file below  Objective: The objective of this assignment is to analyze the cost management practices and budgeting processes of a

file below 

Objective: The objective of this assignment is to analyze the cost management practices and budgeting processes of a publicly traded company. This focused analysis will help you understand how organizations plan, control, and evaluate their financial resources.

Instructions:

1.
Company Selection: Each student will select a publicly traded company from the following list (known for straightforward financial structures):

· McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)

· Walmart Inc. (WMT)

· Coca-Cola Company (KO)

· Target Corporation (TGT)

· Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)

2.
Cost Structure Analysis:

· Identify and categorize the major cost components (fixed vs. variable, direct vs. indirect) based on the company’s financial reports.

· Analyze the cost behavior patterns over the past two fiscal years.

· Calculate and interpret the company’s contribution margin and break-even point.

3.
Budgeting Process:

· Describe the company’s budgeting approach based on available information.

· Analyze how the company allocates resources across different departments or segments.

· Identify one specific budgeting challenge the company has faced and how it was addressed.

4.
Performance Evaluation:

· Compare actual results to budgeted figures for at least one fiscal year.

· Calculate and interpret relevant variances (spending, efficiency, etc.).

5.
Presentation:

· Prepare a simple presentation (5-7 slides) highlighting your key findings.

· Your presentation should be 5 minutes maximum. Please share the URL to the video where I can watch the presentation. 

6.
Report:

· Submit a concise written report summarizing your analysis.

· The report should not exceed 5 pages (excluding references and appendices).

· Focus on clarity rather than complexity in your explanations.

Grading Criteria:

· Accuracy of cost structure analysis (30%)

· Understanding of budgeting principles (30%)

· Quality of performance evaluation (25%)

· Clarity of presentation and report (15%)

Rubric

A2: Cost Management and Budgeting Analysis – Individual Assignment

A2: Cost Management and Budgeting Analysis – Individual Assignment

Criteria

Ratings

Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCost Structure Analysis (30 pts)

30 pts

Exceptional

Accurately identifies and categorizes major cost components (fixed vs. variable, direct vs. indirect). Provides a strong analysis of cost behavior trends over two years. Contribution margin and break-even point are correctly calculated and well-interpreted.

23 pts

Proficient

Cost components are mostly correctly categorized. Cost trends over two years are analyzed with minor gaps. Contribution margin and break-even analysis are mostly accurate.

20 pts

Competent

Basic cost component identification with some categorization errors. Cost behavior trends are noted but lack depth. Contribution margin and break-even analysis have minor mistakes.

10 pts

Basic

Incorrect or missing cost structure analysis. No meaningful discussion of cost behavior.

0 pts

No Marks

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUnderstanding of Budgeting Principles (30 pts)

30 pts

Exceptional

Clearly explains the company’s budgeting approach with strong supporting details. Analyzes resource allocation with depth and accuracy. Identifies and thoroughly discusses a real budgeting challenge and how it was addressed.

23 pts

Proficient

Budgeting approach is well explained but lacks minor details. Resource allocation is analyzed with reasonable depth. Budgeting challenge is identified and discussed with minor gaps.

20 pts

Competent

Budgeting approach is somewhat described but lacks depth. Resource allocation is mentioned but not deeply analyzed. Budgeting challenge discussion is limited.

10 pts

Basic

Budgeting principles are not explained. No analysis of resource allocation or budgeting challenges.

0 pts

No Marks

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePerformance Evaluation & Variance Analysis (25 pts)

25 pts

Exceptional

Accurately compares actual results to budgeted figures for at least one year. Key variances (spending, efficiency, etc.) are correctly calculated and well-explained. Strong interpretation of financial implications.

20 pts

Proficient

Budget-to-actual comparison is mostly accurate with minor errors. Variances are calculated correctly but analysis lacks depth.

15 pts

Competent

Budget-to-actual comparison has noticeable gaps. Variance analysis is attempted but with some calculation errors.

7 pts

Basic

No performance evaluation or variance analysis provided.

0 pts

No Marks

25 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClarity of Presentation & Report (15 pts)

15 pts

Exceptional

Report is clear, concise, and well-organized. Presentation (slides and video) is professional, engaging, and visually effective. Information is well-structured and easy to follow.

12 pts

Proficient

Report and presentation are clear and mostly well-organized. Minor issues with clarity or engagement.

9 pts

Competent

Report and presentation have some structure issues. Explanations lack depth.

5 pts

Basic

Report and presentation are unclear, incomplete, or missing.

0 pts

No Marks

15 pts

Total Points: 100

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