Cost Management Research Articles (Page 1)

Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) face increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, but conventional calculators such as SCORE tend to underestimate it. Imaging of subclinical atherosclerosis may help refine risk stratification. However, the relative cost-efficiency of available modalities has not been systematically compared. To evaluate the diagnostic yield and cost-efficiency of femoral ultrasound, carotid ultrasound, and abdominal X-ray in detecting subclinical atherosclerosis among PsA patients. A cross-sectional PsA cohort (N = 146) fulfilling CASPAR criteria was studied. Ultrasound of femoral and carotid arteries and abdominal X-ray imaging were performed. Unit costs were estimated from typical European healthcare tariffs: ultrasound €50-150; abdominal X-ray €20-50. Cost per detected case was calculated as = unit cost × NNS (number needed to screen to detect a case). A threshold condition was derived to establish when X-ray becomes more cost-efficient than vascular ultrasound: Cost (Rx) < 0.4985 × Cost (US). Femoral ultrasound yielded the best diagnostic performance (NNS 1.62; cost per case €81-243). Carotid ultrasound was less efficient (NNS 2.98; €149-447). Abdominal X-ray, despite lower plaque prevalence (30.8%), was the most cost-efficient option (€65-162.5 per case), as long as its price remained < 50% of the ultrasound cost. Femoral artery ultrasound provides the highest diagnostic yield for subclinical atherosclerosis in PsA, while abdominal X-ray may represent a pragmatic, low-cost alternative for detecting calcified lesions. Carotid ultrasound appears less efficient. These findings highlight the need to balance diagnostic yield, cost, and clinical objectives in CV risk management for PsA. Key points • Femoral ultrasound provided the highest diagnostic yield for detecting subclinical atherosclerosis in PsA patients. •Carotid ultrasound was less efficient, identifying plaques with higher cost and lower sensitivity than femoral scans. •Abdominal X-ray was the most cost-efficient option when priced below half the ultrasound cost. •Imaging strategy in PsA should balance diagnostic yield, economic factors, and healthcare resource availability.

Purpose This study explores the impact of corporate digital transformation on cost stickiness and examines how the characteristics of top managers influence this relationship. Design/methodology/approach The study focuses on A-share listed companies in China, using data from the WIND and CSMAR databases spanning from 2010 to 2021. A Web Crawler, developed in Python, was employed to extract information on digital transformation from the “Management Discussion and Analysis” (MD&amp;A) sections of the annual reports. The final dataset comprises 17,691 observations. Findings The results indicate that digital transformation reduces cost stickiness, with the IT backgrounds and managerial ability of top managers reinforcing this effect. In contrast, political connections and managerial overconfidence diminish the negative association. The mechanism analysis reveals that the effect is mediated by light-asset operation, agency costs and information asymmetry. The impact of top managers’ IT backgrounds is particularly significant in firms with high managerial ability, whereas the moderating role of political connections is more pronounced in firms with high managerial overconfidence. Originality/value This paper advances the understanding of corporate digital transformation and its economic implications by highlighting the moderating role of top managers’ characteristics. It provides practical insights for companies aiming to enhance their entities through digital transformation and improve cost management strategies.

ABSTRACT Background Cystoscopy is a high-frequency endoscopic procedure requiring sustainable and evidence-based device management strategies. Research design and methods This institutional cost-opportunity analysis compared disposable and reusable cystoscope devices in a high-volume oncology center. Retrospective real-world data on disposable use were combined with theoretical modeling for reusable systems under three operational scenarios: disposable, reusable with standard sterilization, and reusable with urgent sterilization, each analyzed in optimized and maximal-cost conditions. Results Disposable cystoscopes cost €188.75 per procedure, halved procedural time (15 vs. 30 minutes), and ensured workflow continuity. Reusable systems were economically sustainable only under optimized reprocessing (two cystoscopes per cycle, €180.88 per procedure). Under urgent or single-scope sterilization, per-procedure costs increased to €198.88, with annual excesses of up to €79,820.88 compared to disposable systems. Disposable devices minimized downtime and logistical complexity, particularly in high-demand settings. Conclusions Reusable cystoscopes achieve economic sustainability only when supported by standardized, high-efficiency workflows, while disposables provide flexibility and reliability in routine and urgent care. Despite its single-center, retrospective design, this framework provides transferable insights for healthcare institutions aiming to align cost management, service quality, and sustainability in cystoscopic practice. Future multicentric studies are warranted to validate these findings across diverse organizational settings.

Abstract: Sri Lankan construction industry continues to face persistent cost overruns, largely caused by project delays, design changes, and volatile material prices. Conventional quantity surveying practices tend to be reactive, lacking the proactive alert systems required to identify and mitigate risks early. This research aims to bridge that gap by developing a framework that integrates Smart Decision Tools with 5D Building Information Modeling (BIM) to strengthen risk management in Sri Lankan building projects. The main objective is to design and validate a CostX based workflow equipped with an alert mechanism for proactive cost control. The study’s methodology includes creating a 5D cost model using CostX, connecting it to key risk variables, and implementing a customized workbook alert system to facilitate scenario-based risk analysis. The proposed approach transforms cost management from reactive reporting to real-time risk prediction, offering a practical digital solution to reduce recurring cost overruns. This research also contributes to the advancement of applied 5D BIM knowledge and provides quantity surveyors with an effective tool to support digital transformation in cost management practices. Keywords: 5D BIM, CostX, Risk Management, Cost Overruns, Early Warning System, Proactive Cost Management, Quantity Surveying.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to use cognitive mapping to identify and analyze the success factors necessary for integrating lean principles into the supply chains of ground handling services in the aviation sector. Design/methodology/approach This study uses cognitive mapping to identify success factors for implementing lean principles in ground handling services. Cognitive mapping visually represents cause-and-effect relationships, highlighting interconnected processes and offering insights for improvement. Data was collected through structured interviews with two ground handling experts and two aviation management academics. Decision Explorer software was used to construct cognitive maps and reveal the importance of various factors. Findings This study identifies 13 success factors crucial for lean integration in ground services and uses cognitive mapping to explore their interconnections. The maps show relationships between key factors such as leadership, employee training, automation and cost management, emphasizing their impact on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. These findings offer valuable insights for both practitioners and researchers. Originality/value This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on lean transformation in the aviation sector. It offers guidance for practitioners aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and maintain high safety and quality standards. In addition, it provides a theoretical foundation for further exploration of lean management’s impact on ground handling services and aviation supply chains.

Abstract Increasing requirements for transmission capacity and delays in grid expansion lead to rising costs for congestion management (CM). Approaches to better utilize the existing infrastructure and reduce costly redispatch are being examined, such as curative congestion management (CCM), in which remedial actions (RAs) are only triggered post-fault. Although CCM has the potential to reduce CM costs, it raises concerns about possibly heightened operational risks. As failures of curative RAs can endanger grid operation, it is crucial to account for possible RA failures already at the planning stage and thus increase the reliability of CCM by redundancy. This paper presents three concepts to provide redundancy for CCM, ensuring that no limit violations occur even if a single curative RA fails. A mixed-integer linear program (MILP) is used to optimize preventive and curative RAs while accounting for operational limits and the defined redundancy requirement. Annual simulations on a benchmark grid model compare the effectiveness of these concepts in terms of cost-efficiency. The practicability and indications of the influence on grid security are analyzed qualitatively. The results show that concepts with active or passive partial redundancy preserve most of the economic benefits of CCM, whereas complete replacements of multiple RAs entail higher complexity and costs.

The study aims to demonstrate how cost data technology contributes to environmental activity in low-cost settings. It is a rapidly evolving tool in the field of cost accounting and management accounting, identifying small activities and allocating small costs to those contributing to them, providing greater excellence in small costs. This technique is used in response to increasing environmental pollution and significant international and local pressures on small-scale issues. This approach helps identify areas of waste that are not available to business management, allowing for a relationship between economic performance and cost reduction. This can help identify opportunities to reduce costs, thus achieving the company's objectives.

Green finance has emerged as a driving force in the restructuring of energy-intensive industries by integrating ecological objectives into financial decision-making. This paper explores the significance and strategic pathways of financial transformation for high-energy-consumption enterprises under the guidance of green finance. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of industrial upgrading, diversification of financing channels, improvement of environmental risk management, and reinforcement of sustainable competitiveness. Four major strategies are examined: enhancing green accounting information disclosure, innovating green investment instruments, strengthening environmental cost and performance management, and constructing green risk control systems. These approaches illustrate how enterprises can achieve financial resilience and ecological accountability simultaneously, thereby securing long-term growth within increasingly stringent environmental and financial frameworks.

ABSTRACT The lack of funding is a significant barrier to information technology (IT) adoption in nonprofit organizations. The question of whether IT investments are justified, particularly given the sector's resource constraints and the pressure to prioritize direct services, remains unresolved. This study investigates the financial returns of IT expenditures in nonprofits. By analyzing tax data from over 8400 nonprofits between 2010 and 2017 using a two‐way fixed effects model, the findings reveal that IT investments enhance financial capacity. Specifically, IT expenses, particularly in program and management areas, positively influence program service income. Higher IT spending also raises the share of mission‐related expenses and lowers management cost ratios. However, IT expenditures may temporarily inflate fundraising costs and reduce fundraising efficiency. This study reframes the conversation around nonprofit expenses, positioning them not as financial burdens but as critical investments driving financial growth. The findings offer practical insights for nonprofit leaders and highlight future directions for research on technology use in nonprofit organizations.

This study examines the role of family capital in shaping overseas educational mobility within the context of second-tier cities. Using Y High School in Hefei as a case study, it compares the strategies adopted and challenges faced by families of different income levels in supporting their children's overseas education, and offers relevant recommendations. This research, based on Bourdieu's theory of capital, employs a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews. The results show that high-income families leverage their comprehensive advantages in economy, culture, and social capital to connect with global education resources; while middle- and low-income families prefer a path with manageable costs and higher expected returns, which could cause loss of opportunities for students and even result in psychological pressure. Meanwhile, failing to reach the expectation of studying abroad, such as gaining advantages in the job market and social recognition, indicates that the conversion and flow of capital are not necessarily upward. This study proposes to establish a public information platform for international education, improve the national and local scholarship systems for studying abroad, integrate public school curricula with international programs and other suggestions. It encourages families and students themselves to make decisions about studying abroad with a positive mindset and calls for enterprises and society to enhance recognition towards overseas study, thereby promoting education equality and capital flow.

Hypertension remains a leading global cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, yet blood pressure control rates remain suboptimal despite advances in antihypertensive therapy. Multiple barriers-including cost, side effects, therapeutic complexity, and physician inertia-impede effective management, particularly in aging populations and low-resource settings. This review evaluates the therapeutic role of doxazosin, particularly in its extended-release gastrointestinal therapeutic system formulation, as a potential adjunct in contemporary hypertension treatment, including resistant hypertension.

This study exploits the promulgation of China’s E-commerce Law in 2009 as a quasi-natural experiment to construct a difference-in-differences (DID) model, examining the impact and mechanisms of digital economy governance on corporate cost stickiness. Using Chinese-listed manufacturing companies from 2013 to 2020 as research samples, we find that the implementation of the E-commerce Law significantly reduces corporate cost stickiness. Mechanism analysis reveals that the implementation of the E-Commerce Law promotes digital transformation in traditional manufacturing firms and strengthens their supply chain collaboration. These advancements lead to more efficient cost management decisions and reduce corporate cost stickiness. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that this effect is more significant for mature and declining enterprises and state-owned enterprises, as well as in regions with relatively developed economies and low reliance on foreign trade. Further research shows that the implementation of the E-Commerce Law curbs managerial opportunism and enhances managerial ability.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the integration of Activity-Based Costing (ABC) and Lean management in private medical universities to address rising operational costs and enhance financial sustainability. The objective was to determine how these methodologies can optimize resource allocation and improve cost efficiency. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative analysis of cost structures through ABC with qualitative assessments of operational inefficiencies using Lean principles. Findings The results revealed that ABC effectively identifies cost drivers, enabling accurate cost allocation, while Lean management improves process efficiency by reducing waste and promoting continuous improvement. The integration of these methods led to significant cost reductions, better resource utilization and enhanced financial planning. Practical implications Challenges included resistance to change and the need for strong leadership to support the implementation process. This study concludes that combining ABC and Lean management offers a robust framework for financial sustainability and operational excellence in higher education. Originality/value This integrated approach contributes valuable insights into cost management practices, with potential applications across various educational settings.

This paper analyses the dynamics of performance of Russian banks from 2012 to 2021. To assess the efficiency of financial institutions, the authors used parametric Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) method. The study examines various aspects of bank operations, including lending, deposit-taking, and cost management. For an in-depth analysis and to obtain estimates from more homogeneous samples, all banks were divided into five groups based on asset size. The efficiency models were estimated separately for each group and for each year, enabling the tracking of changes both across groups and over time. The study’s key conclusion is that an overall decline in banking efficiency was observed over the period under review. This fact may be linked to the dynamics of the key interest rate, specifically to the periods of monetary policy easing (during times of higher interest rates, banks are forced to operate with greater efficiency). Only the group of the five largest banks managed to maintain their deposit-taking efficiency, which is likely due to their high level of customer trust and these institutions’ relatively easier access to retail funds. Cost management efficiency was generally found to be higher, with the largest banks demonstrating the most successful performance. The findings of the study and the resulting estimates can be valuable for both government bodies providing banking supervision and regulation, and for the banks themselves and their counterparties.

Corn (Zea mays L.) was planted on 375.1 million acres (151.8 million hectares) cumulative from 2020 to 2023 in the United States (U.S.) and Ontario, Canada. During these four years, 59.6 billion bushels (1.5 billion metric tons) of grain were produced, valued at $325.9 billion U.S. dollars (USD). Plant pathogens that cause diseases limit annual grain production and reduce associated economic returns, while also increasing management costs to prevent potential losses. Plant pathologists representing 29 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada were asked to estimate annual percent yield losses caused by 37 pathogens or pathogen groups through an online survey. Grain contaminated by mycotoxins was also estimated. According to survey results, estimated overall annual percent losses ranged from negligible in Texas in 2023 to 15.8% in Michigan in 2021, and averaged 3.0% across all surveyed regions for the four-year period. Diseases reduced corn yield by an estimated 2.5 billion bushels (63.7 million metric tons) across participating locations, with tar spot (caused by Phyllachora maydis), Fusarium stalk rot (caused by Fusarium spp.), and plant-parasitic nematodes causing the most significant losses. Total estimated economic loss caused by diseases was $13.8 billion USD; and the average economic loss was $37.76 USD per acre ($93.30 USD per hectare) across all years and locations. Survey data and the resulting analysis can help inform corn disease management, and guide pathology education, policy, and research priorities among scientists, government representatives, Extension educators, and other stakeholders.

Modular and prefabricated construction technology has received more attention as the demand for sustainable and affordable urban homes has increased. These methods offer significant opportunities for improvements in productivity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. This paper presents a systematic review of twenty-seven peer-reviewed high-quality journals, aiming to assess how prefabrication can cut construction waste, speed up project delivery, and affect housing availability. The review synthesises empirical evidence from various geographical and economic settings, following a strict selection process. The findings show that prefabrication can lower construction waste by 40 to 70%, reduce project delivery time by 15 to 45%, and cut construction costs by up to 30%, thereby making housing more affordable. In addition, combining prefabricated strategies allows for scalable and repeatable design models that fit into high-density urban areas. This improves environmental performance and worker safety. Results indicate that the modular and prefabricated systems tend to deliver on shorter construction times, less wastage of material, and cost management as opposed to the traditional system. These benefits however come in different magnitudes according to the context and type of project. The research also focuses on how this building technique promotes the principles of a circular economy by means of reusing the components and minimising the effects of its lifecycle. In general, both modular and prefabricated construction have a good chance of enhancing the outcomes of the housing projects, but it is still required to be repeatedly empirically proven. However, there are barriers. These include high initial costs, a bureaucratic regulatory environment, and fragmented supply chains, especially in developing markets. Notably, the review contributes to the field by mapping the evolution of modular construction research, identifying critical knowledge gaps, and proposing a structured framework for evaluating productivity and sustainability outcomes in housing projects. These insights provide a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to enhance sustainable construction practices and advance the circular economy agenda within the built environment.

Cloud computing has transformed the way organizations approach IT infrastructure and service delivery by enabling on-demand access to computing resources over the internet. Rather than investing heavily in physical servers, storage and networking up front, businesses can adopt a pay-as-you-go model that shifts the major expense from capital expenditure (CapEx) to operational expenditure (OpEx). This change not only reduces upfront cost and financial risk, but also enables more flexible budgeting and allocation of resources. One of the most important benefits is scalability and elasticity: organizations can rapidly scale resources up or down in response to demand fluctuations such as seasonal peaks, sudden project-bursts or variable workload patterns without having to over-provision infrastructure in advance. This sensitivity to demand leads to more efficient resource utilization and better cost management. At the same time, cloud platforms enhance agility: new services or applications can be deployed quickly because the underlying infrastructure is already available, allowing businesses to test ideas, iterate faster and accelerate time-to-market. Cloud computing also opens the door to advanced technologies that might otherwise be out of reach such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), predictive analytics and large-scale data processing. Because cloud providers offer powerful compute, storage and analytics platforms, organizations can leverage these capabilities without large upfront hardware investments. This contributes to innovation and strategic differentiation. Accessibility and collaboration are further improved: cloud-based tools and services make it easier for users and teams to access applications and data anytime, anywhere, and from multiple devices, which supports remote work, cross-location projects and flexible operations. Security, disaster recovery and business continuity are additional advantages. Many cloud providers offer robust infrastructure with redundancy, backup, and disaster-recovery solutions built-in. This means that organizations can improve their resilience to hardware failures, site outages or data loss without bearing all the costs themselves. Moreover, cloud providers typically maintain dedicated security expertise and compliance capabilities, which can strengthen an organization’s security posture although responsibility for configuration and governance remains shared. Finally, cloud computing also contributes to sustainability efforts: by leveraging shared infrastructure, optimizing energy usage and reducing the footprint of individual data centers, organizations can align their IT operations with environmental goals and corporate social responsibility.

The Nigerian consumer goods industry faces rising production costs, inflation, and intense competition, highlighting the need for effective cost management strategies. Cost control serves as a vital mechanism for monitoring expenditures, optimizing resources, and improving production efficiency. This study examines the impact of cost control mechanisms on production efficiency among listed consumer goods companies in Nigeria. Grounded in Contingency Theory and the Theory of Constraints (TOC), the research adopts a quantitative survey design. Structured questionnaires were distributed to finance and operations personnel across ten listed firms, with data analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results reveal statistically significant positive relationships between production efficiency and cost control mechanisms: standard costing (r = 0.642, p &lt; 0.01), budgetary control (r = 0.591, p &lt; 0.01), variance analysis (r = 0.618, p &lt; 0.01), and activity-based costing (r = 0.566, p &lt; 0.01). Moderate inter-correlations among cost control variables indicate structural cohesion in cost management systems. The regression model explains 71.4% of the variance in production efficiency (R² = 0.714; Adjusted R² = 0.692) and is statistically significant (F(6, 93) = 32.56, p &lt; 0.001). Each cost control practice significantly predicts production efficiency: standard costing (β = 0.384), budgetary control (β = 0.325), variance analysis (β = 0.318), and activity-based costing (β = 0.267). Control variables—firm size and inflation rate were insignificant. The findings affirm the strategic importance of internal cost control mechanisms in enhancing production efficiency, underscoring their superiority over macroeconomic factors in optimizing performance in resource-constrained settings.

Life Cycle Cost (LCC) management is essential in defense economics, ensuring the operational and financial sustainability of military systems. This study proposes a mathematical model based on the Monte Carlo method and parametric analysis to estimate the LCC of Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, used by air forces in Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, among others. These aircraft are recognized for their versatility in light attack, advanced training, and surveillance missions, making them critical for military operators. The model focuses on the Operation and Support (O&amp;S) phase, which constitutes the largest portion of the LCC, considering costs such as fuel, maintenance, logistics, and technical support. Historical data and international standards such as NATO’s AAP-48, ISO/IEC 15288:2015, and U.S. Department of Defense guidelines are integrated. Using 10,000 simulations, the model generates a probabilistic distribution that captures uncertainties and risks inherent in this critical phase. Beyond aircraft, the model can be applied to systems such as helicopters, UAVs, armored vehicles, missiles, and electronic equipment, which face similar sustainability challenges. This strategic approach optimizes resources and prioritizes decisions, strengthening strategic capabilities in countries like Ecuador and Brazil, enabling them to modernize systems and maximize resource management efficiency.

Financial institutions play a multifaceted role in mobilizing resources for the achievement of sustainable economic growth, development and project implementation and thus, various theories, models and statistical applications abound and used in review the connection between the financial institutions and project implementation that aimed at raising living standards, and as a critical determinants of developmental outcome in Nigeria but the growing complexity of project financing, coupled with economic volatility, has underscored the need for robust partnerships between financial institutions and project planners. Hence, this reviews explore the poor dynamic relationship and lopsidedness in financial disbursements by the institutions which negatively influence project planning implementation and execution in Nigeria, therefore, the review identified best practices and policy recommendations for fostering more effective partnerships between financial institutions and project planners and that such partnerships should be a medium to enhanced project feasibility, reduced delays, and improved cost management. Finally, financial institutions are therefore encouraged to facilitate access to credit, mobilize resources, and ensure funds are channeled toward productive uses with adequate monitoring and supervisions via strengthen of the existing policy and regulatory frameworks, Adopt innovative financing models and priorities community engagement and inclusivity.