Abstract Cost accounting topics continue to be a significant portion of the accounting practice and accounting theory parts of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant examination. This paper summarizes the cost accounting problems and questions in ten examinations during 1971 to 1975. Two earlier studies summarized the periods 1956 to 1965 and 1966 to 1970, they are referred to where interesting comparisons occur. Cost accounting is defined broadly, including cost determination, control and the use of accounting information for decision making purposes, however, questions dealing purely with inventory valuation, average and lower-of-cost-or-market, have been excluded. More specifically, the included topics are, basic knowledge of cost accounts and overhead costing, process cost accumulation procedures, by-products and joint products costing, budgeting for planning and control, standard costing, direct costing, inventory control, including economic order quantity and reorder point problems and models, breakeven, cost volume profit, differential cost analysis, linear programming and matrix algebra methods, other quantitative areas, for example, the calculus, learning curve, queueing theory, probability theory, statistical analysis and capital expenditure planning, evaluating and control.

Abstract Provides information on a rapid-technique for standard factory overhead variance analysis. Computation of standard factory overhead rate.

Reviews the book "Accounting and Reporting Requirements of the Private Pension Trust," by Joe J. Cramer Jr.

Abstract The article analyzes the extent and types of coverage of cost accounting topics during the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination in the U.S. from 1956 to 1965. Although the cost content has fluctuated considerably from one examination to another, the significance of the composite time percentages of 25 percent of the practice and 15 percent of the theory examination devoted to cost denotes the importance of the area. The author concludes that shifts in emphasis are usually fairly gradual and the major topics suggested in this paper should offer guidelines for preparation in the immediate future and until other trends become noticeable.

Abstract Changing conditions and needs call for revisions not only in the textbooks, but also in the order of coverage and emphasis of the cost accounting course(s) and their appropriateness for both accounting and non-accounting majors. This article directs attention to the latter needs by discussing two kinds of course content. First, traditional course content is discussed. Here the writer generalizes on what he feels the typical course content design has been. Second, the recommended course content is discussed as representing what the writer views to be a more desirable alternative. Another matter to be considered is the emphasis placed on cost accounting in the elementary accounting courses. Emphasis there should, of course, permit more depth and the treatment of additional topics in the cost courses. Certainly there must be careful coordination with elementary accounting course content if a structured, efficient, and effective accounting curriculum is to be achieved. The writer feels that revising cost accounting courses along the general pattern suggested above will yield a better pattern of course offerings.

Abstract It is possible that the student in his study of process cost accounting will acquaint himself with the techniques of cost allocations without grasping an understanding of just how these techniques fit into the accounting records. For this reason it is important that the student be required to prepare the cost transfer entries in connection with the process cost problems that he solves. An additional exercise that has been found to be most effective is the requirement that the student solve a problem that incorporates the matter of cost allocation as a segment of the overall accounting setting of a manufacturing concern. Many accounting textbooks fail to analyze completely the causes of a change in gross profit. Typically, any change is first divided into the change in sales and the change in cost of sales. Each of them in turn split into the change due to volume and the change due to unit prices or cost. It is not intended here that the traditional way is wrong from a practical analysis viewpoint. It is contended, however, that an effort should be made to show the student what the realities of the situation are, and why the practical approach is followed.

Abstract Reviews the book `The Costing Heritage: Studies in Honor of S. Paul Garner,' by O. Finley Graves.

Abstract Reviews the book "Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants: A History, 1951-1981," by James A. Tinsley.

Abstract Reviews the book "The Make-or-Buy Decision," by Anthony J. Gambino.

Abstract This paper summarizes the extent and types of coverage of cost accounting topics in the ten CPA exams during 1966-1970 inclusive. Comparisons are made to my earlier study covering the period 1956-1965.