Name Four Approaches To Estimating A Cost Function
Name Four Approaches To Estimating A Cost Function
Name Four Approaches To Estimating A Cost Function
10-6 Describe the conference method for estimating a cost function. What are two advantages
of this method?
The conference method estimates cost functions on the basis of analysis and opinions about costs
and their drivers gathered from various departments of a company (purchasing, process
engineering, manufacturing, employee relations, etc.). Advantages of the conference method
include
1. The speed with which cost estimates can be developed.
2. The pooling of knowledge from experts across functional areas.
3. The improved credibility of the cost function to all personnel.
10-7 Describe the account analysis method for estimating a cost function.
The account analysis method estimates cost functions by classifying cost accounts in the
subsidiary ledger as variable, fixed, or mixed with respect to the identified level of activity.
Typically, managers use qualitative, rather than quantitative, analysis when making these cost-
classification decisions.
10-8 List the six steps in estimating a cost function on the basis of an analysis of a past cost
relationship. Which step is typically the most difficult for the cost analyst?