1. What changes, if any, would you make in the variance analysis schedule proposed by Frank
Roberts? Can the suggestions offered by Jim Peterson be incorporated without making the
schedule "too technical"?
2. Can you speculate about how John Parker might structure the variance analysis report. For
example, Parker felt it was Marketing's responsibility to set prices so as to recover all
commodity cost increases.
3. Indicate the corrective actions you would recommend for 2001, based on the profit variance
analysis. Also indicate those areas which deserve commendation for 2000 performance.
4. The approach to "profit planning and control" described in the case is still very common today.
Many people still consider this approach to be "bread and butter" management theory. What
do you see as the main weakness in this approach to management? What is your overall
assessment of this "management tool", from a contemporary perspective?