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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. 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.
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.
Trading - In 1994 - the United States - Canada - and Mexico formed the trading bloc known as NAFTA. Supporters of NAFTA say that jobs in the U.S. have multiplied due to increased exports. Opponents - on the other hand - contend that American jobs hav
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.
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.

2. Usually - human resources will use the job description to develop a ____ __________ - describing the skills - education - and previous experience that the job requires.
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.
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.
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.
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

3. 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.
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.
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
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.
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 companies now integrate all of the facilities - functions - and activities involved in the production of goods and services - from suppliers to customers - through a process called Supply ___________ Management
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.
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
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.
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

5. A type of trade restriction - _________ limit the amount of a particular good that a nation will allow to be imported during a year.
Deregulation - Until recent deregulation measures were taken - companies in the airline and banking industries were under such strict government control that they had little or no competition.
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.
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.
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.

6. 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.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
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.
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.
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.

7. 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.
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.
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
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

8. NAFTA is a controversial example of a ________ bloc - an organization of nations that removes barriers to trade among their members and also establishes uniform barriers to trade with nonmember nations.
Business - Business law includes those legal elements that directly affect business activity - including laws pertaining to business licensing - employee safety - and corporate income taxes.
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.
Trading - In 1994 - the United States - Canada - and Mexico formed the trading bloc known as NAFTA. Supporters of NAFTA say that jobs in the U.S. have multiplied due to increased exports. Opponents - on the other hand - contend that American jobs hav
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

9. Usually used for sales staff - a ____________ is a form of payment that pays employees a percentage of sales made.
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
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
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.
Customization - Systems of mass customization recognize that consumers have individual needs and are best served by products that can be easily customized for them.

10. 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
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
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.
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.

11. ____________ 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.
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.
Agency - Some better known examples of a regulatory agency include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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).
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.

12. 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 -
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
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
Business - Business law includes those legal elements that directly affect business activity - including laws pertaining to business licensing - employee safety - and corporate income taxes.
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).

13. One of the practices restricted by the landmark Clayton Antitrust Act was that of the _____ contract - which attempts to force buyers to purchase unwanted goods along with goods actually desired.
Angel Investors - Risky start-ups that have trouble getting loans from a bank can sometimes find angel investors to finance their business.
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.
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.
Incentives. Incentives are often effective because they make achievements - not merely activities - the basis for an employee's payment.

14. 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.
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
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.
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
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.

15. 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.
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.
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.
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.

16. _____________ - or subcontracting work to outside companies - is a common staffing strategy by companies that lack specialized resources internally.
Benefits - Some of the more common forms of employee benefits include medical and dental insurance; vacation - holiday - and sick pay; stock options; and retirement benefits.
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.
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
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

17. In the past few decades - some industries that were under strict government control have been opened up to competition through ___________ - or the abandonment or relaxation of existing regulations.
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.
Deregulation - Until recent deregulation measures were taken - companies in the airline and banking industries were under such strict government control that they had little or no competition.
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
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.

18. 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.
Customization - Systems of mass customization recognize that consumers have individual needs and are best served by products that can be easily customized for them.
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.
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
Angel Investors - Risky start-ups that have trouble getting loans from a bank can sometimes find angel investors to finance their business.

19. 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.
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.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
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.

20. A ________ is a business arrangement in which a small business obtains the rights to sell the goods or services of the supplier within a specific territory.
Licensing - Since a company has already incurred the costs of developing the intellectual property - a licensing agreement involves little out-of-pocket costs.
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.
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.
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

21. 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
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.
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.
Lobbying - The American Banking Association and the American Medical Association are both examples of associations typically involved in lobbying activities.

22. 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 ___ _______.
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.
Customization - Systems of mass customization recognize that consumers have individual needs and are best served by products that can be easily customized for them.
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.
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

23. A company's sequence of events that transforms resources (or inputs) into products and services is called the _________ process.
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.
Agency - Some better known examples of a regulatory agency include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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.
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.

24. 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.
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.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.

25. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

26. As foreign markets continue to grow in importance - the number of ____________ - or companies with operations in more than one country - is likewise increasing.
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
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
MNCs - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will often earn more than half of their revenue from foreign sales.
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.

27. 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.
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
Agency - Some better known examples of a regulatory agency include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.
Deregulation - Until recent deregulation measures were taken - companies in the airline and banking industries were under such strict government control that they had little or no competition.

28. 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.
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
Agency - Some better known examples of a regulatory agency include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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.

29. __________ occurs when a multinational corporation establishes facilities in a foreign country or in some other way invests money directly into foreign business enterprises.
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.
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.
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.
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.

30. Large companies increasingly are subcontracting work to small businesses through a process called _____________.
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.
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.
Trading - In 1994 - the United States - Canada - and Mexico formed the trading bloc known as NAFTA. Supporters of NAFTA say that jobs in the U.S. have multiplied due to increased exports. Opponents - on the other hand - contend that American jobs hav
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.

31. Quality __________ is a comprehensive system of policies - practices - and procedures implemented throughout a company to create and produce quality goods and services.
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.
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
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.
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.

32. Financial compensation other than wages - salaries - and incentives is called employee ______________.
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).
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
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.
Benefits - Some of the more common forms of employee benefits include medical and dental insurance; vacation - holiday - and sick pay; stock options; and retirement benefits.

33. 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.
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.
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
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.

34. 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.

35. _______ _________ 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
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.
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.
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.
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.

36. When a country imports more than it exports - the resulting unfavorable trade balance is called a trade _______.
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.
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
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.
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.

37. The ____________ ____________ theory states that a country should produce and sell to other countries those items it can produce economically - and trade for those it cannot produce efficiently or at a lower cost.

38. __________ are cash payments that are linked either to specific individual - group - and company-wide goals; overall productivity; and company success.

39. Roughly two-thirds of business founders start from scratch with new ventures - commonly called ________ ___________ company.
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.
Benefits - Some of the more common forms of employee benefits include medical and dental insurance; vacation - holiday - and sick pay; stock options; and retirement benefits.
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.
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.

40. A regulatory _______ is any of a wide variety of administrative groups established to protect the rights of one or more group of stakeholders from the potentially harmful actions of business.
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.
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.
MNCs - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will often earn more than half of their revenue from foreign sales.
Agency - Some better known examples of a regulatory agency include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

41. ___________ - or selling and shipping goods and services to another country - is one of the least risky forms of international business activity.
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.
MNCs - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will often earn more than half of their revenue from foreign sales.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.

42. An increasingly used recruiting strategy is for companies to hire ___________ employees to assess their on-the-job performance before hiring them permanently.
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
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
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.
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.

43. In order to ensure that all new employees understand the company's goals - policies - and procedures - most organizations have ________ programs that help acclimate employees to their new work environment.

44. 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

45. Customs _______ - or import taxes - vary with the product and its country of origin. They are designed to protect American businesses against foreign competition.
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.
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
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.

46. Facilities specifically designed to house small businesses during their early growth phase are known as __________.
Deregulation - Until recent deregulation measures were taken - companies in the airline and banking industries were under such strict government control that they had little or no competition.
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.
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.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.

47. 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.
Licensing - Since a company has already incurred the costs of developing the intellectual property - a licensing agreement involves little out-of-pocket costs.
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.
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.
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.

48. 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.
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.
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.
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
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.

49. 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.
Agency - Some better known examples of a regulatory agency include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
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.

50. 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.
Incentives. Incentives are often effective because they make achievements - not merely activities - the basis for an employee's payment.
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.
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
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.