Everywhere we go we see Help Wanted signs and higher prices. Assume you are a manager of a manufacturing company. Answer the following questions:

1. Which variance(s) do you think will be most affected by these labor shortages and increases in costs for the last year? How do you anticipate the variance(s) changing (favorably or unfavorably) and why?

2. How will you need to modify your department's budget for materials, labor, and overhead for the next year?

3. What strategies might you employ to ensure the changes you are proposing to the budget will keep your department on target for the next year?