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The Complete CPA Reference
book

The Complete CPA Reference

by Nick A. Dauber, Jae K. Shim, Joel G. Siegel
May 2012
Intermediate to advanced
725 pages
18h 38m
English
Wiley
Content preview from The Complete CPA Reference

CHAPTER 8

Analysis of Projects, Proposals, and Special Situations

Accountants need to be equipped with various tools and techniques in order to cope with short-term and long-term decisions. Cost–volume–profit (CVP) analysis is an extremely useful tool for accountants. When used in conjunction with any spreadsheet program, it can help accountants choose a wise decision by simulating a variety of what-if scenarios. Analysis of short-term, special decisions typically requires such simple concepts as contribution margin and relevant costs. Long-term investment decisions, commonly called capital budgeting, however, require not only a good understanding of the time value concept and its application but also a working knowledge of how to analyze and evaluate investment proposals.

This chapter covers the tools and guidelines that facilitate various short-term, nonroutine decisions as well as long-term investment decisions. Specifically:

  • Breakeven and cost–volume–profit analysis
  • Short-term decisions (e.g., pricing decisions on special orders and make-or-buy decisions)
  • Time value fundamentals
  • Long-term investment decisions, commonly known as capital budgeting

Cost–Volume–Profit and Breakeven Analysis

What are variable and fixed costs?

Not all costs behave in the same way. Certain costs, called variable costs, vary in proportion to change in activity. Other costs that do not change, regardless of the volume, are called fixed costs.

Why analyze cost behavior?

An understanding of costs by ...

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Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9781118237618Purchase book