Test your basic knowledge |

DSST Introduction To Business

Subjects : dsst, business-skills, bvat

Instructions:

Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
Match each statement with the correct term.
Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.

1. ______ is widely used today to apply computer graphics and mathematical modeling in the design of products.
Dumping - Dumping is a tactic often used to win foreign customers or to reduce product surpluses. Countries such as the U.S. impose stiff antidumping penalties in order to protect domestic producers of similar products.
CAD - Computer-aided design (CAD) is just one of the major developments in manufacturing automation today. Others include computer-aided engineering (CAE) - computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) - and flexible manufacturing system (FMS).
Balance - The balance of trade is not necessarily an accurate indicator of a nation's competitiveness in the world market. Fluctuations in currency - intrafirm trade - and several other factors can obscure the overall picture.
Taxes - Laws surrounding the taxes of businesses have developed to such an extent that entire segments of accounting and legal professionals often help companies and individuals with their interpretation and compliance

2. Similar to venture capitalists - ______ ________ tend to be wealthy individuals who are willing to loan smaller amounts of money and to stay involved with the company for a longer period of time.
Angel Investors - Risky start-ups that have trouble getting loans from a bank can sometimes find angel investors to finance their business.
Antitrust - Other famous examples of antitrust legislation include the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) and the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914). Such regulations sought to break up the power of huge companies such as Standard Oil.
Dumping - Dumping is a tactic often used to win foreign customers or to reduce product surpluses. Countries such as the U.S. impose stiff antidumping penalties in order to protect domestic producers of similar products.
Broadbanding - Because the company has fewer - broader pay grades - broadbanding allows companies to move employees to different positions without being restricted by the pay grades normally associated with specific jobs.

3. Particularly with the recent increase in workplace violence - human resource departments are more carefully conducting ____________ ________ to verify all educational credentials and previous jobs - to account for any large time gaps between jobs - a
Background Checks - Failure to conduct thorough background checks can lead to expensive lawsuits and higher health care costs - decreased productivity - and harm to employees and customers. Inadequate verification of credentials can potentially make
Lobbying - The American Banking Association and the American Medical Association are both examples of associations typically involved in lobbying activities.
Commission - Depending on the company and position - a commission can be either the sole compensation or else an incentive payment made in addition to salary or wages.
Antitrust - Other famous examples of antitrust legislation include the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) and the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914). Such regulations sought to break up the power of huge companies such as Standard Oil.

4. Many recent international trade agreements and organizations have supported the basic principles of ______ _______ - a theory that each nation will ultimately benefit the most if they freely trade with each other without restrictive measures.
Free Trade - The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are both famous examples of organizations founded to support free trade. The WTO - in particular - has been a target for American protesters who fee
Tying - Microsoft was recently found guilty of violating antitrust laws - in large part because the court considered the bundling together of Web browsers and operating systems to be a tying contract.
Orientation - Although orientation programs can vary from an hour-long information session to 'integration' curriculums that last several months - they all are created with the intention of helping new employees understand their role in the organizat
Customization - Systems of mass customization recognize that consumers have individual needs and are best served by products that can be easily customized for them.

5. Quality __________ is a comprehensive system of policies - practices - and procedures implemented throughout a company to create and produce quality goods and services.
Joint Venture - In countries where foreign companies are prohibited from owning facilities outright or from investing in a local business - a joint venture might be the only way to do business in that country.
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
Deficit - In 1999 - the U.S. trade deficit soared to record heights - due to a falloff in U.S. exports rather than a surge in foreign imports.
Assurance - Broader than more basic quality control approaches - a quality assurance system ensures that every stage of production - from design to final product - meets or exceeds preset quality standards.

6. More and more companies are using __________ agreements as a source of international revenue - allowing foreign companies to use their intellectual property in exchange for a royalty or fee.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
Embargo- Although an embargo is usually established to protect a nation's industry from foreign competition - it can sometimes be done for other reasons. The U.S. - for example - bans the importation of toys with lead paint due to health reasons.
Licensing - Since a company has already incurred the costs of developing the intellectual property - a licensing agreement involves little out-of-pocket costs.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.

7. Because of the high costs and regulatory complexities of selling stock through an initial public offering (IPO) - many companies are instead choosing to sell shares of stock directly to investors through a _______.
Dumping - Dumping is a tactic often used to win foreign customers or to reduce product surpluses. Countries such as the U.S. impose stiff antidumping penalties in order to protect domestic producers of similar products.
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
FDI - A company that increases its involvement in foreign countries through establishing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) might build marketing or production facilities - or even purchase existing firms.
Compensation. Compensation is the umbrella term covering all the various money - benefits - and services paid to employees for their work.

8. The majority of small businesses are what are known as ________ businesses. They are built around the personal and financial needs of an individual or family - and are not typically designed to grow into large enterprises.
Lifestyle - Roughly 80 to 90% of small businesses are lifestyle businesses. The remainder are called high-growth ventures and are started with the intent of rapid expansion.
Just In Time - A just-in-time system minimizes waste and keeps costs down. However - it requires careful coordination between manufacturers and suppliers in order to work effectively.
Forecasting - After analyzing the company's future goals - the HR department begins planning the company's staffing needs by forecasting the supply and demand for employees.
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.

9. _____________ - or subcontracting work to outside companies - is a common staffing strategy by companies that lack specialized resources internally.
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
Small - The small business is a cornerstone of the U.S. economic system - particularly following the past decade - when a drastic increase in start-up companies made the U.S. economy a growth engine for the world.
Outsourcing - Although outsourcing might give a company increased flexibility and additional expertise - it can also result in a loss of control over the work and a greater dependence on suppliers.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.

10. A type of trade restriction - _________ limit the amount of a particular good that a nation will allow to be imported during a year.
Intrapreneurs - Work units led by intrapreneurs are formed to provide the parent company with creative ideas usually hindered by the red tape and procedures of a large-scale corporate environment.
Gain Sharing - Though similar to profit sharing - gain sharing differs in that it further encourages employees to think of innovative ways to save money for the company and improve its overall operation.
Business - Business law includes those legal elements that directly affect business activity - including laws pertaining to business licensing - employee safety - and corporate income taxes.
Quotas - Quotas may be set either in quantity or in value. Once a foreign product hits its quota - additional shipments typically will face stiff tariffs.

11. To stimulate the innovation commonly found in small businesses - many large companies have started small enterprises run by ___________ - or people who create ideas and innovation of any kind from within an organization.
Chain - The supply-chain begins with the provider of raw materials and ends with the company that produces the finished product. Supply-chain management is based upon the belief that all companies involved will benefit from working more closely toget
Intrapreneurs - Work units led by intrapreneurs are formed to provide the parent company with creative ideas usually hindered by the red tape and procedures of a large-scale corporate environment.
Comparative Advantage - The comparative advantage theory is based upon the argument that specialization and exchange will increase a country's total output and allow both trading partners to enjoy a higher standard of living.
Venture Capitalists - Small businesses that need large sums of investment (usually $10 million or more) and that have potential for rapid growth often turn to venture capitalists for financing.

12. A _____ business can be defined as a company that is independently owned and operated - is not dominant in its field - and is relatively small in terms of sales and number of employees.
Franchise - In exchange for an initial fee and possibly monthly royalties - a buyer can obtain a franchise of a larger company and have the right to sell its goods and services.
Small - The small business is a cornerstone of the U.S. economic system - particularly following the past decade - when a drastic increase in start-up companies made the U.S. economy a growth engine for the world.
Angel Investors - Risky start-ups that have trouble getting loans from a bank can sometimes find angel investors to finance their business.
Start-Up - Founding a start-up company is the most common form of beginning a small business. The other two ways are to buy an existing business or obtain a franchise.

13. The ____ ____ ____ system is one of the most used methods of inventory control and production planning today - making sure that materials arrive just when they are needed with minimal inventory and waste.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
Start-Up - Founding a start-up company is the most common form of beginning a small business. The other two ways are to buy an existing business or obtain a franchise.
Liability - Because many of these product liability lawsuits seem frivolous and excessive - many lawmakers are beginning to question the strictness with which the laws are interpreted.
Just In Time - A just-in-time system minimizes waste and keeps costs down. However - it requires careful coordination between manufacturers and suppliers in order to work effectively.

14. _______ _________ are investment specialists who raise pools of capital from large private and institutional sources in exchange for a portion of the ownership - with the objective of making a considerable profit on the investment within a relatively
POM - Production and operations management (POM) - sometimes just shortened to operations management - oversees all the activities involved in producing a firm's goods or services.
Forecast - Although a production forecast cannot be predicted with certainty - it is an essential tool for use in the planning - budgeting - and scheduling of resources.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
Venture Capitalists - Small businesses that need large sums of investment (usually $10 million or more) and that have potential for rapid growth often turn to venture capitalists for financing.

15. Most industrialized countries have regulations against ________ - the practice of selling large quantities of a product at a price lower than the cost of production or below what the company would charge in its own home market.
Taxes - Laws surrounding the taxes of businesses have developed to such an extent that entire segments of accounting and legal professionals often help companies and individuals with their interpretation and compliance
Critical - The sequence of events that makes up the critical path requires the longest time to complete. If any step on this path falls behind schedule - then the entire operation will be delayed.
Regulation - In most sectors of the economy - government regulation ensures that all competitors have an equal chance of producing a product - reaching the market - and making a profit.
Dumping - Dumping is a tactic often used to win foreign customers or to reduce product surpluses. Countries such as the U.S. impose stiff antidumping penalties in order to protect domestic producers of similar products.

16. A _____ ________ incentive plan rewards employees not solely on the basis of overall profits but in relation to achievement of goals such as cost savings or quality improvement.
Gain Sharing - Though similar to profit sharing - gain sharing differs in that it further encourages employees to think of innovative ways to save money for the company and improve its overall operation.
Excise - Gasoline - tobacco - and liquor are all subject to excise taxes. Federal excise taxes are also levied on certain services of a national scope - such as air travel and long-distance telephone calls.
Job Description. The job description helps HR determine the qualifications needed by potential applicants to be considered for the job.
Angel Investors - Risky start-ups that have trouble getting loans from a bank can sometimes find angel investors to finance their business.

17. Most companies use a system of _______ control to determine the right quantity of various items to have on hand and to keep track of their location - use - and condition.
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.
Euro - These eleven countries account for nearly 20 percent of the world's gross domestic product - leading some to believe that the euro might one day rival the dollar or yen as the international currency of trade.
Commission - Depending on the company and position - a commission can be either the sole compensation or else an incentive payment made in addition to salary or wages.
Incubators - Incubators are centers that provide small businesses with a professional setting and various resources - legal and accounting services - marketing support - etc. - they might need to get started.

18. In planning tools such as PERT diagrams - the longest path through the network is known as the ________ path because it represents the minimum amount of time needed to complete the project.
Chain - The supply-chain begins with the provider of raw materials and ends with the company that produces the finished product. Supply-chain management is based upon the belief that all companies involved will benefit from working more closely toget
Euro - These eleven countries account for nearly 20 percent of the world's gross domestic product - leading some to believe that the euro might one day rival the dollar or yen as the international currency of trade.
Critical - The sequence of events that makes up the critical path requires the longest time to complete. If any step on this path falls behind schedule - then the entire operation will be delayed.
Gain Sharing - Though similar to profit sharing - gain sharing differs in that it further encourages employees to think of innovative ways to save money for the company and improve its overall operation.

19. A ________ is a type of embargo that is politically motivated - banning trade with a particular nation.
Sanction - Traditionally - a sanction has been used by the government as a forceful attempt to make a country change its behavior. However - sanctions are being used more sparingly today - as studies have shown them to be generally ineffective.
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.
HR - The human resources (HR) department is generally in charge of hiring employees for a company - ensuring the quality of their job performance - and administering their compensation and benefits.
CAD - Computer-aided design (CAD) is just one of the major developments in manufacturing automation today. Others include computer-aided engineering (CAE) - computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) - and flexible manufacturing system (FMS).

20. Customs _______ - or import taxes - vary with the product and its country of origin. They are designed to protect American businesses against foreign competition.
Venture Capitalists - Small businesses that need large sums of investment (usually $10 million or more) and that have potential for rapid growth often turn to venture capitalists for financing.
Orientation - Although orientation programs can vary from an hour-long information session to 'integration' curriculums that last several months - they all are created with the intention of helping new employees understand their role in the organizat
Duties - Customs duties typically have the effect of raising the prices of imports to a level comparable to the price of similar American-made merchandise
Licensing - Since a company has already incurred the costs of developing the intellectual property - a licensing agreement involves little out-of-pocket costs.

21. Some countries practice an economic policy of ___________ - where they restrict international trade in order to shield a country's industries from foreign competition and the possible loss of jobs in those industries.
Internet - The Internet has made accessible to small businesses the types of resources and information that were previously available only to larger firms.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
Conversion - The conversion process can be either an analytic system - which breaks raw materials into one or most distinct products - or a synthetic system - which combines two or more materials to form a single product.
Recruiting - Recruiting usually begins by looking for a suitable candidate from within an organization or from an employee's recommendation. Posting a position to the public is often used as a last resort.

22. Large companies increasingly are subcontracting work to small businesses through a process called _____________.
Balance - The balance of trade is not necessarily an accurate indicator of a nation's competitiveness in the world market. Fluctuations in currency - intrafirm trade - and several other factors can obscure the overall picture.
Excise - Gasoline - tobacco - and liquor are all subject to excise taxes. Federal excise taxes are also levied on certain services of a national scope - such as air travel and long-distance telephone calls.
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.
Orientation - Although orientation programs can vary from an hour-long information session to 'integration' curriculums that last several months - they all are created with the intention of helping new employees understand their role in the organizat

23. ____________ is a common payment approach that uses wide pay grades. It allows today's flatter companies to reward employees without having to move them up a hierarchy.
Venture Capitalists - Small businesses that need large sums of investment (usually $10 million or more) and that have potential for rapid growth often turn to venture capitalists for financing.
Euro - These eleven countries account for nearly 20 percent of the world's gross domestic product - leading some to believe that the euro might one day rival the dollar or yen as the international currency of trade.
Broadbanding - Because the company has fewer - broader pay grades - broadbanding allows companies to move employees to different positions without being restricted by the pay grades normally associated with specific jobs.
Compensation. Compensation is the umbrella term covering all the various money - benefits - and services paid to employees for their work.

24. In today's customer-focused - quality-oriented economy - many current production systems use traditional mass production techniques to create customized goods and services - a system known as mass __________.
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
Conversion - The conversion process can be either an analytic system - which breaks raw materials into one or most distinct products - or a synthetic system - which combines two or more materials to form a single product.
Customization - Systems of mass customization recognize that consumers have individual needs and are best served by products that can be easily customized for them.
Business Plan - Not only does a business plan help sway potential investors - it also provides the company with an overall strategy and guides its operations

25. When a country imports more than it exports - the resulting unfavorable trade balance is called a trade _______.
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
Forecast - Although a production forecast cannot be predicted with certainty - it is an essential tool for use in the planning - budgeting - and scheduling of resources.
Just In Time - A just-in-time system minimizes waste and keeps costs down. However - it requires careful coordination between manufacturers and suppliers in order to work effectively.
Deficit - In 1999 - the U.S. trade deficit soared to record heights - due to a falloff in U.S. exports rather than a surge in foreign imports.

26. The rise and spread of the __________ is one of the major factors contributing to the dramatic increase in small businesses - as well as the number of employees who now telecommute.
Deficit - In 1999 - the U.S. trade deficit soared to record heights - due to a falloff in U.S. exports rather than a surge in foreign imports.
Forecasting - After analyzing the company's future goals - the HR department begins planning the company's staffing needs by forecasting the supply and demand for employees.
Internet - The Internet has made accessible to small businesses the types of resources and information that were previously available only to larger firms.
POM - Production and operations management (POM) - sometimes just shortened to operations management - oversees all the activities involved in producing a firm's goods or services.

27. Saudi Arabia's ability to produce crude oil with fewer resources per unit of output than any other nation gives it an _________ _______ in crude oil production.
Absolute Advantage - Whenever a nation can produce a particular item more efficiently than all other nations - it has an absolute advantage for that product. Since such advantages are usually based on the availability of natural resources - they rare
CAD - Computer-aided design (CAD) is just one of the major developments in manufacturing automation today. Others include computer-aided engineering (CAE) - computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) - and flexible manufacturing system (FMS).
Incubators - Incubators are centers that provide small businesses with a professional setting and various resources - legal and accounting services - marketing support - etc. - they might need to get started.
Embargo- Although an embargo is usually established to protect a nation's industry from foreign competition - it can sometimes be done for other reasons. The U.S. - for example - bans the importation of toys with lead paint due to health reasons.

28. The Federal Trade Commission Act (1914) is a famous example of _______ legislation - intended to prevent individual companies or groups of companies from gaining control of markets in ways that restrain competition or harm consumers.
Customization - Systems of mass customization recognize that consumers have individual needs and are best served by products that can be easily customized for them.
Start-Up - Founding a start-up company is the most common form of beginning a small business. The other two ways are to buy an existing business or obtain a franchise.
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.
Antitrust - Other famous examples of antitrust legislation include the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) and the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914). Such regulations sought to break up the power of huge companies such as Standard Oil.

29. Since campaign laws limit the abilities of a business to donate money directly to a candidate - businesses will often instead funnel money through a _______.
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.
CAD - Computer-aided design (CAD) is just one of the major developments in manufacturing automation today. Others include computer-aided engineering (CAE) - computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) - and flexible manufacturing system (FMS).
PAC - Through a political action committee (PAC) - a business can solicit contributions from its employees and then allocate the money to various candidates. PACs are controversial and will likely be a target of campaign reform in the near future.
Critical - The sequence of events that makes up the critical path requires the longest time to complete. If any step on this path falls behind schedule - then the entire operation will be delayed.

30. Once human resources has decided it needs to fill a particular position - it will then evaluate the requirements of the position through a formal - objective method called ___ _______.
Start-Up - Founding a start-up company is the most common form of beginning a small business. The other two ways are to buy an existing business or obtain a franchise.
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.
Free Trade - The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are both famous examples of organizations founded to support free trade. The WTO - in particular - has been a target for American protesters who fee
FDI - A company that increases its involvement in foreign countries through establishing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) might build marketing or production facilities - or even purchase existing firms.

31. An increasingly used recruiting strategy is for companies to hire ___________ employees to assess their on-the-job performance before hiring them permanently.
Wages. Unlike salaried workers - workers earning wages receive cash payment directly related to the number of hours worked or pieces produced. Wages provide an incentive to an employee to produce more in order to receive a higher paycheck.
Outsourcing - Although outsourcing might give a company increased flexibility and additional expertise - it can also result in a loss of control over the work and a greater dependence on suppliers.
Temporary - It is estimated that over a quarter of all temporary employees hired remain on the job assignment for one year or more. Businesses often try to save money and increase their flexibility by building their workforce around part-time and tem
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.

32. One way to measure a nation's level of international trade is to determine its _________ of trade - The total value of the productions a nation exports minus the total value of the products it imports - over some period of time.

33. Administering ___________ - or the combination of payments in the form of wages or salaries - incentive programs - employee benefits - and employer services - is one of the major responsibilities of the human resources department.
Compensation. Compensation is the umbrella term covering all the various money - benefits - and services paid to employees for their work.
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
Commission - Depending on the company and position - a commission can be either the sole compensation or else an incentive payment made in addition to salary or wages.
Job Specification. The last step in evaluating job requirements is the drafting of a job specification. This formal statement is a critical tool in determining whether or not an applicant is appropriate for the position.

34. Because competitors in an industry often have common objectives when it comes to government action - they commonly unite to form a __________ group in an attempt to persuade legislators to vote for their group's interest.
Lobbying - The American Banking Association and the American Medical Association are both examples of associations typically involved in lobbying activities.
Absolute Advantage - Whenever a nation can produce a particular item more efficiently than all other nations - it has an absolute advantage for that product. Since such advantages are usually based on the availability of natural resources - they rare
Euro - These eleven countries account for nearly 20 percent of the world's gross domestic product - leading some to believe that the euro might one day rival the dollar or yen as the international currency of trade.
Antitrust - Other famous examples of antitrust legislation include the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) and the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914). Such regulations sought to break up the power of huge companies such as Standard Oil.

35. One of the keys to an effective production process is to prepare an accurate production ________ that estimates how much of a company's goods and services must be produced in order to meet future demand.
Forecast - Although a production forecast cannot be predicted with certainty - it is an essential tool for use in the planning - budgeting - and scheduling of resources.
Conversion - The conversion process can be either an analytic system - which breaks raw materials into one or most distinct products - or a synthetic system - which combines two or more materials to form a single product.
Wages. Unlike salaried workers - workers earning wages receive cash payment directly related to the number of hours worked or pieces produced. Wages provide an incentive to an employee to produce more in order to receive a higher paycheck.
PAC - Through a political action committee (PAC) - a business can solicit contributions from its employees and then allocate the money to various candidates. PACs are controversial and will likely be a target of campaign reform in the near future.

36. A broader indicator of international trade than the balance of trade - the balance of __________ measure the total flow of money into the country minus the total flow of money out of the country - over some specified period of time.
Free Trade - The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are both famous examples of organizations founded to support free trade. The WTO - in particular - has been a target for American protesters who fee
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.
Job Specification. The last step in evaluating job requirements is the drafting of a job specification. This formal statement is a critical tool in determining whether or not an applicant is appropriate for the position.
Payments - In addition to business transactions - the balance of payments also measures money spent on foreign investment - military expenditures - tourism - and other international transactions. A country - obviously wants a favorable balance of pay

37. Defined contribution plans - defined benefits plans - and 401(k) plans are all examples of _______ plans - the most popular type of retirement coverage in companies today.
Sanction - Traditionally - a sanction has been used by the government as a forceful attempt to make a country change its behavior. However - sanctions are being used more sparingly today - as studies have shown them to be generally ineffective.
Dumping - Dumping is a tactic often used to win foreign customers or to reduce product surpluses. Countries such as the U.S. impose stiff antidumping penalties in order to protect domestic producers of similar products.
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
Liability - Because many of these product liability lawsuits seem frivolous and excessive - many lawmakers are beginning to question the strictness with which the laws are interpreted.

38. One of the most important ways to persuade lenders and investors to finance your business is through preparing a ________ _____ - a written document that provides an orderly statement of a company's goals and how it intends to achieve those goals.
Business Plan - Not only does a business plan help sway potential investors - it also provides the company with an overall strategy and guides its operations
CAD - Computer-aided design (CAD) is just one of the major developments in manufacturing automation today. Others include computer-aided engineering (CAE) - computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) - and flexible manufacturing system (FMS).
Commission - Depending on the company and position - a commission can be either the sole compensation or else an incentive payment made in addition to salary or wages.
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.

39. The ultimate goal of a _________ ___________ is not to judge the individual employee but rather to improve their on-the-job performance. It lets employees understand how they are presently doing - instructs them on how they can improve performance -
Compensation. Compensation is the umbrella term covering all the various money - benefits - and services paid to employees for their work.
Deficit - In 1999 - the U.S. trade deficit soared to record heights - due to a falloff in U.S. exports rather than a surge in foreign imports.
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
Conversion - The conversion process can be either an analytic system - which breaks raw materials into one or most distinct products - or a synthetic system - which combines two or more materials to form a single product.

40. In the United States - _______ have traditionally been used not only to raise revenue for government - but also to encourage or discourage certain types of behavior - including the restriction of certain business activities.
Taxes - Laws surrounding the taxes of businesses have developed to such an extent that entire segments of accounting and legal professionals often help companies and individuals with their interpretation and compliance
Lifestyle - Roughly 80 to 90% of small businesses are lifestyle businesses. The remainder are called high-growth ventures and are started with the intent of rapid expansion.
Intrapreneurs - Work units led by intrapreneurs are formed to provide the parent company with creative ideas usually hindered by the red tape and procedures of a large-scale corporate environment.
Regulation - In most sectors of the economy - government regulation ensures that all competitors have an equal chance of producing a product - reaching the market - and making a profit.

41. In addition to the full body of laws that apply to individuals - companies must also comply to a subset of laws commonly referred to as __________ law.
Business - Business law includes those legal elements that directly affect business activity - including laws pertaining to business licensing - employee safety - and corporate income taxes.
Temporary - It is estimated that over a quarter of all temporary employees hired remain on the job assignment for one year or more. Businesses often try to save money and increase their flexibility by building their workforce around part-time and tem
Customization - Systems of mass customization recognize that consumers have individual needs and are best served by products that can be easily customized for them.
Incubators - Incubators are centers that provide small businesses with a professional setting and various resources - legal and accounting services - marketing support - etc. - they might need to get started.

42. Following job analysis - the human resources staff will use their findings to complete a ____ ___________ - a formal statement summarizing the tasks involved in the job and the conditions under which the employee will work.
Antitrust - Other famous examples of antitrust legislation include the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) and the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914). Such regulations sought to break up the power of huge companies such as Standard Oil.
Recruiting - Recruiting usually begins by looking for a suitable candidate from within an organization or from an employee's recommendation. Posting a position to the public is often used as a last resort.
Job Description. The job description helps HR determine the qualifications needed by potential applicants to be considered for the job.
MNCs - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will often earn more than half of their revenue from foreign sales.

43. The ________ department plans the best way to hire employees - oversee their training - evaluate their performance - and compensate them.
Quotas - Quotas may be set either in quantity or in value. Once a foreign product hits its quota - additional shipments typically will face stiff tariffs.
Duties - Customs duties typically have the effect of raising the prices of imports to a level comparable to the price of similar American-made merchandise
Franchise - In exchange for an initial fee and possibly monthly royalties - a buyer can obtain a franchise of a larger company and have the right to sell its goods and services.
HR - The human resources (HR) department is generally in charge of hiring employees for a company - ensuring the quality of their job performance - and administering their compensation and benefits.

44. One way in which two or more companies might jointly develop - produce - or sell products in the global marketplace is by forming a long-term partnership called a ________ ___________.
Strategic Alliance - To increase their competitive advantage in foreign markets - many companies will form a strategic alliance with a foreign company. Companies in such a relationship will typically share ideas - risks - and profits in an attempt to
Floating - Neither Thailand or Indonesia were ready when their currency devalued rapidly after switching to a floating exchange rate system. In such a system - the value of a currency is not determined in relation to more stable currencies - but in r
Background Checks - Failure to conduct thorough background checks can lead to expensive lawsuits and higher health care costs - decreased productivity - and harm to employees and customers. Inadequate verification of credentials can potentially make
Chain - The supply-chain begins with the provider of raw materials and ends with the company that produces the finished product. Supply-chain management is based upon the belief that all companies involved will benefit from working more closely toget

45. In 1999 - eleven European countries turned over control of their individual monetary policies to the newly created European Central Bank. One of the major reasons for joining forces was the anticipated advantages that would come from creating a unifi

46. Facilities specifically designed to house small businesses during their early growth phase are known as __________.
Excise - Gasoline - tobacco - and liquor are all subject to excise taxes. Federal excise taxes are also levied on certain services of a national scope - such as air travel and long-distance telephone calls.
Incubators - Incubators are centers that provide small businesses with a professional setting and various resources - legal and accounting services - marketing support - etc. - they might need to get started.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
Recruiting - Recruiting usually begins by looking for a suitable candidate from within an organization or from an employee's recommendation. Posting a position to the public is often used as a last resort.

47. Employees who receive _______ earn cash payment based on the number of hours the employee has worked or the number of units the employee has produced.
Wages. Unlike salaried workers - workers earning wages receive cash payment directly related to the number of hours worked or pieces produced. Wages provide an incentive to an employee to produce more in order to receive a higher paycheck.
Assurance - Broader than more basic quality control approaches - a quality assurance system ensures that every stage of production - from design to final product - meets or exceeds preset quality standards.
Strategic Alliance - To increase their competitive advantage in foreign markets - many companies will form a strategic alliance with a foreign company. Companies in such a relationship will typically share ideas - risks - and profits in an attempt to
Floating - Neither Thailand or Indonesia were ready when their currency devalued rapidly after switching to a floating exchange rate system. In such a system - the value of a currency is not determined in relation to more stable currencies - but in r

48. The first step in planning for a company's staffing needs is called ___________ - when the HR department determines the numbers and kinds of employees that will be needed in the company's future - and how many employees are currently available to mee

49. The _____ is a government agency that serves as an invaluable resource and advocate for small businesses - often providing them with financial assistance - training - and a variety of helpful programs.
Background Checks - Failure to conduct thorough background checks can lead to expensive lawsuits and higher health care costs - decreased productivity - and harm to employees and customers. Inadequate verification of credentials can potentially make
Forecasting - After analyzing the company's future goals - the HR department begins planning the company's staffing needs by forecasting the supply and demand for employees.
Regulation - In most sectors of the economy - government regulation ensures that all competitors have an equal chance of producing a product - reaching the market - and making a profit.
SBA - Among other services - the Small Business Administration (SBA) will back bank loans to qualified business owners - a guarantee that usually results in longer repayment terms.

50. __________ is the process by which the government sets the ground rules and basic standards of proper business behavior - in order to prevent conflicts and facilitate the workings of the economic system.
Background Checks - Failure to conduct thorough background checks can lead to expensive lawsuits and higher health care costs - decreased productivity - and harm to employees and customers. Inadequate verification of credentials can potentially make
Regulation - In most sectors of the economy - government regulation ensures that all competitors have an equal chance of producing a product - reaching the market - and making a profit.
Floating - Neither Thailand or Indonesia were ready when their currency devalued rapidly after switching to a floating exchange rate system. In such a system - the value of a currency is not determined in relation to more stable currencies - but in r
Venture Capitalists - Small businesses that need large sums of investment (usually $10 million or more) and that have potential for rapid growth often turn to venture capitalists for financing.