1.Create a baseline . Establish a standard or baseline against which actual costs are to be compared. These standards may be based on historical results, a reasonable improvement on historical results, or the theoretically best attainable cost performance. The middle alternative is generally considered to yield the best results, since it sets an achievable standard.
2.Calculate a variance . Calculate the variance between actual results and the standard or baseline noted in the first step. Particular emphasis is placed on the detection of unfavorable variances, which are those actual costs that are higher than expected. If a variance is immaterial, it may not be worthwhile to report the item to management.
3.Investigate variances . Conduct a detailed drill-down into the actual cost information to ascertain the reason for an unfavorable variance.
4.Take action . Based on the information found in the preceding step, recommend to management whatever corrective actions are needed to reduce the risk of continued unfavorable cost variances.