Question for Profitable Expectations: An Accountant Rising to the Challenge

Chapters 27 - 34

1. How does Marcella feel her role at PlumbCo has changed? Do you think she's correct? What could have caused that role to change?
2. What other element of cost does the Major suggest needs to be looked at differently? Why
3. Why does Jim believe the model needs to be forward-looking and predictive? How does he suggest the model be constructed to make it forward-looking? Do you agree or disagree with him? Why?
4. How does the Major think the accounting profession will change in the future? Do you agree or disagree with him? Why?
5. What skills does the Major believe will be valued in the future? Do you think you can develop those skills? Why or why not?
6. Compare and contrast the concept of depreciation to the concept of capital preservation allowance. Which would be more helpful to a manager? Why?
7. Explain Jim's Excel model. What are the three key fundamentals he used in creating it? What do you think about his Excel model? Why?
8. What insights can the model provide Rich? How can Rich use those insights to improve the business?
9. What insights can the model provide Kelsey? How can Kelsey use those insights to improve the business?
10. What else did you learn from reading these chapters that was interesting and/or surprising?