Prompt 1

Perform an Internet search using the phrase "reducing overhead costs". Select and read a case study or article from the results of your search. (Make sure that you do not select an instructor's lecture notes or a class assignment from the results of your search.) Summarize the case study or article, and relate the ideas of the article to what you have learned this week in this course.

Prompt 2

There are several potential problems that can occur from the improper use of standard costs. Labor quantity standards and efficiency variances assume that production is labor-paced. However, output in many companies is determined by the processing speed of machines. Also, too much emphasis on meeting the standards may overshadow other important objectives. Discuss other potential problems that can occur from the improper use of standard costs.