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Essay Instructions: First read the following and (1) compare competing cost accounting approaches (including advantages and disadvantages), and (2) discuss cost accounting methods used and best practices in different countries. Reading these materials carefully should help you complete and respond to the assignment expectations adequately.

Start with the additional files that I attached then the following:

Abdallah, Abed Al-Nasser and Li, Wei. (2008). Why did ABC fail at the Bank of China? Management Accounting Quarterly. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=1&SrchMode=1&sid=7&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=3&clientId=29440

de Modesti, Marco Antonio & Eriksen, Scott. (2008). The redesign and implementation of a cost accounting system for America Latina Logistica. Management Accounting Quarterly. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=1&SrchMode=1&sid=8&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=6&clientId=29440

Krumwiede, Kip and Suessmair, Augustin, (2008). A closer look at German cost accounting methods: a survey of the cost management systems used by companies in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Management Accounting Quarterly. Retrieved July 26, 2010, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0OOL/is_1_10/ai_n31370936/?tag=r bxcra.2.a.55

Lockhart, Julie and Taylor, Audrey, (2007). Environmental considerations in product mix decisions using ABC and TOC. Management Accounting Quarterly. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=1&SrchMode=1&sid=9&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=7&clientId=29440

Aghili, S. 2011. Throughput Metrics Meet Six Sigma. Management Accounting Quarterly. Montvale: Spring 2011. Vol. 12, Iss. 3; pg. 12. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=6&did=1&SrchMode=1&sid=6&Fmt=2&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=8&clientId=29440

Portz, K., Lere, J. C. 2010. Cost Center Practices in Germany and the United States: Impact of Country Differences on Managerial Accounting Practices. American Journal of Business. Muncie: Spring, 2010. Vol. 25, Iss. 1; pg. 45. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=25&did=1&SrchMode=1&sid=6&Fmt=2&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1&clientId=29440


ASSIGNMENT
Now develop a well organized essay which addresses the following questions. Be sure to support your answer with appropriate citations and arguments.

What are the relative tradeoffs in assessing and utilizing cost accounting systems? Why do these approaches to cost accounting differ among nations or do they? How should companies approach the challenge of developing meaningful systems which are universally accepted?

assignment expectations:

Use information from the modular background readings as well as any other reliable resources you use. Please cite all sources and provide a reference list at the end of your paper.

LENGTH: 3-4 pages typed and double-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman Font, 1 inch margins (all)

The following items will be evaluated in particular:

Your ability to identify the relative tradeoffs in assessing and utilizing cost accounting systems
Your ability to include the best practices in cost accounting in the US and International Communities
Explain the approach to develop an universally accepted cost accounting system
Grading rubric:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/16251375/Graduate/ACC%20504%20grading%20rubric.docx

Essay Instructions: explain what the balance scoredcard is in detail and how it can be related to cost accounting.

Essay Instructions: Focus of the Final Paper
Submit a paper on one of the major topics listed below, incorporating at least two related articles of your choice. You may come up with your own topic, but it must be approved by your instructor.

How do stock prices and dividends reflect the value of the firm?
What does a statement of cash flows tell us about the short and long term prospects of the firm? How does an outside review use a statement of cash flows and other financial statements to assess the viability of the firm?
Why is cost accounting so important to the success of the firm? What are the various methods of cost accounting and how are they used?
How does an operating budget work to discipline a firm’s management? What are the elements of a budget? How are budgets constructed? What is budget variance?
What is management accounting? What are the sources of data? How are the data used to make management decisions?

Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:

Must be 4 to 6 double-spaced pages in length in body, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a title page with the following:
Title of paper
Student’s name
Date submitted
Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
Must use at least 3 scholarly sources
Must document all sources in APA style.
Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style

Essay Instructions: Accountability/Responsibility are used in Cost Accounting (Decision Making)
a.Responsibility of managers in managing projects and creating budgets
b.Accountable for achieving financial performance targets
c. Discuss accountability/responsibility and relate back to Scripture.
d. Decision-making in cost accounting with a focus on ethics (Accountability/Responsibility part of it)