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Test your basic knowledge |
DSST Introduction To Business
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Study First
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 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 __________.
Customization - Systems of mass customization recognize that consumers have individual needs and are best served by products that can be easily customized for them.
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.
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.
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
2. As foreign markets continue to grow in importance - the number of ____________ - or companies with operations in more than one country - is likewise increasing.
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.
MNCs - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will often earn more than half of their revenue from foreign sales.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
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.
3. 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 -
MNCs - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will often earn more than half of their revenue from foreign sales.
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
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
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.
4. _____________ - or subcontracting work to outside companies - is a common staffing strategy by companies that lack specialized resources internally.
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
MNCs - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will often earn more than half of their revenue from foreign sales.
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.
Lobbying - The American Banking Association and the American Medical Association are both examples of associations typically involved in lobbying activities.
5. 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.
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.
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.
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
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.
6. __________ is the term for the process of attracting appropriate applicants for an organization's jobs.
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7. 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.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
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.
Job Description. The job description helps HR determine the qualifications needed by potential applicants to be considered for the job.
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.
8. More extreme than a quota - an ________ completely bans the import or export of certain products.
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9. 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.
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.
Internet - The Internet has made accessible to small businesses the types of resources and information that were previously available only to larger firms.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
11. 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.
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
Compensation. Compensation is the umbrella term covering all the various money - benefits - and services paid to employees for their work.
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.
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. 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
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
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
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.
13. 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.
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.
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.
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.
14. 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.
Incentives. Incentives are often effective because they make achievements - not merely activities - the basis for an employee's payment.
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.
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.
15. 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.
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16. Usually - human resources will use the job description to develop a ____ __________ - describing the skills - education - and previous experience that the job requires.
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.
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
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.
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.
17. Usually used for sales staff - a ____________ is a form of payment that pays employees a percentage of sales made.
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
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.
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.
Licensing - Since a company has already incurred the costs of developing the intellectual property - a licensing agreement involves little out-of-pocket costs.
18. Since campaign laws limit the abilities of a business to donate money directly to a candidate - businesses will often instead funnel money through a _______.
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
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.
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.
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
19. An increasingly used recruiting strategy is for companies to hire ___________ employees to assess their on-the-job performance before hiring them permanently.
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
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.
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
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.
20. 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.
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.
Internet - The Internet has made accessible to small businesses the types of resources and information that were previously available only to larger firms.
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.
MNCs - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will often earn more than half of their revenue from foreign sales.
21. Large companies increasingly are subcontracting work to small businesses through a process called _____________.
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.
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.
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.
22. 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.
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
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.
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
23. 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
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
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.
24. 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.
Compensation. Compensation is the umbrella term covering all the various money - benefits - and services paid to employees for their work.
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
Lobbying - The American Banking Association and the American Medical Association are both examples of associations typically involved in lobbying activities.
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
25. 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.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
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.
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.
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
26. 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.
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.
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.
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
27. __________ are cash payments that are linked either to specific individual - group - and company-wide goals; overall productivity; and company success.
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28. 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.
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
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.
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
Job Description. The job description helps HR determine the qualifications needed by potential applicants to be considered for the job.
29. 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.
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
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.
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.
30. 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.
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31. 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.
Business - Business law includes those legal elements that directly affect business activity - including laws pertaining to business licensing - employee safety - and corporate income taxes.
Angel Investors - Risky start-ups that have trouble getting loans from a bank can sometimes find angel investors to finance their business.
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.
32. _______ _________ 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
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.
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.
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.
33. ____________ 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.
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.
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.
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
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
34. 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.
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.
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.
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
Business - Business law includes those legal elements that directly affect business activity - including laws pertaining to business licensing - employee safety - and corporate income taxes.
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.
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36. 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.
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
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.
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
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.
37. 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.
MNCs - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will often earn more than half of their revenue from foreign sales.
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.
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.
38. The term _________ refers to the coordination of an organization's resources for the manufacture of goods or the delivery of services.
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39. 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 ________ ___________.
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.
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
Incentives. Incentives are often effective because they make achievements - not merely activities - the basis for an employee's payment.
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.
40. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
41. 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.
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.
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.
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.
42. 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 ___ _______.
Internet - The Internet has made accessible to small businesses the types of resources and information that were previously available only to larger firms.
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.
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.
43. The ________ department plans the best way to hire employees - oversee their training - evaluate their performance - and compensate them.
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.
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
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.
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.
44. 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.
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
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
Incentives. Incentives are often effective because they make achievements - not merely activities - the basis for an employee's payment.
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
45. Financial compensation other than wages - salaries - and incentives is called employee ______________.
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.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
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.
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
46. ______ is widely used today to apply computer graphics and mathematical modeling in the design of products.
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.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
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).
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. 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.
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.
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
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.
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
48. 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.
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.
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.
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.
Compensation. Compensation is the umbrella term covering all the various money - benefits - and services paid to employees for their work.
49. ___________ - or selling and shipping goods and services to another country - is one of the least risky forms of international business activity.
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.
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
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).
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
50. A ________ is a type of embargo that is politically motivated - banning trade with a particular nation.
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.
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
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.
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.