QUESTIONS FOR WRITING AND DISCUSSION 1. What is cost management, and how does it differ from management accounting and cost accounting? 2. How do cost management and financial accounting differ! 3, Identify and discuss the factors that are affecting the focus and practice of cost management 4. What is a flexible manufacturing system! 5. What is the role of the controller in an organization/ Describe some of the activ- ities over which he or she has control. 6. What is the difference between a line position and a staff position? 7. The controller should be a member of the top management staff. Do you agree or disagree with this suement? Explain. 8. Describe the connection among planning. controlling, and feedback. 9. What is the role of cost management with respect to the objective of continuous improvement? 10. What role do performance reports play with respect to the control function? 11. What is business ethics? Is it possible to teach ethical behavior in a management accounting course! 12. Firms with higher ethical standards will experience a higher level of economic performance than firms with lower or poor ethical standards. Do you agree? Why or why not! 13. Review the code of ethical conduct for management accountants. Do you believe that the code will have an effect on the ethical behavior of management account tants? Explain. 14. Identify the three forms of accounting certification. Which form of certification do you believe is best for a management accountant? Why! 15. What are the four parts to the CMA examination? What do they indicate about cost and management accounting versus financial accounting