The predetermined overhead rate for Marigold Corp. is $5, comprised of a variable overhead rate of $3 and a fixed rate of $2. The amount of budgeted overhead costs at normal capacity of $150000 was divided by normal capacity of 30000 direct labor hours, to arrive at the predetermined overhead rate of $5. Actual overhead for June was $7608 variable and $4824 fixed, and standard hours allowed for the product produced in June was 2400 hours. The total overhead variance is: a. $700 F.
b. $1,800 F.
c. $700 U.
d. $1,800 U.

You work as the sales manager for a company that sells office supplies to businesses of all sizes. because the profit margins are razor-thin, you need to ensure that you are getting the very best prices on paper, pencils, pens, post-it notes, and other office supplies from the manufacturers. when reviewing the quarterly profit statement, you realize that your costs are higher than they should be, and you trace the higher costs back to an employee who has been lax about getting competitive bids to ensure the lowest prices. when you conduct your research to determine the reason for the higher costs, and take action to bring those costs back down, in which of the key management processes are you taking part?