ACCOUNTING AS A STRATEGIC TOOL FOR DECISION-MAKING IN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING PROJECTS
Keywords:
accounting, industrial engineering, decision-making, financial analysis, project management, costsAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/yc.v9i16.0662
Introduction: The limited integration of accounting and engineering remains a critical constraint in professional training, despite the increasing demand for interdisciplinary competencies. Financial and managerial accounting offer essential tools for cost analysis, resource planning, and evidence-based strategic decision-making in engineering projects. Objective: To analyze the role of accounting as a strategic tool to support technical, operational, and strategic decision-making in engineering practice, with a focus on its relevance in industrial environments. Methods: A theoretical review was conducted using a documentary-analytical approach, complemented by case studies and practical examples of accounting applications in civil, industrial, and infrastructure engineering projects. Core concepts included direct and indirect cost estimation, financial indicators (NPV, IRR, ROI), and cost-benefit analysis. Results: The findings indicate that integrating accounting information into project management significantly improves decision-making, enhances economic evaluation of technical alternatives, and promotes sustainability. Curricular gaps were identified in engineering programs concerning financial and accounting competencies. Conclusions: It is essential to strengthen interdisciplinary training in engineering by incorporating applied accounting content, financial simulators, and integrated digital tools. Accounting should be understood as a strategic component of modern engineering management.
Keywords: accounting, industrial engineering, decision-making, financial analysis, project management, costs.
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