Activity-Based Costing:

Automotive manufacturing companies such as Ford and GM have successfully implemented ABC over the past few decades, and achieved profitability in a competitive environment despite the fact that product offerings have become increasingly diversified. Drawing from the module content, your text, and supplied articles, review the critical considerations in applying the activity-based costing method to a large automobile manufacturing company.

Answer the following questions:

1. What are the most prominent signs that ABC methods might be appropriately applied to product costing for an automobile manufacturing company?
2. Should managers be concerned about broad averaging of product costs?
3. What are the steps required to implement ABC within the company?
4. Name the four classifications of the ABC cost hierarchy and discuss an example of each type of cost classification for an auto manufacturer.
5. Name a significant challenge in the implementation of ABC within the company. Rationalize your response.
6. Name a significant opportunity in the implementation of ABC within the company. Rationalize your response.