Zero-based Budgeting


Zero-based budgeting is a fundamental technique in finance and accounting. The concept explains the advantages and drawbacks of zero-based budgeting and provides a useful set of steps to guide managers and practitioners in implementing the technique successfully.

Technique Overview

Zero-based Budgeting Definition

Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is the practice of justifying budgeted expenditure in relation to the performance to be achieved, but without reference to pre-existing plans or achievements (Fopp, 1997). ZBB rests on the philosophy that all spending needs to be justified. Each part of a company starts from a zero base each year and then must justify the budget it requires. Top management should only sanction the budget when it is convinced that the proposed activities represent ‘value for money’ (Dropkin et al., 2007).

Zero-based Budgeting Description *

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Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Zero-based Budgeting *

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Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of Zero-based Budgeting *

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Professional Tools

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Further Reading

Zero-based Budgeting web and print resources *

Zero-based Budgeting references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Bloomberg, (2006) InBev Profits Rises; Job Cuts to Be Sped Up in Europe, 27 February 2006.
  • Buttonwood, (2004) What Exactly is a Best Practice?, Business Credit, Vol. 106 (1), pp. 39-46.
  • CIMA (2005) CIMA Official Terminology, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Oxford, UK.
  • Craig, F,, Schlimpert, T., and Paradikes, J., (2006) Chief Nuclear Officers Strive to Optimise Plant Costs, Electric Light & Power, September, Available at: http://uaelp.pennnet.com/display_article/273288/34/ARTCL/none/none/1/Chief-Nuclear-Officers-Strive-to-Optimize-Plant-Costs/

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