in connection with materials and labor, the term direct refers to costs that are traced directly to a unit of output. in such a classification system, specific output is the cost object. the terms direct and direct can also be used in connection with charging overhead costs to departments of any organization. if a cost is traceable to the department in which it originates, it is referred to as a direct departmental cost ; the salary of the departmental supervisor is an example. if a cost is shared by several departments that benefit from its incurrence, it is referred to as an indirect departmental cost ; building rent and building depreciation are examples of indirect departmental costs. in this cost classification system, the department is the cost object. ( similarly, when costs of a multidimensional conglomerate company are allocated among its various divisions, the division server as the cost object. when the amounts expended to improve product quality, customer service, and employee involvement are reported, strategic goals and objectives are the cost object. )