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

2. 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
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.
Angel Investors - Risky start-ups that have trouble getting loans from a bank can sometimes find angel investors to finance their business.
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.
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

3. 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.
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.
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.
Lobbying - The American Banking Association and the American Medical Association are both examples of associations typically involved in lobbying activities.

4. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

5. 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.
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.
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
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.

6. 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.
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.
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.
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.

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

8. 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.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
Lobbying - The American Banking Association and the American Medical Association are both examples of associations typically involved in lobbying activities.
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.
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

9. 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.
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.
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.

10. __________ is the term for the process of attracting appropriate applicants for an organization's jobs.

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

12. 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.
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
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
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.

13. Most industrialized countries have regulations against ________ - the practice of selling large quantities of a product at a price lower than the cost of production or below what the company would charge in its own home market.
Taxes - Laws surrounding the taxes of businesses have developed to such an extent that entire segments of accounting and legal professionals often help companies and individuals with their interpretation and compliance
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.
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.
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.

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

15. 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

16. When a country imports more than it exports - the resulting unfavorable trade balance is called a trade _______.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
Business - Business law includes those legal elements that directly affect business activity - including laws pertaining to business licensing - employee safety - and corporate income taxes.
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.
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.

17. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Incubators - Incubators are centers that provide small businesses with a professional setting and various resources - legal and accounting services - marketing support - etc. - they might need to get started.

18. In 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.

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

20. 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.
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
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.
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.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.

21. 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.
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.
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.
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.
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. Because of the high costs and regulatory complexities of selling stock through an initial public offering (IPO) - many companies are instead choosing to sell shares of stock directly to investors through a _______.
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.
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.
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
FDI - A company that increases its involvement in foreign countries through establishing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) might build marketing or production facilities - or even purchase existing firms.

23. 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.
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.
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
Compensation. Compensation is the umbrella term covering all the various money - benefits - and services paid to employees for their work.

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

25. 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.
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
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.
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.

26. 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.
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
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.
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.

27. 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.
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.
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.
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
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

28. 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.
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.
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.
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.

29. 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.
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.
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.
Intrapreneurs - Work units led by intrapreneurs are formed to provide the parent company with creative ideas usually hindered by the red tape and procedures of a large-scale corporate environment.
Regulation - In most sectors of the economy - government regulation ensures that all competitors have an equal chance of producing a product - reaching the market - and making a profit.

30. 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.
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.
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.
Business - Business law includes those legal elements that directly affect business activity - including laws pertaining to business licensing - employee safety - and corporate income taxes.

31. 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.
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.
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.
Internet - The Internet has made accessible to small businesses the types of resources and information that were previously available only to larger firms.
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.

32. ___________ - or selling and shipping goods and services to another country - is one of the least risky forms of international business activity.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
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
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).

33. 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.
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.
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
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
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.

34. 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 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.
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform 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.
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.

35. 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.
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.
Duties - Customs duties typically have the effect of raising the prices of imports to a level comparable to the price of similar American-made merchandise
Franchise - In exchange for an initial fee and possibly monthly royalties - a buyer can obtain a franchise of a larger company and have the right to sell its goods and services.
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.

36. 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.
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
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.
Job Description. The job description helps HR determine the qualifications needed by potential applicants to be considered for the job.

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

38. 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 ________ ___________.
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.
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
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
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.

39. Since campaign laws limit the abilities of a business to donate money directly to a candidate - businesses will often instead funnel money through a _______.
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.
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
Absolute Advantage - Whenever a nation can produce a particular item more efficiently than all other nations - it has an absolute advantage for that product. Since such advantages are usually based on the availability of natural resources - they rare
CAD - Computer-aided design (CAD) is just one of the major developments in manufacturing automation today. Others include computer-aided engineering (CAE) - computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) - and flexible manufacturing system (FMS).

40. ______ is widely used today to apply computer graphics and mathematical modeling in the design of products.
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.
Business Plan - Not only does a business plan help sway potential investors - it also provides the company with an overall strategy and guides its operations
CAD - Computer-aided design (CAD) is just one of the major developments in manufacturing automation today. Others include computer-aided engineering (CAE) - computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) - and flexible manufacturing system (FMS).
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

41. 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.
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.
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
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.
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

42. _______ _________ 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
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.
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.

43. A type of trade restriction - _________ limit the amount of a particular good that a nation will allow to be imported during a year.
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.
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.
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.
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.

44. 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.
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
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.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.

45. 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
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
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.
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.

46. 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 -
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
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
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
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.

47. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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

48. ____________ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

49. Facilities specifically designed to house small businesses during their early growth phase are known as __________.
Exporting - Exporting permits a company to enter a foreign market gradually - with only limited marketing - research - and distribution costs.
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.
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.
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

50. Similar to venture capitalists - ______ ________ tend to be wealthy individuals who are willing to loan smaller amounts of money and to stay involved with the company for a longer period of time.
Angel Investors - Risky start-ups that have trouble getting loans from a bank can sometimes find angel investors to finance their business.
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.
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.
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