Cost accounting systems are used to track and report the costs of goods or services produced or provided by a business. It is used by internal decision-makers, such as managers, to make decisions about pricing, production, and other aspects of the business. It is not GAAP compliant and cannot be used for external purposes.Cost accounting is the process of assigning costs to goods that make up the business's products and services. Cost accounting outlines a helpful process and understanding of where a company spends the most money, how much things cost to produce, and if money is being misspent. The goal of cost accounting is to get a clear …Cost accountants specialize in delivering cost efficiency for organizations. They focus on organizational costs, monitor spending, analyze data, and provide efficient solutions. These accountants assist with budgeting, pricing, and operational performance evaluations, as well. Compared to many other accounting positions, cost accountants have a ...Meaning of Cost Accounting. Cost accounting is a method of managerial accounting which aims to capture the total production cost of a business by measuring the variable costs of each production phase as well as fixed costs, such as a lease expense.. Historians believe that cost accounting was first introduced during the industrial …The cost accounting methodology used for this scenario is process costing. Process costing is the only reasonable approach to determining product costs in many industries. It uses most of the same journal entries found in a job costing environment, so there is no need to restructure the chart of accounts to any significant degree.Using cost accounting, businesses allocate expenses to different activities and areas, and determine whether each one is a fixed cost or a variable cost. When you look at the total cost of the production and sale of goods and services, you can determine the break-even point – the point at which you start generating a profit. ...This is the most commonly used method in businesses to calculate the cost of labor. In this method, the labor cost is calculated by multiplying the time taken to complete a task by the hourly pay rate. Earnings = Hours worked x Rate per hour. For example, if an employee takes 5 hours to complete a task and their hourly rate of pay is $10, then ...Learn what cost accounting is, how it differs from financial accounting, and what are its pros and cons. Cost accounting is a flexible and specific system for …The Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (Act), enacted in 1983 under Public Contract Code section 22000 et seq., allows local agencies to perform public project work of up to $60,000 with their own workforces if the agencies elect to follow the cost accounting procedures set forth in the Cost Accounting Policies and Procedures ...Cost Accounting is a specialized branch of accounting Accounting is the systematic process of recording, summarizing, analyzing, and reporting financial transactions of an individual, business, or organization. that focuses on tracking, analyzing, and managing the costs associated with producing goods or services. Cost Accounting Budget Control Operational Efficiency Profit OptimizationYou will take in total 10 weeks and approximately 25 hours to complete the Specialization. The first course "Basis of Cost Accounting" takes up to 12 hours, the second course "Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation" up to 5 hours and the third course "Cost Accounting: Decision-Making" up to 8 hours.As this is the cost to produce 1,000 tables, the company has a per unit cost of $15.10 ($15,100 / 1,000 = $15.10). Period Costs. Product costs are costs necessary to manufacture a product, while period costs are non-manufacturing costs that are expensed within an accounting period.Operating Expenses - the cost of sales, marketing, fulfillment, technology, and content, general and administrative, etc. Non-Operating Expenses - interest expense (and income), other expenses (and income) Amazon's Accounting of …The top 11 disadvantages or limitations of cost accounting are the following: #1. The cost accounting systems and methods practiced by various organizations are not the same. Therefore, the results are not the same. #2. Building the right cost accounting system is very expensive. It requires a complex system as well as responsible people who ...Cost of Goods Sold - COGS: Cost of goods sold (COGS) is the direct costs attributable to the production of the goods sold in a company. This amount includes the cost of the materials used in ...Cost of Goods Manufactured (COGM) is a term used in managerial accounting that refers to a schedule or statement that shows the total production costs for a company during a specific period of time. Just like the name implies, COGM is the total cost incurred to manufacture products and transfer them into finished goods inventory for retail sale.Subchapter B. Procurement Practices and Cost Accounting Standards. 9903 - 9999. Part 9904. Cost Accounting Standards. 9904.400 - 9904.420-63. 9904.400 [Reserved] 9904.401. Cost accounting standard—consistency in estimating, accumulating and reporting costs.Cash Basis of Accounting . Cash accounting uses transactions when payments are made. For example, consider a consulting company that provides a $5,000 service to a client on Oct. 30.One of the most popular methods is classification according to fixed costs and variable costs. Fixed costs do not change with increases/decreases in units of production volume, while variable costs fluctuate with the volume of units of production. Fixed and variable costs are key terms in managerial accounting, used in various forms of analysis ...Cost accounting helps businesses make decisions to reduce costs, increase profits, and boost efficiency. 5. Forensic accounting. Forensic accounting is a type of accounting that focuses on auditing and investigating businesses and individuals to search for cases involving fraud and embezzlement. Forensic accountants often work for law ...Cost accounting is designed to assist management in how a business is run, while is designed to provide information about a business to financial statement users. …Subchapter B. Procurement Practices and Cost Accounting Standards. 9903 - 9999. Part 9904. Cost Accounting Standards. 9904.400 - 9904.420-63. 9904.400 [Reserved] 9904.401. Cost accounting standard—consistency in estimating, accumulating and reporting costs.The cost accounting definition can be referred to as the process of determining and controlling costs that originate with the tracking of expenditures and revenues or the principles on which they are computed and finish with the compilation of periodic statements. Cost accounting came into the picture for the first time during the industrial ... Introduction to Cost Accounting. Definition and Purpose: Cost accounting refers to the process of recording, classifying, analyzing, and summarizing costs associated with the production or service provision. Its primary purpose is to provide detailed information for decision-making, cost control, and performance evaluation. Cost accounting involves the recording and classification of such costs. Some costs are prime cost, direct cost, factory cost, selling cost etc. Such classification allows the management to control the costs and ascertain the profitability of any such processes and activities. It also helps in calculating efficiency.Aug 30, 2023 · Cost accounting systems are used to track and report the costs of goods or services produced or provided by a business. It is used by internal decision-makers, such as managers, to make decisions about pricing, production, and other aspects of the business. It is not GAAP compliant and cannot be used for external purposes. Cost accountants use specialized accounting software and techniques to analyze costs, including fixed, variable, indirect, and overhead costs. By using accounting solutions, such as cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting, and variance analysis, businesses can make better decisions and achieve better financial results.A cost pool is a grouping of individual costs, from which cost allocations are made later. Overhead cost, maintenance cost and other fixed costs are typical examples of cost pools. A company usually uses a single cost-allocation basis, such as labor hours or machine hours, to allocate costs from cost pools to designated cost objects.Cost Accounting Fundamentals. Problems with the Total Cost Formula. There are several problems with the total cost formula, which are as follows: Limited range for average fixed cost. The definition of a fixed cost is a cost that does not vary with volume, so the average fixed cost part of the formula only applies within a very narrow …The cost of accounting software can vary depending on the features and complexity of the system. Generally, there are three types of pricing plans: basic, standard and premium.Cost accounting is a valuable tool you use to reduce and eliminate costs in a business. You also use cost accounting to determine a price for your product or …Cost Accounting Fundamentals. Cost Management Guidebook. Examples of Deferred Costs. As an example of deferred costs, if you pay $1,000 in February for March rent, then it is a deferred cost in February, and it is initially recorded as a prepaid expense. Once March arrives, you consume the asset and change it into rent expense.Learn what cost accounting is, how it helps businesses make decisions, and what techniques and systems it uses. AccountingCoach offers online courses, videos, quizzes, and materials to help you master cost accounting.Dec 18, 2023 · Accounting is the systematic and comprehensive recording of financial transactions pertaining to a business, and it also refers to the process of summarizing, analyzing and reporting these ... Cost accounting is a set of procedures that takes raw data and refines it into usable information. Some of this information is for what Charles Horngren calls scorekeeping, that is, ascertaining the cost of any ongoing activity or even computing the net revenues. Another approach put forward is that cost accounting is needed in the exercising ...Cost accounting professions offer several benefits, including strong salaries, steady career development, and job opportunities. How long is a cost accounting course? The length of a cost accounting concentration depends on the program and level. Concentrations typically take one year of study in a four-year bachelor's program.Accountants, “Cost accounting is the part of management accounting which establishes budgets and standard costs a nd actual costs of operations, processes, departments or products and the ...Financial accounting is the process of recording, summarizing and reporting the myriad of transactions resulting from business operations over a period of time. These transactions are summarized ...Cost Accounting with Integrated Data Analytics takes the approach that you need to reach students in order toengage and effectively teach them to make meaning of costing concepts. Through storytelling, students develop a deeper understanding of cost accounting fundamentals, allowing them to apply their knowledge to modern business scenarios and develop the competencies and decision-making ...What is Cost Accounting? Cost Accounting is referred to as a branch of managerial accounting, which mainly aims to encapsulate all costs within a company, by assessing variable costs along with each step of production. It is considered to be a metric that helps companies to make informed decisions that are backed by reliable quantitative measures.Cost accounting is defined as "a systematic set of procedures for recording and reporting measurements of the cost of manufacturing goods and performing services in the aggregate and in detail. It includes methods for recognizing, classifying, allocating, aggregating and reporting such costs and comparing them with standard costs." ...The advantages of cost accounting must be known to the firms and individuals who use and maintain it. This is because this accounting helps keep track of the costs involved in a business and also lets businesses know where to control costs. When these expenses are well-recorded, the pricing decisions are easier to make.The cost accounting method is an internally focused, firm-specific system used to estimate cost control, inventory, and profitability. It can be much more flexible and specific when compared to ...Cost accountants specialize in delivering cost efficiency for organizations. They focus on organizational costs, monitor spending, analyze data, and provide efficient solutions. These accountants assist with budgeting, pricing, and operational performance evaluations, as well. Compared to many other accounting positions, cost accountants have a ... Introduction to Cost Accounting. Definition and Purpose: Cost accounting refers to the process of recording, classifying, analyzing, and summarizing costs associated with the production or service provision. Its primary purpose is to provide detailed information for decision-making, cost control, and performance evaluation. Introduces the reasons for and basics of cost accounting and cost management systems. Simple definitions of forms used in cost accounting are included. Cost behavior is discussed. Questions to which…. Length: 6 page (s) Publication Date: Oct 31, 1991. Discipline: Accounting. Product #: 192068-PDF-ENG.Finance & Accounting. Accounting & Bookkeeping Compliance Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Economics Finance Finance Cert & Exam Prep Financial Modeling & Analysis Investing & Trading Money Management Tools Taxes Other Finance & Accounting. IT & Software. IT Certifications Network & Security Hardware Operating Systems & Servers Other IT & Software.Cost accounting professions offer several benefits, including strong salaries, steady career development, and job opportunities. How long is a cost accounting course? The length of a cost accounting concentration depends on the program and level. Concentrations typically take one year of study in a four-year bachelor's program.Job costing is an accounting method designed to help you track the cost of individual projects and jobs. It involves looking at direct and indirect costs, and it’s usually broken into three specific categories: labor, materials and overhead. Understanding costs for a job at this level will help you better budget and plan for similar projects ...Introduces the reasons for and basics of cost accounting and cost management systems. Simple definitions of forms used in cost accounting are included. Cost behavior is discussed. Questions to which…. Length: 6 page (s) Publication Date: Oct 31, 1991. Discipline: Accounting. Product #: 192068-PDF-ENG.Learn what cost accounting is, how it differs from financial accounting, and what are its pros and cons. Cost accounting is a flexible and specific system for …Accounting software is a computer program that helps businesses track income and expenses. The software can also be used to generate reports, such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets.Aug 21, 2023 · Cost accounting is the process of assigning costs to goods that make up the business's products and services. Cost accounting outlines a helpful process and understanding of where a company spends the most money, how much things cost to produce, and if money is being misspent. The goal of cost accounting is to get a clear picture of the actual ... Manufacturing cost accounting encompasses areas that impact production operations and the valuation of inventory. These activities can significantly boost the profits of a business, as well as bring it into compliance with the applicable accounting standards. The cost accountant is primarily responsible for manufacturing accounting activities.The following are the most common types of cost accounting used by an organization's internal finance or management team: 1. Absorption costing. Absorption costing, sometimes referred to as full costing, is used by a company to determine all costs that go into the manufacturing of a specific product. This costing method involves … e. Cost accounting is defined by the Institute of Management Accountants as "a systematic set of procedures for recording and reporting measurements of the cost of manufacturing goods and performing services in the aggregate and in detail. It includes methods for recognizing, allocating, aggregating and reporting such costs and comparing them ... Take cost accounting. This form of managerial accounting aims to capture a business’ total cost of production by looking at both the variable costs of each step of production and the fixed costs. While not externally reported, cost accounting is used internally to make more fully informed business decisions.8. Rent Expense - cost paid or to be paid to a lessor for the right to use a commercial property such as an office space, a storeroom, a building, etc.; 9. Repairs and Maintenance - cost of repairing and servicing certain assets such as building facilities, machinery, and equipment; 10. Representation Expense - entertainment costs for customers, …Cost accounting involves the accounting for costs incurred during the production process. For service firms, these costs concerns expenses to render the underlying service. Essentially, cost accounting helps companies establish the total costs of an underlying item. This process may involve using various tools and methods to derive …Cost accounting involves the recording and classification of such costs. Some costs are prime cost, direct cost, factory cost, selling cost etc. Such classification allows the management to control the costs and ascertain the profitability of any such processes and activities. It also helps in calculating efficiency.Cost accounting focuses on the costs of producing goods and services. It tracks direct costs, such as materials and labor, and indirect costs, like overhead. Management accounting has a broader scope. It analyzes financial and non-financial information to help managers make decisions and improve business performance.The following are the most common types of cost accounting used by an organization's internal finance or management team: 1. Absorption costing. Absorption costing, sometimes referred to as full costing, is used by a company to determine all costs that go into the manufacturing of a specific product. This costing method involves allotting all ...Cost accounting evaluates company costs, including fixed and variable, to reduce costs and increase profit. There are multiple cost accounting methods that can be customized to fit company needs. …They typically follow the standard eight-step accounting cycle: There are three main types of financial statements: Income statement: Summarizes the company's revenue and expenses over the ...Cost accounting focuses on the costs of producing goods and services. It tracks direct costs, such as materials and labor, and indirect costs, like overhead. Management accounting has a broader scope. It analyzes financial and non-financial information to help managers make decisions and improve business performance.PAPER 8: COST ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (CAFM) Syllabus Structure: The syllabus comprises the following topics and study weightage: A Cost Accounting – Prime Costs and Overheads. 60% B: Financial Management 40%: B 40% A 60%: ASSESSMENT STRATEGY: There will be written examination paper of three hours:Cost accounting systems are used to track and report the costs of goods or services produced or provided by a business. It is used by internal decision-makers, such as managers, to make decisions about pricing, production, and other aspects of the business. It is not GAAP compliant and cannot be used for external purposes.Cost of Goods Sold - COGS: Cost of goods sold (COGS) is the direct costs attributable to the production of the goods sold in a company. This amount includes the cost of the materials used in ...Accounting and finance professionals who want to expand their knowledge and skills in managerial and cost accounting. Students pursuing degrees or certifications in accounting, finance, business administration, or related fields. Individuals seeking to advance their careers in roles that involve financial analysis, cost management, or budgeting.A Cost Accountant makes an average of $67,360 per year. Salary is may depend on level of experience, education and geographical location. Cost Accountant education and training requirements. A Cost Accountant needs a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or another related field.Part I: Introduction to management and cost accounting 1. Introduction to management accounting 2. An introduction to cost terms and concepts Part II: Cost accumulation for inventory valuation and profit measurement 3. Cost assignment 4. Accounting entries for a job costing system 5. Process costing 6. Joint and by-product costing 7. Introduction to Cost Accounting. Definition and Purpose: Cost accounting refers to the process of recording, classifying, analyzing, and summarizing costs associated with the production or service provision. Its primary purpose is to provide detailed information for decision-making, cost control, and performance evaluation. 1. Ascertainment of Cost. Ascertainment of cost is the first and most important objective of costing. The aim is to determine the cost of each product, process, or operation, and to ensure that all expenses are absorbed into the cost of the products, the techniques, and the process of costing used.Cost Accounting defined the cost accounting market and continues to innovate today by consistently integrating the most current practice and theory into the text. This acclaimed, market-leading text emphasizes the basic theme of "different costs for different purposes," and reaches beyond cost accounting procedures to consider concepts, analyses, and management.The costs of each cost-accounting-relevant business transaction portrayed in the system through can be assigned through Cost and Revenue Element Accounting (CO-OM-CEL) to an account assignment object in the Controlling component (CO). For overhead costs this can be cost centers, internal orders, business processes, or overhead projects. ...Cost accounting focuses purely on a business’s costs, while financial accounting combines this information with other items, like revenue, liabilities, and shareholder equity, to provide a ...Cost accounting is a financial discipline that systematically tracks, analyzes, and manages a business's costs. It categorizes costs as direct (related to production) and indirect (overhead), aiding in budgeting, pricing, and decision-making. Cost accountants provide valuable insights by evaluating expenses, helping businesses streamline ...52.230-2 Cost Accounting Standards. 52.230-2. Cost Accounting Standards. As prescribed in 30.201-4 (a) (1), insert the following clause: Cost Accounting Standards (Jun 2020) (a) Unless the contract is exempt under 48 CFR 9903.201-1 and 9903.201-2, the provisions of 48 CFR Part 9903 are incorporated herein by reference and the Contractor, in ...What is Cost Accounting? Cost Accounting is referred to as a branch of managerial accounting, which mainly aims to encapsulate all costs within a company, by …Dec 6, 2022 · Learn what cost accounting is, how it differs from financial accounting, and the types and methods of cost accounting. Cost accounting is an internal tool for recording, reporting, and analyzing the cost process of a company's cost item, while financial accounting is a public tool for documenting and summarizing the financial performance of a company. (ii) The price can be determined to be fair and reasonable without the application of the Cost Accounting Standards; and (iii) There are demonstrated benefits to granting the waiver. (B) Follow the procedures at PGI 230.201-5 (a)(1) for submitting waiver requests to the Principal Director, DPC.P. Graham Dunn, an employee-owned company, is seeking to add a skilled Cost Accountant to our finance team. This position will be a hybrid role with initial primary responsibilities beginning in a general accounting role supporting our procure-to-pay processing, recording general ledger journals, and optimizing reporting tools to increase our understanding of operational manufacturing costs ...California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission. If your agency intends to opt-in to the Act, please email your agency's resolutions/ordinance and cover letter to [email protected] . Be sure to retain the original wet signature or digitally signed document for audit purposes.Q.83. In case of joint products, the main objective of accounting of the cost is to apportion the joint costs incurred up to the split off point. For cost apportionment one company has chosen Physical Quantity Method. Three joint products 'A', 'B' and 'C' are produced in the same process.Online + Campus. Cost per Credit: In-State | $496. Out-of-State | $496. Credits to Graduate: 120. Located in Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers an online BS in accounting that can prepare graduates for various accounting careers in government, industry, and the nonprofit sector.In process costing the costs associated with the abnormal loss units are removed from the process account at the full unit cost. In this example the cost allocated to the units is as follows. Abnormal loss = Units x Unit cost. Abnormal loss = 90 x 39.00 = 3,510. The scrap value associated with these units is.Cost Accounting Definition. Charles T. Horngren define Cost accounting is a quantitative method that accumulates, classifies, summarizes and interprets information for three major purposes: (i) Operational planning and control ;( ii) Special decision; and (iii) Product decision. "Cost accounting is the process of accounting for costs from the point at which the expenditure is incurred of ...June 23, 2023. The average cost of an accountant. On average, an accountant costs $37 per hour, but fees can vary depending on location, types of services, and accountant credentials. As your business grows, you have to deal with more complex situations— tracking expenses from multiple channels, handling payroll for dozens of employees, and ... What is Cost Accounting? Cost accounting is the determination of the actual cost of manufacturing a product or providing a service by calculating the expenses within the supply chain. Cost accounting helps management understand the profitability of the company and make better budget predictions. Some of the terminology that will help you ... Cost accounting is a management accounting method of tracking company expenses to find ways to reduce costs. The primary objective of cost accounting is to provide the management with relevant information for decision-making, cost control, and performance evaluation. It examines all variable and fixed expenses involved in production.Cost Accounting is a branch of accounting concerned with recording and analyzing the cost elements of the organization. It records each element of the company's total cost of production including fixed cost and several variable costs involved in various stages of production. All cost elements are recorded, summarized, and presented in a ...
What is Cost Accounting? Cost accounting involves the recordation, analysis, and reporting of costs to management. The intent behind this type of accounting is to provide insights into the cost structure of a business that can be used to better manage it, thereby improving profitability.It is especially useful for understanding which segments of a business are profitable, and which require .... Codebeautify
What is Cost Accounting? Cost Accounting is referred to as a branch of managerial accounting, which mainly aims to encapsulate all costs within a company, by …The advantages of cost accounting must be known to the firms and individuals who use and maintain it. This is because this accounting helps keep track of the costs involved in a business and also lets businesses know where to control costs. When these expenses are well-recorded, the pricing decisions are easier to make.Cost Accounting Books. Below is the list of cost accounting book recommended by the top university in India. Cost Accounting - Theory and Problems, Maheshwari, S.N and Mittal, S. N. (2009) Cost Accounting, Rajasekaran, (2010), 1st ed, Pearson Education. Cost Accounting Principles and Practice, Jain, I. C & Nigam, B.M.LThe cost accounting standards (CAS) consist of nineteen standards promulgated by the Cost Accounting Standards Board (CASB) designed to ensure uniformity and consistency in the measurement, assignment and allocation of costs to contracts with the United States Government. CAS covers a variety of costs such as depreciation, pension plans ... In financial accounting, costs are recorded broadly. In cost accounting, minute reporting of cost is done per-unit wise. Fixation of Selling Price. Fixation of selling price is not an objective of financial accounting. Cost accounting provides sufficient information, which is helpful in determining selling price. Introduces the reasons for and basics of cost accounting and cost management systems. Simple definitions of forms used in cost accounting are included. Cost behavior is discussed. Questions to which…. Length: 6 page (s) Publication Date: Oct 31, 1991. Discipline: Accounting. Product #: 192068-PDF-ENG.The following formulas are useful in cost accounting to determine different types of costs.. Prime cost = Direct materials consumed + Direct labor. Conversion cost = Direct materials + Factory overhead. Factory cost = Direct materials + Direct labor + Factory overhead. Cost of goods manufactured = Direct materials consumed + Direct …Cost Accountant Job Outlook and Salary. As the economy continues globalizing, organizations will have a greater need for cost accountants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% growth for all accountants between 2020 and 2030, with 135,000 annual job openings during this period. Along with the strong outlook, higher-than-average salaries attract aspiring cost accountants to the field.Financial accounting is the process of recording, summarizing and reporting the myriad of transactions resulting from business operations over a period of time. These transactions are summarized ...Learn what cost accounting is, why it matters, and how it helps businesses control costs and optimize profitability. Explore the key elements, methods and …Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) are 19 standards and rules promulgated by 41 U.S.C. 422. These standards impact emerging small and large businesses alike. They are designed to achieve uniformity and consistency in cost accounting practices and to improve the accuracy of cost data by ensuring its basis on consistent definitions and principles.Cost Accounting. Cost accounting deals with evaluating the cost of a product or service offered. It calculates the cost by considering all factors, including manufacturing and administrative, that contribute to output production. The objective of cost accounting is to help the management fix the prices and control the cost of production.Nov 7, 2022 · Cost Accounting. Cost accounting deals with evaluating the cost of a product or service offered. It calculates the cost by considering all factors, including manufacturing and administrative, that contribute to output production. The objective of cost accounting is to help the management fix the prices and control the cost of production. Senior Cost Accounting Specialist. Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center In Singapore Pte. Ltd. Jurong West, West Region. $6,000 – $9,000 per month. Cost Accounting. (Accounting) 2d ago. Accountant. Bee Sun Engineering Pte Ltd.Assist with coordinating and executing an adequate plan for the control of operations specific to cost accounting. Organize and direct systems and procedures to ensure accurate and timely completion of accounting reports including monthly, quarterly, and year end closes. Prepare or review inventory market analysis.Do you want to learn the basics of cost accounting, its meaning, objectives, and differences from financial accounting? Watch this video by King Classes, a YouTube channel that offers …The following points highlight the five main types of classification of costs. The types are: 1. Cost Classification by Nature 2. Cost Classification in Relation to Cost Centre 3. Cost Classification by Time 4. Cost Classification for Decision Making 5. Cost Classification by Nature of Production Process. Type # 1. Cost Classification by Nature: The total cost of a product or service is ....