Understanding costs to make better decisions
Classifying costs is not a technical exercise but a crucial managerial capability. Distinguishing between variable and fixed, specific and common, direct and indirect costs makes it possible to understand precisely how a company uses its resources and where inefficiencies arise. A clear map of cost categories helps design more reliable control systems, assess strategic alternatives, and make informed decisions in complex contexts. An excerpt from "Measuring Costs – Elements for Strategic Decisions" by Massimo Aielli (Egea, 2025).