Which of the following terms refers to costs associated with general operations not directly tied to a specific cost object?

Indirect costs refer to expenses that are not directly associated with a specific project or cost object but are essential for the overall operation and function of a business or organization. These costs are incurred to support multiple projects or services and cannot be easily traced to a single product or service. For example, overhead expenses like utilities, administrative salaries, and office supplies fall into this category.

On the other hand, variable costs change with the level of production or activity, while fixed costs remain constant regardless of activity levels. Direct costs, in contrast, can be directly attributed to a specific cost object, such as raw materials used in a product. Understanding the distinction between direct and indirect costs is crucial in financial planning and budgeting as it helps in accurately allocating resources and assessing the true cost of projects.