The same requirement as the last question, Write a paper on one of the major topics listed below and incorporate at least five other related empirical studies of your choice:

? Research the topic of standard cost. When writing your paper, be sure to answer the following questions, in addition to providing any other information you wish to include. How does this valuation method assign costs to products and services? Identify and describe three areas in which standard costs can be used in the decisionmaking process. Compare and contrast target costing and traditional standard costs.

? Research the topic of direct labor and materials variance. When writing your paper, be sure to answer the following questions, in addition to providing any other information you wish to include. Compare and contrast direct labor and materials variance. How would a company use each of them related to accounting? What are benefits of using the direct labor and materials variance?

? Research the topic of joint costs. When writing your paper, be sure to answer the following questions, in addition to providing any other information you wish to include. Search information on incentive effects of direct labor and materials variance. Explain five subtle incentive effects. What are some externalities created by standard cost variances?

? Research the topic of incentive effects of direct labor and materials variance. When writing your paper, be sure to answer the following questions, in addition to providing any other information you wish to include. How are cost variances closed at the end of an accounting period? What are the three ways in which cost variances are written off? Why are some firms dropping standard cost systems?

APA format and at least 5 empirical studies references please.