Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2011 in the subject Business economics - Accounting and Taxes, grade: 63%, University of Sunderland, course: Management Accounting and Control, language: English, abstract: This report is divided into two parts. The first part will explain how a standard costing system works and how a variance analysis is used properly. Furthermore, the statement “Standard Costing and Variance Analysis are appropriate to any type and size of organisation” will be critically evaluated. The second part determines factors, which must be considered in the decision-making process. In addition, four scenarios of decisions will be provided and analysed. One of the main objectives of an organisation is to minimise the cost of production and to control the costs as they are limited resources within a business (Gupta, 2010). Management accounting literature provides several tools in order to achieve these objectives. In this context, the system for collecting and reporting revenue and cost information by areas of responsibility is called responsibility accounting (Siegel & Shim, 2006). It is based on the assumption that managers should be held responsible for their performance. A well-designed responsibility accounting system integrates responsibility centers within the organisation. In addition, responsibility centers are units within the organization, which have control over costs and revenues (Siegel & Shim, 2006). There are different types of responsibility centers such as profit centers, investment centers, revenue centers and cost centers. In the following report, the focus is on cost centers. Here, a variance analysis based on standard costing is a performance measure of a cost center (Siegel & Shim, 2006). In addition, a standard costing system is a useful tool facilitating decision-making.

Standard costing is the foundation upon which much management accounting and budgetary practice rests, yet it is often misunderstood. In this book Colin Drury sets out the nature and scope of standard costing whilst clearly identifying its limitations. The calculation and interpretation of the full range of cost accounting variances is covered, together with the formal analysis of the decision to investigate variances. The way in which standard costing information is recorded in the accounts is also dealt with in depth, as this step is essential to a full appreciation of the role of standard costing. Finally, the usefulness of traditional standard costing techniques in a modern production environment is assessed.

The book sets a new standard for cost accounting textbooks. It aims at equipping students with a solid grounding in the concepts of cost accounting. With rich pedagogy and an easy-to-understand approach, it meets the specific requirements of the undergraduate students of different Indian universities. This book can also be useful for the students of CA, CS, MBA and ICWA level of Indian universities.

An updated edition to cover the requirements of the 2000 A Level specifications. This book is also useful as an introduction to professional accounting courses. Numerous examples and exercises.

A less-expensive grayscale paperback version is available. Search for ISBN 9781680922936. Principles of Accounting is designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of a two-semester accounting course that covers the fundamentals of financial and managerial accounting. This book is specifically designed to appeal to both accounting and non-accounting majors, exposing students to the core concepts of accounting in familiar ways to build a strong foundation that can be applied across business fields. Each chapter opens with a relatable real-life scenario for today's college student. Thoughtfully designed examples are presented throughout each chapter, allowing students to build on emerging accounting knowledge. Concepts are further reinforced through applicable connections to more detailed business processes. Students are immersed in the "why" as well as the "how" aspects of accounting in order to reinforce concepts and promote comprehension over rote memorization.