Management accountants are frequently asked to analyze various decision situations including the following:

1.The cost of a special device that is necessary if a special order is accepted.

2.The cost proposed annually for the plant service for the grounds at corporate headquarters.

3.Joint production costs incurred, to be considered in a sell-or-process-further decision.

4.The costs associated with alternative uses of plant space, to be considered in a make/buy decision.

5.The cost of obsolete inventory acquired several years ago, to be considered in a keep-versus-disposal decision.

The costs described in situations I and IV above are examples of:

answers could be: Discretionary costs. Prime costs. Relevant costs. Opportunity costs. Sunk costs.