1. Sometimes it is hard to get data and understand it. For example, if you are not an accounting major, asking questions about the key metrics might be hard if you don't understand the discipline. Thus, it is important to have an understanding of all aspects of business to holistically understand the firm. Important to then know how to "interview" people within the firm to better understand and make better decisions on what to optimize. Using that thought, you need to ask good questions. These should drive from the strategies and goals. It is time to think about how to ask these questions and WHO to ask. So, first, what do you need from accounting? Why? HINT: All your answers will be different because of firm limitations, timing issues, or system used.

Slide 4: Does your firm use ABC in their finances? Do you have access to an accountant to do an informational interview with? If so , what would you ask him/her?

2. Look up ABC vs Lean Costing - what is the difference?

3.