Abstract
This paper discusses how all the US Federal Agencies are legislatively bound by decision-making with benefit-cost analysis techniques at a time when they are under increasing pressure to prove the effectiveness of their spending and better accommodate uncertainty. Collectively these Agencies were responsible for making decisions on how they spent $2.5 trillion in fiscal year 2005, of which $1 trillion was for discretionary spending. This research identifies, through a case study of Federal Aviation Administration decision-making for a system within a complex system, how real options thinking can be acceptably and effectively appended to current mandates for benefit-cost analysis defined by the Office of Management and Budget in Circular A-94.

From the Paper
"In the work of de Neufville and Wang (2004) it is stated that: "Most real options are not well-defined simple options. They can be compound or parallel. Compound options are often options on options, and the interactions between them are significant." (Neufville and Wang, 2004) Further stated is that: "Parallel options are different options built on the same project, such as the several possible applications or target markets of a new product." (Neufville & Wang, 2004) de Neufville and Wang (2004) categorize 'real options' as "those that are either 'on' or 'in' projects."

Tags:budget, analysis, financial, options, identification, models

Abstract
This paper analyzes the cost dynamics within the airline industry. The writer of this paper discusses the fixed costs within the industry which are significantly higher for established airlines, as compared to those of the newer, low-cost carriers. This paper also delves into the variable costs associated primarily with increased capacity and the number of passengers served. The writer of this paper contends and explains why the only way for any airline to survive and grow is to offer lower prices to gain new customers, thereby grabbing the market share from its competitors. This paper also examines why established airlines can no longer continue business as usual and must employ new methods and strategies to successfully compete. To lower prices the established airlines are spreading their flights out instead of concentrating them in banks thus lengthening layovers, resulting in less satisfied customers and less services offered, albeit at a lower cost.

From the Paper
"Today, the only way for any airline to grow is to use low prices to attract new passengers and to take market share from competitors. Profit is dependent on revenue growth exceeding price decline and profit margin growth is dependent on the ability of airlines to increase the percentage of seats they fill on each flight and to continually cut costs. But, it's difficult to increase the percentage of seats given excess supply and price pressures, so operational efficiency will hold the key to success. As a result, a shakeout of airlines is occurring in the U.S. and elsewhere (Airline). United and USAirways have declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and Delta and American have barely avoided it in 2003 and 2004. International airlines such as Alitalia, Scandinavian Airlines System, British Airways, SABENA, Japan Air System, Air Canada, Ansett Australian , and others have flirted with or declared bankruptcy since 2000, as low-cost entrants expand overseas."

Tags:business, applied, operation, competition, economics, finance

Abstract
This paper examines CVP accounting at American Airlines. The author defines HUB operations and relates it to cost analysis.

From the Paper
"There are two basic classifications of accounting systems. One is financial accounting where economic transactions are measured among strict rules so that outside users can compare one company's performance with another's. The other is cost accounting which is designed to serve management. Cost accounting is the art of tracking the source of revenue sand expenses to identify the factors which influence them. This provides management with the information and control needed to maximize profits through decision making ..."

Tags:american airlines cost accounting, Hub operations, cost analysis, management decision-making

Abstract
The following discussion will focus on problems with cost-benefit analysis in the context of natural resource policy and development. In order to achieve this goal certain fundamental premises must be outlined and accepted. The cost/benefit approach to natural resources holds that natural resources-from clean water to sub-surface minerals-are commodities that ultimately have a value. It also asserts that economic theories and principles can, therefore, be applied to decisions relating to the disposition of natural resources. As a consequence of these first two premises it does not accept any moral arguments: Notably those that assert that conservation is morally superior to extraction or development as costs and benefits cannot be quantified in this paradigm.

Tags:cost, benefit, analysis

Abstract
This paper presents a managerial accounting case study. In 1977 all Federal Reserve Banks were being pressured by the Board of Governors to reduce costs by targeting the banks' savings bonds processing activities since cost ratios for the activity at the FRBR were inferior to Federal Reserve System averages. The author uses three methods of analysis, each with three alternatives: Payback Period Analysis, Net Present Value Analysis and Internal Rate of Return Analysis.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Case Background
Methodological Concerns
Results of the Analysis
Payback Period Analysis
Alternatives
Net Present Value Analysis
Alternatives
Internal Rate of Return Analysis
Alternatives Comments and Recommendation

From the Paper
"The typical approach to payback period analysis requires that the initial investment be divided by the mean positive annual cash flow or benefit (such as a cost reduction in this present case analysis). In the case of alternative initiative number one, however, the initial investment all occurs in a six-month period. Thus, the annual cost savings attributable to the initiative were converted to semi-annual periods for the payback period analysis of this alternative. Thus, instead of using the formula payback period = initial investment/annual cost savings, the formula payback period = (initial investment/semi-annual cost savings)/2 was applied. The derivations of the costs and benefits used in this analysis are detailed in the NPV analysis. "

Tags:ratio, cost, payback, valute, return, bond

Abstract
This dissertation is a complete and thorough piece on strategies for airlines. Its thesis is that airline strategies to keep costs and flights down vary when compared to other modes of transport. This paper looks at many themes including how airlines promote low-cost flights, how airlines market low-cost flights, what the business model looks like, etc. Throughout the paper is a large collection of data charts to provide visuals for the study. In addition, it offers research and case studies to show failed and what succeeded.

Outline:
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background of the low cost airline model
1.2 Ryan Air
1.3 EasyJet
1.4 Wizzair
1.5 Purpose of the research
1.6 Aims and Objectives
Chapter 2: Literature review
2.1 Emergence of low cost carriers
2.2 Market deregulation
2.3 Network expansion
2.4 Competitive advantages
2.5 Customer satisfaction
2.6 Marketing success
2.7 Types of network
2.8 Extended marketing mix
2.9 Ryanair
2.10 Summary
Chapter 3: Methodology and procedures
3.1 Methodology
3.2 Primary Research
3.3 Analysis Method
3.4 Secondary Research
3.5 Purpose of Research
Chapter 4: Results
4.1 Presentation and Analysis of Data
4.1.1 In-depth interviews
4.1.2 Business user
4.1.3 Housewife
4.1.4 Student
4.2 Descriptive Analysis of the Questionnaire
4.3 Data Analysis and Interpretation
4.4 Frequency Analysis
4.5 Cross Tabulation Analysis
Chapter 5: Discussion
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Limitations
5.3 Recommendations
Chapter 6: Reflection
References
Appendix I Questionnaire
Appendix 2 Proposal
Appendix 3: Ethics form
Appendix 4: Dissertation log

From the Paper
"Marketing success for low cost airlines lies in their ability to provide services in a short-time. Different airlines can use different type of marketing routes for their own benefits. Those airlines which travel to and from hub-based destinations will face less competition (Doganis, 1995). All other major destinations are linked to the main city which makes it simple. For example, Southwest Airlines concentrates its marketing strategy on high density short markets. These markets are served at high frequency. It operates around six to seven daily departures on each of its routes. The high flight frequency attempts to earn high market share for the low cost airlines. The competition forces some low cost airlines to close down their hubs. The cost saving comes from higher density in seating arrangement and lower commission payments to travel agents. The actual booking can be done individually and more efficiently by different customer groups. Those customers whose IT skills are less advanced will require assistance in registration from agents. The use of non-expensive downtown airports can contribute to lower ticket cost as well (Doganis, 1985)."

Tags:Marketing, Low-cost Airlines, Strategy, Thesis, Dissertations

Abstract
This paper summarizes an article related to cost-benefit analysis in the field of information technology, and considers the use of information technology as a business research tool. It looks at the application of CBA to the workplace.

From the Paper
"The question of whether the ends justify the means is more than an esoteric philosophical issue in business - the question has resulted in the development of cost-benefit analysis which determines whether the ends benefits ..."

Tags:cost-benefit analysis, information technology, article summary

Abstract
This paper presents a complete analysis of cost allocation in a real world application.

Tags:cost, allocation, accounting

Abstract
A cost report that discusses and defines the various cost inputs of a product made or service performed by the organization TIAA-CREF.

Tags:cost, report, tiaa-cref

Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Spendless Supermarkets Ltd., based on detailed information of the company's revenue and expenses. The paper examines Spendless' profit and loss statement and balance sheet in order to thoroughly evaluate its financial situation and then makes a suggestion as to whether it is wise to invest in this company. The paper then looks at the advantages and disadvantages of ratio analysis as a form of financial analysis, the effectiveness of overhead allocation based on labor hours, and the effectiveness of activity-based costing.

Outline
Financial Analysis of Spendless Supermarkets Ltd. Advice on Whether to
Invest or Not
Ratio Analysis: Advantages and Limitations
Overhead Allocation Based on Labor Hours
Activity Based Costing Description - Overview

From the Paper
"The net profit margin ratio tells the amount of net profit per $1 of turnover a business has earned. That is, after taking account of the cost of sales, the administration costs, the selling and distributions costs and all other costs, the net profit is the profit that is left, out of which they will pay interest, tax, dividends and so on. The formula is: Net Profit Margin = Net Profit / Turnover* 100 = Profit before Interest and Taxation / Turnover* 100 (Net Profit = Gross Profit Expenses)."

Tags:turnover, sales, costs, operating, expenses, return, capital, employed, investing