The properties of a good cost driver are:
1. A clear causal relationship to the underlying activities whose costs are being assigned. -Unlikely - do not know fixed / variable mix or step cost
2. Cost driver quantities / prices that are controllable -most cost drivers not controllable in short term and long term – problem of public sector
3. Low cost of measurement.-probably true of all
4. Cost driver volumes should be relatively stable. need to observe closely over time - less stable and so less accurate
5. Relatively independent of other cost drivers.-difficult to discuss and unlikely
6. Easy to interpret by user, i.e. stated in their own language. -OK for all
Clara also asked the team to consider the following when deciding the number of cost drivers needed: