Several tools are available to managers when evaluating organizational performance. Variance analysis is one such tool used to evaluate performance. Variance analysis compares actual costs with standard costs. The results from a variance analysis are important for helping managers control costs as well as identify areas were organizational performance and efficiency can be improved. To prepare for this Discussion: Shared Practice, review the Learning Resources for this week and reflect on how actual costs, standard costs, and variance analysis will contribute to your current or future role as a manager or in decision making. Consider the role of variances when engaged in decision making and how variance analysis might