Archive for the ‘Cost Accounting’ Category

Activity Based Costing/Management awareness initiative

Friday, November 21st, 2008

Rajendra Patil, Pune, India of AppsConsulting

Profile: View Rajendra Patil's profile on LinkedIn A technocrat with 17 years of proven success in ERP Implementation, Business Analysis, Consultancy Assignments in Strategic Cost Management, Profitability Analytics, Performance Management and Business Process Management in conjunction with the enterprise wide BI solutions.

Specialist in Training and Implementing Activity Based Management concept in Manufacturing, Telecom, Banking, Insurance and Retail verticals. Over 17 years on overall experience including 7 years in the current area.

Providing support to the KPO organizations to conceptualize outsourcing services in Activity Based Management. Providing training to build capacity of the team and running the services.

Rajendra Patil is conducting sessions on Activity Based Costing/Management concepts and a product demo tour. This session takes around two hours.

The highlight would be

  • What is ABM?
  • Benefits and Uses of ABM
  • Terminology
  • Building an ABC Model
  • The Power of ABM
  • Reporting ABC Information
  • Implementing an ABM Initiative
  • Requirements for Success
  • Addressing pain areas specific to your industry.
Contact Rajendra Patil:
rajendra@appsconsulting.in
+91 98226 19986

Readers of the Management Accountant Blog can contact him directly and take an opportunity to discuss on experience on Activity Based Management benefits.


Avon UK

How you can make most out it
  • Speak to Senior Management in your company and arrange for meeting with for Rajendra Patil to demo. The participants should be a mix accounting background and business. As management accountants you can influence implementation of ABM.
  • Arrange for 2 hour slot in the seminars you are attending for Rajen to speak in the forum. Participants of the seminar will be benefited by interaction.
  • Network with Management Accountants in your area and arrange for venue where Rajen can discuss on ABM.
  • Any other way you think which is most suitable.

Share your views on the program you attend.

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Activity Based Management - How to Collect Information

Wednesday, June 11th, 2008

This is a Guest Post by Rajendra Patil, Pune, India

Profile: View Rajendra Patil's profile on LinkedIn A technocrat with 17 years of proven success in ERP Implementation, Business Analysis, Consultancy Assignments in Strategic Cost Management, Profitability Analytics, Performance Management and Business Process Management in conjunction with the enterprise wide BI solutions. Currently working as an independent consultant in the area of Performance Management and Profitability.

This is a reply to the earlier post on ““. Rajendra answers few questions:

Q. How would a management accountant gather information and set rules for cost allocation ?

A. There are various techniques experts have created to collect the information starting from interviewing people, surveys, story-boarding to auto data transfer from the back-end processing business applications. The rules are defined in the paper model that is created for the organization. This paper model depends on the objectives that the organization has decided for the assignment. This model is different for different objective like profitability, cost improvement, resource planning etc. Sometimes the main model remains the same but multiple small models can be created for specific business pains. The logic for flowing the costs depends on the objective and the model.

Q. If the company has the good information system (ERP), then setting the rules are important. Then it would be an overnight job to run to allocate the costs based on set rules. Otherwise ABC will be labour-intensive with Management Accountants spending lot of time gathering the information rather than analysis them.

A. Yes if the organization has a good OLTP then collecting the data from the system is comparatively easier. Now we have various ETL tools to get the data. Some of the ABM solutions have created their own adapter for the ERPs like SAP or Oracle etc. Even if the organizations has any ERP, there is some part of the data that is still not available in those systems like the time spent on various activities or the no.of visits to a prospect (if CRM is also not present). This data has to come from various persons in the organization. Hence, the success of this assignment lies in the participation of the key personnel from various departments.

Technically this kind of data can be collected via web-based survey systems. The organization has to spend some time in the initial model creation and data collection systems, once that is done then the frequency of data collection is once in a quarter. So the people get ample time to analyze the data.

There are implementation methodologies like ‘Rapid Prototype’, where a first model which is very raw can be build in as less as two days. Then this model is expanded as required by the organization in those areas only. In the modeling the definition of the driver (the logic with which the cost flows) should be as accurate as possible. The corresponding data may not be accurate to start with. The accuracy of the data can be improved, but only when it is required. One should not wait for the accuracy for the data to the last minute or Re etc. This is used take business decisions and 80% accuracy in primary data is also good enough.

Now-a-days this collection of data and processing of it is being outsourced and various KPO organizations are eying that business.

Q. Or is ABC feasible for a company ?

A. Yes, it is feasible for all the organizations, which have multiple products, customers, channels, locations etc. These type of multiple options create the overheads in the organization which ABC puts using cause-and-effect logic. It would be easier if one takes professional help in the initial implementation as well as using commercial software for the same. It helps the internal team on understanding how to analyze the data. The calculation of the numbers is better left to the software application.

I hope these answers will help you to understand the practical solutions for the implementation as well to create new questions in your mind. Do let me know and I will try to answer them.

If you have any questions on Activity Based Management and its implementation, you may post your comments on this blog post or write to Rajendra Patil on rajendra@appsconsulting.in on specific issues or concerns.

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You may also like to read

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  5. Stakeholder Analysis 19-May-08
  6. Resistance to Change 26-Apr-08
  7. Strategy Development 05-Apr-08
  8. Strategic Drift 12-Apr-08
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  10. Management Accountant Blog Home

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Corporate Governance and Audit in India - BS

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008

The article is published in Business Standard June 02, 2008 by Ashish Bhattacharya

“Cost audit, which has not received due attention has the potential to support enterprise governance. In fact investors should insist for cost audit. In India cost audit exists for over four decades. But, it has not been used to its full potential. Till date, only 44 industries/products have been covered by Cost Accounting Record Rules, and cost audit orders have been issued in about 2,500 cases, covering about 2,000 companies.

In the era of price control and administered interventions, attested cost structure had a major role to play and hence the cost audit emphasised on this aspect. The cost audit had to play the key role of verifying and validating the cost figures in select industries before they were submitted to the government.

In the changed economic environment the emphasis should shift to efficiency review. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has constituted an Expert Group to review the existing Cost Accounting Standards and Cost Audit Report Rules. Hopefully the cost audit in its new avatar will be effective in supporting the enterprise governance.

Some argue that cost audit has become irrelevant in a market economy. They are not correct. It is true that government control is unwarranted in a market economy. But, in a market economy, regulators are required to frame right regulations in the interest of the industry as a whole and also in the interest of the consumers.

Cost audit, supported by cost accounting standards, can provide relevant and credible cost and revenue data to regulators to support their decisions. Moreover, cost audit can provide relevant reports to the board of directors to strengthen its oversight function. Therefore, in a market economy, cost audit with changed emphasis on efficiency is as relevant as it was in a controlled economy.

In an environment where ‘stakeholder theory’ of corporate governance is still rhetoric and management focus is on capital market, cost audit will help to protect the interest of stakeholders including investors. It will also help optimal use of national resources”

Find out more on Business Today on article written by Ashish Bhattacharya

Cheers,

Santosh Puthran

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  7. Activity Based Costing
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Stumbled upon - Practising Members Directory

Sunday, January 6th, 2008
I have been stumbling lot of accountancy websites today. Then I stumbled upon the online practising members of ICWAI directory and provided a review.

The stumbleupon link is http://www.stumbleupon.com/url/www.myicwai.com/practisingmembers.asp

I would request you to provide your review on the above link. The more the reviews on the link above, the search engines will bring up the results for practising accountants in India. (Stumbleupon is very powerful tool.) In few days, practising accountants will notice increase in telephone calls or emails for new assignments.

The online directory should include following details for the benefit of practising members:

  1. Contact telephone number should always be +Country code + STD + Local number: If anyone calls from abroad, he/she should have ready access to your telephone number.
  2. Website: A column should be added to include website of practising members. Our institute has guidelines for maintaining the website. Website is a window for prospective clients to know about your firm. It does not cost much. Why not maintain one ?
  3. Email ids: Please dump your vsnl.in, yahoo.com or hotmail.com as your email ids. It looks unprofessional. You email should represent you. Decide which email looks professional - prem.chopra22@hotmail.com or prem@chopraassociates.com ?
  4. Locate on the Map: This is quite useful when prospective clients want to meet you. Locate ICWAI, HQ

Practising Cost Accountants in India, please update your information on the online directory. Opportunities will be knocking at your doors.

I stumbled on the following websites too. Please write your reviews on the links below:

ICWAI : http://www.stumbleupon.com/url/www.myicwai.com/
ICWAI on Wikipedia: http://www.stumbleupon.com/url/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICWAI

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Regards,

Santosh Puthran
Be my friend on Stumbleupon
http://talk2santosh.stumbleupon.com

What is StumbleUpon ?

StumbleUpon uses / ratings to form collaborative opinions on website quality. When you stumble, you will only see pages which friends and like-minded stumblers () have recommended. This helps you discover great content you probably wouldn’t find using a search engine. Read More

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Stumbled upon Practising Cost Accountants Directory

Sunday, January 6th, 2008
I have been stumbling lot of accountancy websites today. Then I stumbled upon the online practising members of ICWAI directory and provided a review.

The stumbleupon link is http://www.icwai.org/icwai/members-practisingmembers.asp

I would request you to provide your review on the above link. The more the reviews on the link above, the search engines will bring up the results for practising accountants in India. (Stumbleupon is very powerful tool.) In few days, practising accountants will notice increase in telephone calls or emails for new assignments.

The online directory should include following details for the benefit of practising members:

  1. Contact telephone number should always be +Country code + STD + Local number: If anyone calls from abroad, he/she should have ready access to your telephone number.
  2. Website: A column should be added to include website of practising members. Our institute has guidelines for maintaining the website. Website is a window for prospective clients to know about your firm. It does not cost much. Why not maintain one ?
  3. Email ids: Please dump your vsnl.in, yahoo.com or hotmail.com as your email ids. It looks unprofessional. You email should represent you. Decide which email looks professional - prem.chopra22@hotmail.com or prem@chopraassociates.com ?
  4. Locate on the Map: This is quite useful when prospective clients want to meet you. Locate ICWAI, HQ

Practising Cost Accountants in India, please update your information on the online directory. Opportunities will be knocking at your doors.

I stumbled on the following websites too. Please write your reviews on the links below:

ICWAI on Wikipedia: http://www.stumbleupon.com/url/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICWAI

Did you like the post ?
Subscribe to Management Accountant by Email

Regards,

Santosh Puthran
Be my friend on Stumbleupon
http://talk2santosh.stumbleupon.com

What is StumbleUpon ?

StumbleUpon uses / ratings to form collaborative opinions on website quality. When you stumble, you will only see pages which friends and like-minded stumblers () have recommended. This helps you discover great content you probably wouldn’t find using a search engine. Read More

You may also like to read

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  2. How to set goal in your career
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  6. Google Apps - Good thing for small business
  7. Personalised Email id

Profit Warning and Competition

Friday, January 4th, 2008

Definition : An announcement made by a public company in advance of its earnings announcement indicating that profits will fall short of previously expected levels.

A recent news item

The owner of Currys and PC World, UK , DSG International, has issued a profit warning after poor Christmas trading. DSG said it had seen lower demand for laptops, and profit margins had been hit after it cut prices to drive sales of flat panel televisions and other electrical goods.

“Profit margins remain pressured via a combination of increased promotional activity and consumers’ growing addiction to sale prices.” Read more

In Christmas, when you look around in UK, you will find stores offering discount like upto 50%, buy one get one free, buy one get one half price and special prices only for two days. The online prices are comparatively cheaper than the in-store price.

Christmas Sales

The rules are changing and ever evolving:

  • Sales prices drives the shoppers to buy
  • Latest technology products are priced at premium
  • Products become obselete faster. So cannot stay on the shelf longer
  • Sourcing and manufacturing : Made in China/India/Vietnam/Thailand/Bangladesh to manufacture at cheapest possible costs.
  • Focus on online sales that bring down costs of sales
  • Investments in IT infrastructure
  • Government investments on infrastructure conducive to the business.

The role of management accountants has changed with the change in business. Helping and advising the business by analysis in one of the objective. The best possible product mix or products giving maximum contribution etc. UK has a mature market and the retailers have a robust information system with enchanced focus on management accounting.

India is a developing market. Since the market is not competitive, the benefits are not passed on to the customers. Since the choices are limited, you buy what you get. The mindset so far has been to shops with mom and pop store who make profits themselves and cheats on taxes.

The limited competition or seller applies to white goods. Take for eg. Eureka Forbes Vacuum Cleaner is Rs 7,390 (£ 95.00) whereas a Electrolux vacuum cleaner is £ 49.99 in UK. The best ones are priced at over £ 100. Consumers can visit websites like www.pricerunner.co.uk or www.kelkoo.co.uk and find out which retailer is selling at the lowest possible price.

Current trend for organised retailing is a good indicator of growth. People have the impression that it will drive the prices high. With a healthy competition, the prices will be contained. The price of Van Heusen shirt is same at Shopper Stop and a small retail outlet. Look who is making more profit. The consumer gets a good retail experience in Shopper Stop and government gets its share of taxes.

In India, management accountants have to widen their scope from being focussed on “Cost Audit” to playing an active role in upcoming industries and helping the business. As the market becomes mature, you will find in India, companies are going to issue “profit warning”.

Any questions or comments, I am happy to answer on the blog

Regards,

Santosh Puthran

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PS: There is a remark in one of my post on “India’s Retail Policy Attacked” - Share your thoughts

“You are looking forward only for few years, less than 5 years. Here by looking up to 25 - 30 years the impact will be highly dangerous. I will point out :-

1. The selling price will be competitive at the earlier stage this is to attract the consumers to the store. they will even give 25 -30 % discounts on all products. surely they will attain their major goal. after attaining the organizational goal, the real game started, ie. by the factor of time, all other retail organisation may be packed up or may be under pressure, this time the dragon arrives and hike their prices as per the management policies!! it may be 50% may be 60% , This time consumers will be in hands of ultimate dragon, couldnt able to purchase even primary articles. For a comment some will say what Govt for?, still no fixed polices are there in India, to regulate the prices.

This time the fixed income & agricultural sector people will be under pressure. rest u can decide!! “

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New Year Resolutions - Year 2008

Tuesday, January 1st, 2008

White Pelican

I got a very thoughtful greeting on the New Year. I would like to share it with you:

Life is like having a cup of tea.
You sit by the side of the window, lift the cup and take a careless sip,
Only to realize, somebody forgot to put the sugar.
Too lazy to go for it you somehow struggle through the sugarless cup.
Until you discover un-dissolved sugar crystals sitting at the bottom…

The last line really stirred me. My new year resolutions would be to

  1. Stir Management Accountants to aspire like Dr D K Sarraf
  2. Stir Management Accountants to participate in discussions and share their knowledge on their blogs.
  3. Stir Management Accountants in practice to their own website.
  4. Stir Management Accountants to become IT savvy - organise their calendar, address book, google reader, stumbleupon and bookmarks on the internet.
  5. Stir Management Accountants to plan and travel around the globe for business and pleasure.

Is there anything more? Then I would like you to stir me up! You know where to post your comments .

Wish You and Your Family a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2008

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Regards,

Santosh Puthran


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New Year Resolutions Year 2008

Tuesday, January 1st, 2008

White Pelican

I got a very thoughtful greeting on the New Year. I would like to share it with you:

Life is like having a cup of tea.
You sit by the side of the window, lift the cup and take a careless sip,
Only to realize, somebody forgot to put the sugar.
Too lazy to go for it you somehow struggle through the sugarless cup.
Until you discover un-dissolved sugar crystals sitting at the bottom…

The last line really stirred me. My new year resolutions would be to

  1. Stir Management Accountants to aspire like Dr D K Sarraf
  2. Stir Management Accountants to participate in discussions and share their knowledge on their blogs.
  3. Stir Management Accountants in practice to their own website.
  4. Stir Management Accountants to become IT savvy - organise their calendar, address book, google reader, stumbleupon and bookmarks on the internet.
  5. Stir Management Accountants to plan and travel around the globe for business and pleasure.

Is there anything more? Then I would like you to stir me up! You know where to post your comments .

Wish You and Your Family a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2008

Did you like the post ?
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Regards,

Santosh Puthran


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Should ICWAI have TTP scheme for its students

Monday, December 31st, 2007


There is a news item on Accountancy Age on 31-Dec-2007

“Tesco Ireland and Hibernian are the two latest companies to joint the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI) employer partnership scheme.

The employer partnership scheme’s objective is to promote best practice in learning and development by working with employers to help chartered accountants employed in their businesses fulfill their CPD requirements.” Click here to read more

I feel that ICWAI should have tie ups with the employers in India, so that students pursing Cost & Management Accountancy will be focussed in this direction. Similarly the profession will get a boost since there will be a partnership by ICWAI with the industry. The career path of management accountants will be guided to rise in the corporate ladder.

Vote on the poll and share your thoughts

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Regards,

Santosh Puthran


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Cost Management - Mr Richard Monk

Friday, December 28th, 2007


The largest, and the most complex organisation in Canada is the Government of Canada, says Mr Richard Monk, Chairman, CMA (Certified Management Accountants) Canada. “It makes over $200 billion in expenditures annually, manages a workforce of some 4,50,000 people, and provides some 1,600 different programs and services across Canada and around the globe”

Such sheer size and complexity create significant challenges to comptrollership, financial management and accountability, he adds, during the course of a recent e-mail interaction with Business Line.

CMA has ‘more than 37,000 CMAs and 10,000 CMA students,’ as www.cma-canada.org informs. And as the new chief of the body, when Mr Monk spoke of his priorities in the latest issue of www.managementmag.com, first came the aligning of ‘major governance initiatives,’ and second, the continuing ‘to cultivate relationships with international associations with similar values and services to those of CMA Canada.’

Did you like the post ?
Regards,

Santosh Puthran