Strategic Cost Analysis

3 units

This course develops executives’ ability to use managerial accounting and management control systems to achieve and sustain competitive advantage. It examines how organizations design rules, information, and performance measures to guide employee actions when direct monitoring is infeasible. Emphasis is placed on aligning cost systems, incentives, and controls with organizational strategy across for-profit and not-for-profit settings. The course integrates modern tools such as data analytics, activity-based management, balanced scorecards, and value-based performance measures. Students learn how evolving demands for cost efficiency, quality, speed, and customer focus reshape management and accounting systems beyond traditional financial reporting. Through theory, applications, and practice, the course highlights effective design, implementation, and use of strategic costing, budgeting, variance analysis, and performance evaluation systems.