBAFM305

Introduction to Cost Management – Cost Accounting to Cost Management – Elements of costs

Cost Accounting to Cost Management

a. Collection and classification of expenditure according to the cost elements and,

Dept. of MBA / SJBIT Page 4

Cost Management 14MBAFM305

2. To assess the overall performance of a product through its life cycle.

4. To control the costs at every stage as much as possible.

5. To evaluate the measures to be introduced in the process of controlling the costs.

7. To measure the variances form the actually planned goals.

8. To reset the activities towards the organizational goals.

Basic cost elements are:

Material (Material is a very important part of business)

o Direct material/Indirect material

o Direct labor/Indirect labor

o Production or works overheads

Dept. of MBA / SJBIT Page 5

Cost Management 14MBAFM305

o Maintenance & Repair

o Other Variable Expenses

o Other Fixed Expenses

Dept. of MBA / SJBIT Page 6

Cost Management 14MBAFM305

(b) Primary packing material (e.g. carton, wrapping, cardboard, etc.)

(c) Materials passing from one process to another as inputs.

Dept. of MBA / SJBIT Page 7

Cost Management 14MBAFM305

Costs may be classified on different bases. They can be classified as follows:

1. By time (historical, predetermined)

2. By nature of elements (material, labour, overhead)

3. By association (product or period)

4. By traceability (direct, indirect)

5. By changes in activities or volume (fixed, variable, semi-variable)

6. By function (manufacturing, administration, selling, research and development)