Cost reduction
Cost reduction seeks a sustainable decrease in the resources or expenditure needed to deliver required value. It can involve redesign, improved processes, fewer errors, better purchasing or removal of unnecessary activity. Unlike maintaining a budget, it challenges the underlying cost level. Evaluate total and life-cycle effects, quality and whether resources can actually be released or redeployed. A temporary deferral or accounting reclassification is not a genuine reduction.
Worked example
A design change reduces material from 3 kg to 2.8 kg per unit without harming required performance, permanently reducing input demand at the same price.
Common mistake
Do not describe postponed maintenance, unpaid invoices or moving cost between departments as a sustainable saving.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | APM | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | MA | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FMA | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
