The coexistence of functional-based systems with activity- and strategic-based cost management systems necessitates the study of both   systems, we had to decide how to design its structure. We believe that a systems approach provides a convenient and logicalframwork. Using a systemsframework allows us to easily integrate the functional- and activity-based approaches in away that students can easily grasp. Integration is achieved bu developing a common terminology-a terminology that aiiows us to define each system anddiscuss how they differ. Then the functional and activity-based approaches can be com-pared and contrasted as they are applied to costiog, control, and decision making.

We be lieve this integration will allow   students to appreciate the differences that exist between functional and activity-based approaches. This integration is especially useful in the decision-making chapters, as it allows students to see how decisions change as the information sets change. For example, how dose-or-buy decision change as we move from a   functional cost management system to the richer, activity-based cost management system?

Part 1 Foundation Concepts
Part 2 Fundamental Costing and Control
Part 3 Advanced Costing and Control
Part 4 Decision Making