Budgets can be useful tools for planning and control, but they can also present challenges for many managers and spur unintended negative consequences. Some companies have begun exploring alternatives to traditional master budgeting. The chapters in the textbook provide a thorough examination of both the benefits and challenges of budgeting, while the article Budgets Don't Work: Here's How Businesses Can Do It Differently points out some problems caused by traditional budgeting practices and offers an alternative approach.

For this discussion, carefully review each resource and provide a thorough assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of traditional budgeting practices. Explain whether you support a company's use of a traditional budget or recommend an alternative approach. Support your viewpoint by directly citing from your learning resources and any other resources you choose to use.