Costos estándar

Summary

This tutorial by Mónica Hernández delves into the realm of standard costs within cost administration. It emphasizes the importance of standard costs as predetermined benchmarks for performance measurement and control, outlining their role in budgeting and decision-making. The video explores different types of standards, including fixed, ideal, and attainable, and discusses the advantages and potential pitfalls of standard cost systems. It also covers the theoretical and practical aspects of calculating material, labor, and manufacturing overhead variances, providing foundational knowledge for further practical application.

Takeaways

• 📚 The tutorial is focused on 'standard costs' in the area of cost management, explaining them as predetermined costs used for performance measurement and control.
• 🏗️ Standard costs are essential for setting budgets, which are likened to a house made of bricks, with each brick representing a standard cost.
• 📈 Standard costs serve as a benchmark for comparing actual costs, allowing for the identification of variances or deviations from what was planned.
• 🔍 The analysis of variances is critical for understanding discrepancies between planned and actual costs, which can provide insights for improvement.
• 🛠️ The tutorial distinguishes between historical costs, which are calculated after events occur, and predetermined costs that are estimated before events happen.
• 🎯 Setting standard costs involves both empirical methods, based on experience and estimation, and scientific methods, which use in-depth studies of influencing factors.
• 💡 Standard costs are not just estimates; they are 'should-be' costs, representing the ideal cost that must be achieved under optimal conditions.
• 📉 The tutorial discusses different types of standards, including fixed or basic standards, ideal standards, and attainable standards, each with its own application and implications for motivation and efficiency.
• 🔄 The concept of continuous improvement is highlighted as potentially more important than always meeting standards, emphasizing the value of ongoing refinement and adaptation.
• 📊 The script covers the development of standards, including the role of experience and engineering studies, as well as the involvement of various departments in setting operational standards.
• 📝 The importance of timely and accurate standard reporting is mentioned, as delays can impact the relevance and effectiveness of cost management strategies.

Q & A

Who is the presenter of the tutorial?

The presenter of the tutorial is Mónica Hernández.

What is the main topic of the tutorial?

The main topic of the tutorial is standard costs in the area of cost administration.

What are the standard costs according to the tutorial?

Standard costs are predetermined costs that serve as benchmarks or targets for actual costs incurred in a production process.

Why are standard costs important for measuring performance?

Standard costs are important for measuring performance because they provide a benchmark to compare actual costs against, enabling control and potential improvements.

What are the two methods of predetermining costs mentioned in the tutorial?

The two methods of predetermining costs mentioned are the empirical method, which is based on experience or estimation, and a more scientific method that involves in-depth analysis of all factors influencing production.

What is the purpose of budgeting in the context of cost administration?

The purpose of budgeting in cost administration is to plan for future costs, control actual costs against the planned costs, and to evaluate performance for decision-making.

What are the objectives of a standard cost system?

The objectives of a standard cost system are to provide control over costs, serve as a basis for setting selling prices, help in inventory evaluation, and assist in administrative performance evaluation.

What are the different types of standards discussed in the tutorial?

The different types of standards discussed are fixed or basic standards, ideal standards, and attainable standards.

Why are attainable standards important for worker motivation?

Attainable standards are important for worker motivation because they set realistic goals that workers can achieve, preventing demotivation that can result from unattainable or utopian standards.

What are the advantages of a standard cost system?

The advantages of a standard cost system include exception management, improved planning and decision-making information, potential cost reduction in production, and continuous improvement focus.

What are the potential disadvantages of a standard cost system mentioned in the tutorial?

Potential disadvantages include misinterpretation of favorable variances, budget slack that may lead to inaccurate reporting, and the negative impact on worker morale if standards are not met.