The correct answer is: B. Standard costing.
Variance analysis is a technique used to compare actual results to budgeted or standard results in order to identify variances and their causes. It is a key tool for cost control and performance improvement.
Standard costing is a system of accounting that uses predetermined standards to measure and control costs. Standards are set for direct materials, direct labor, and overhead costs. Actual costs are then compared to standards to identify variances.
Ratio analysis is a technique used to evaluate a company’s financial performance by comparing its financial ratios to those of other companies in the same industry or to its own historical ratios.
Marginal costing is a system of accounting that focuses on the contribution margin, which is the difference between sales revenue and variable costs. Marginal costing is used to make decisions about pricing, product mix, and production levels.
In conclusion, variance analysis is related to standard costing because it is a tool used to compare actual results to standard results in a standard costing system.