No matter which basis is used to prepare a unit’s budgetary performance report, the method used to calculate the budget standard is crucial. The easiest approach is to establish fixed targets for each unit, store those figures in the database, and compare actual performance with those preset values. One major drawback to this approach is that the budget number is static and does not reflect unforeseen changes in the operating environment. Consequently, individual managers may be penalized or rewarded for factors beyond their control. For example, assume that budgeted amounts in figure 14-4 for the general superintendent are based on planned output of 2,000 units. If, however, due to greater-than-anticipated sales, actual production is 2,200 units, then the negative variances for each expense category may not really indicate inefficiency, but merely reflect the increased level of output