Example-2 Variable manufacturing overhead variance analysis. The Sourdough Bread Company bakes baguettes for distribution to upscale grocery stores. The company has two direct-cost categories: direct materials and direct manufacturing labor. Variable manufacturing overhead is allocated to products on the basis of standard direct manufacturing labor-hours. Following is some budget data for the Sourdough Bread Company: Direct manufacturing labor use Variable manufacturing overhead 0.02 hours per baguette $10.00 per direct manufacturing labor-hour The Sourdough Bread Company provides the following additional data for the year ended December 31, 2017: Planned (budgeted) output Actual production Direct manufacturing labor Actual variable manufacturing overhead 3,100,000 baguettes 2,600,000 baguettes 46,800 hours $617,760 Required: 1. What is the denominator level used for allocating variable manufacturing overhead? (That is, for how many direct manufacturing labor-hours is Sourdough Bread budgeting?) 2. Prepare a variance analysis of variable manufacturing overhead. 3. Discuss the variances you have calculated and give possible explanations for them