1Cost accounting is one of the most essential tools used by managers to fine-tune operations and improve profitability. Cost Accounting is designed for the college student who needs in-depth coverage of all cost accounting concepts, incorporating practical advice regarding their real-world usage. The text goes well beyond the traditional cost accounting topics of inventory valuation and cost analysis to also cover inventory management, price setting, target costing, constraint analysis, and budgeting. The material is designed to give the student exposure to how these topics are dealt with in a business environment.