As Was the Case with the Material Presented in Text

question 91

Essay

As was the case with the material presented in text Chapter 14, the cost variances covered in Chapter 15 are directed at what might be called short-term financial control. These variances are calculated based on standard costs and the use of flexible budgets. Periodic reports containing these variances are but a part of a larger and more comprehensive management accounting and control system.

Required:
1. Explain some of the inherent limitations of short-term financial performance measures (such as standard cost variances).
2. Explain how such measures might be supplemented to better meet the planning and control needs of management.

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Definitions:

Annuity

A financial product that pays out a fixed stream of payments to an individual, typically used as part of a retirement strategy.

Fixed Period

Refers to a specific duration of time that does not change, often set for contracts or payments.

Cash Flows

Pertains to the total sum of cash and cash-equivalents moving in and out of a business.

Annual Percentage Rate

The cost of borrowing or the yield from an investment, expressed as a single percentage number that represents the yearly cost over the term of a loan or income from an investment.