Review the five steps in the decision$-$making framework presented in the chapter. Complete Steps $1-3$ to clearly evaluate the decision at hand. What role does a cost accountant play during these first three steps of the decision$-$making process?

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Cost accountants analyze the benefits of decisions and determine potential risks that come with those decisions. So they play a major role in the first three steps in the DECISION making process.

Step $1$: Identify the decision

Step $2$: Gather information

Step $3$: Identify alternitives

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Complete Step $4$ to select the option that maximizes the benefit to the company while staying true to the company's values.

Explain your rationale.