COST MINIMIZATION: The process or goal of incurring the least possible opportunity cost in the pursuit of a given activity. Cost minimization is comparable to other objectives, including utility maximization and profit maximization. This goal, however, is generally used when circumstances constrain a decision. For example, a government agency has been assigned the task of building a bridge. It must now do so at the lowest cost possible. See also | opportunity cost | utility maximization | profit maximization | efficiency | economize | technical efficiency |
