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. 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

2. 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.
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.
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
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.
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

3. Roughly two-thirds of business founders start from scratch with new ventures - commonly called ________ ___________ company.
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.
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.
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.
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

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

5. 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.
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.
MNCs - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will often earn more than half of their revenue from foreign sales.
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.
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

6. Financial compensation other than wages - salaries - and incentives is called employee ______________.
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.
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.
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.
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.

7. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

8. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

9. A _______ ________is a special type of strategic alliance in which two or more organizations join together to create a new business entity that is legally separate and distinct from its parents.
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.
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.
Lobbying - The American Banking Association and the American Medical Association are both examples of associations typically involved in lobbying activities.
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.

10. 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.
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
Compensation. Compensation is the umbrella term covering all the various money - benefits - and services paid to employees for their work.
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.
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.

11. 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.
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
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.
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
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.

12. ___________ - or selling and shipping goods and services to another country - is one of the least risky forms of international business activity.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
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
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.
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.

13. As foreign markets continue to grow in importance - the number of ____________ - or companies with operations in more than one country - is likewise increasing.
MNCs - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will often earn more than half of their revenue from foreign sales.
Compensation. Compensation is the umbrella term covering all the various money - benefits - and services paid to employees for their work.
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.
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.

14. 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 ___ _______.
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.
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.
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
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.

15. 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.
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).
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.
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.
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.

16. 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.
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
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.
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.
Licensing - Since a company has already incurred the costs of developing the intellectual property - a licensing agreement involves little out-of-pocket costs.

17. One common incentive program is the ________ _________ system - in which a company distributes a portion of its profits to employees. It encourages employees to work harder - since the more profits the company makes - the larger the compensation will
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
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
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.
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.

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.
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
Angel Investors - Risky start-ups that have trouble getting loans from a bank can sometimes find angel investors to finance their business.
Lobbying - The American Banking Association and the American Medical Association are both examples of associations typically involved in lobbying activities.
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).

19. Large companies increasingly are subcontracting work to small businesses through a process called _____________.
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
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.
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.
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.

20. 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.

21. 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.
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
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
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.
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.

22. Specific items are subject to _____ taxes - regulatory taxes that are intended to help control potentially harmful practices or to help pay for public services used by taxpayers.
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.
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.
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.
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.

23. In 1997 - the decision by Thailand and Indonesia to unpeg its currency from the U.S. dollar and use instead a _________ exchange rate system triggered a series of reactions around the world and ignited a worldwide economic crisis.
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).
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
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
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

24. The term _________ refers to the coordination of an organization's resources for the manufacture of goods or the delivery of services.

25. An increasingly used recruiting strategy is for companies to hire ___________ employees to assess their on-the-job performance before hiring them permanently.
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
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.
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
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. Facilities specifically designed to house small businesses during their early growth phase are known as __________.
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.
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
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.
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

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

28. A ________ is a type of embargo that is politically motivated - banning trade with a particular nation.
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.
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.
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.

29. 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.
Internet - The Internet has made accessible to small businesses the types of resources and information that were previously available only to larger firms.
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.
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.

30. 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.
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
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
Customization - Systems of mass customization recognize that consumers have individual needs and are best served by products that can be easily customized for them.
Lobbying - The American Banking Association and the American Medical Association are both examples of associations typically involved in lobbying activities.

31. 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
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.
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
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.

32. 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
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
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.
Licensing - Since a company has already incurred the costs of developing the intellectual property - a licensing agreement involves little out-of-pocket costs.
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.

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

34. 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.
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.
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
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

35. 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.

36. A company's sequence of events that transforms resources (or inputs) into products and services is called the _________ process.
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.
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.
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.
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.

37. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

38. 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.
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
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.
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.

39. 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.
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.
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
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.
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.

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

41. _____________ - or subcontracting work to outside companies - is a common staffing strategy by companies that lack specialized resources internally.
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
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.
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 - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.

42. 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.
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.
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
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. _______ _________ 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
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.
Business - Business law includes those legal elements that directly affect business activity - including laws pertaining to business licensing - employee safety - and corporate income taxes.
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.
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.

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. Business owners pay as much as $150 billion every year due to product ________ lawsuits - which hold the producer or seller responsible for damages or injuries to the consumer.
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
Business - Business law includes those legal elements that directly affect business activity - including laws pertaining to business licensing - employee safety - and corporate income taxes.
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.

46. 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.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
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.
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.
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.

47. 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.
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.
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.
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.

48. 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.
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.
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.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
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

49. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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

50. 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.
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.
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.
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
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.