Cost and Efficiency Analysis Course
This course gives you the tools to measure, control and reduce costs while improving efficiency. You will learn to classify costs and apply direct, absorption, marginal and activity-based costing, calculate margins, break-even and return on investment, analyze production, inventory and maintenance costs, build models and dashboards in spreadsheets and ERP systems, and evaluate investments with NPV and IRR.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Cost and Efficiency Analysis Course?
This short course trains you to analyze costs and efficiency as a basis for sound decisions. You will study fixed, variable and semi-variable costs, direct, absorption and marginal costing, cost-benefit analysis, sources of inefficiency, SWOT analysis and flow diagrams, costs across the value chain, production, inventory and maintenance costs, resource optimization, margins, break-even and ROI, activity-based costing, life-cycle costs, product and service pricing, benchmarking, ERP and accounting software, spreadsheet analysis, cost modeling and simulation, reporting dashboards, strategic decisions, long-term financial planning, NPV, IRR and sensitivity analysis, cost management in times of crisis and sustainability in cost analysis.
What sets this course apart: it links costing methods directly to everyday operating decisions, from pricing to maintenance planning; it is highly practical, with spreadsheet models, simulations and dashboards; it includes maritime examples such as fuel consumption, route and speed choices and preventive maintenance; and it brings sustainability into the long-term view of costs and investment.
Program highlights
- Cost fundamentals: fixed, variable and semi-variable costs and costing methods.
- Activity-based costing (ABC) to allocate indirect costs accurately.
- Profitability: margins, break-even point and return on investment.
- Operating costs: production, inventory, maintenance and resource use.
- Tools: ERP, spreadsheets, cost modeling, simulation and dashboards.
- Investment appraisal with NPV, IRR and sensitivity analysis.
Syllabus of the Cost and Efficiency Analysis Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Introduction to cost analysis and economic evaluation tools
- 1.1. Cost fundamentals: fixed, variable and semi-variable costs
- 1.2. Cost analysis methods: direct, absorption and marginal costing
- 1.3. Cost-benefit analysis: evaluation and economic decision-making
- 1.4. Identifying sources of inefficiency: areas of impact and preliminary diagnosis
- 1.5. Decision-making tools: SWOT analysis and flow diagrams
Cost calculation in operations and resource optimization
- 2.1. Costs across the value chain: from procurement to distribution
- 2.2. Production cost analysis: labor, materials and machinery
- 2.3. Inventory management: stock control, turnover and stock optimization
- 2.4. Maintenance and repair costs: scheduling, forecasting and indirect costs
- 2.5. Optimizing the use of resources: reducing waste and improving efficiency
Profitability analysis and cost management techniques
- 3.1. Profitability calculation: margins, break-even point and return on investment (ROI)
- 3.2. Activity-based costing (ABC): identifying and allocating indirect costs
- 3.3. Long-term cost analysis: life-cycle costs and investment analysis
- 3.4. Product and service costing: setting prices and commercial strategies
- 3.5. Benchmarking: comparing costs and efficiency with competitors
Tools and software for cost analysis
- 4.1. Introduction to ERP systems and their role in cost management
- 4.2. Accounting and financial analysis software: functions, advantages and use cases
- 4.3. Using spreadsheets (Excel) for cost analysis: formulas, pivot tables and charts
- 4.4. Cost modeling and simulation: scenarios, forecasting and real-time simulations
- 4.5. Reporting and data visualization tools: dashboards, reports and visual analysis
Strategic decision-making and long-term cost planning
- 5.1. Strategic decisions based on cost analysis: investment, expansion and diversification
- 5.2. Long-term financial planning: forecasting expenses, income and cash flow
- 5.3. Investment project appraisal: NPV, IRR, sensitivity and risk analysis
- 5.4. Cost management in times of crisis: spending control, budget adjustment and recovery strategies
- 5.5. Integrating sustainability into cost analysis: long-term environmental and economic impact
Duration and format of the Cost and Efficiency Analysis Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Cost and Efficiency Analysis Course
Career opportunities after the Cost and Efficiency Analysis Course
Questions about the Cost and Efficiency Analysis Course
To identify and reduce unnecessary costs while maintaining or improving efficiency and quality.
It shows where spending is excessive or inefficient, so you can act on those areas, optimize resources and improve both operational efficiency and profitability.
Direct, absorption and marginal costing, activity-based costing (ABC), life-cycle costing and cost-benefit analysis.
A spreadsheet such as Excel or Google Sheets is enough. The course also explains how ERP and accounting systems support cost management.
The methods are general and apply to any organization, but many examples come from maritime and nautical operations, such as fuel, routes and maintenance.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied project. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at chief financial officers, controllers and analysts, production and operations managers, business consultants, entrepreneurs and business owners who need to control spending, and business administration students; a background in economics, business, industrial engineering or professional experience in accounting or finance is recommended.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser, spreadsheet software such as Excel or Google Sheets and access to video conferencing.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.