Some companies, such as Heinz, can forecast revenues well using pure time series analysis (that is, by extrapolation of prior data, accounting for seasonal effects). Other companies, such as FedEx (which makes money by shipping packages), or Sony (which sells consumer electronics) find that they cannot rely on pure time series analysis for reliable forecasting. They are strongly affected by recessions and need to use theory-based methods, including such explanatory variables as income in their forecasting models. Why are they different from Heinz?

Skychefs, inc. prepares in-flight meals for a number of major airlines. one of the company's products is grilled salmon in dill sauce with baby new potatoes and spring vegetables. during the most recent week, the company prepared 4000 of these meals using 960 direct labor hours. the company paid these direct labor workers a total of $19,200 for this work, or $20.00 per hour. according to standard cost card for this meal, it should require 0.25 direct labour-hours at a cost of $19.75 per hour.1. what is the standard labor-hours allowed (sh) to prepare 4,000 meals? 2. what is the standard labor cost allowed (sh x sr) to prepare 4,000 meals? 3. what is the labor spending variance? 4. what is the labor rate variance and the labor efficiency variance?