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. 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.
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.
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
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.

2. Since campaign laws limit the abilities of a business to donate money directly to a candidate - businesses will often instead funnel money through a _______.
Licensing - Since a company has already incurred the costs of developing the intellectual property - a licensing agreement involves little out-of-pocket costs.
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.
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.
MNCs - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) will often earn more than half of their revenue from foreign sales.

3. 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.

4. 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.
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.
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.
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
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

5. 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.
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.
Euro - These eleven countries account for nearly 20 percent of the world's gross domestic product - leading some to believe that the euro might one day rival the dollar or yen as the international currency of trade.
Antitrust - Other famous examples of antitrust legislation include the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) and the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914). Such regulations sought to break up the power of huge companies such as Standard Oil.
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

6. More and more companies are using __________ agreements as a source of international revenue - allowing foreign companies to use their intellectual property in exchange for a royalty or fee.
Internet - The Internet has made accessible to small businesses the types of resources and information that were previously available only to larger 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.
Licensing - Since a company has already incurred the costs of developing the intellectual property - a licensing agreement involves little out-of-pocket 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.

7. ______ is widely used today to apply computer graphics and mathematical modeling in the design of products.
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
Business - Business law includes those legal elements that directly affect business activity - including laws pertaining to business licensing - employee safety - and corporate income taxes.
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.
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).

8. 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.
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
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.
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.

9. 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

10. 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.
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
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.
Job Description. The job description helps HR determine the qualifications needed by potential applicants to be considered for the job.

11. 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.
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.
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.
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

12. 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.
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.
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
Customization - Systems of mass customization recognize that consumers have individual needs and are best served by products that can be easily customized for them.
Assurance - Broader than more basic quality control approaches - a quality assurance system ensures that every stage of production - from design to final product - meets or exceeds preset quality standards.

13. 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.
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.
Angel Investors - Risky start-ups that have trouble getting loans from a bank can sometimes find angel investors to finance their business.
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.
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

14. 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 -
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.
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.
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
Protectionism - Emerging economies often practice protectionism in order to give new or weak industries an opportunity to grow and strengthen.

15. 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.
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.
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.
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
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.

16. 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.
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
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
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.

17. 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
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
Floating - Neither Thailand or Indonesia were ready when their currency devalued rapidly after switching to a floating exchange rate system. In such a system - the value of a currency is not determined in relation to more stable currencies - but in r
Background Checks - Failure to conduct thorough background checks can lead to expensive lawsuits and higher health care costs - decreased productivity - and harm to employees and customers. Inadequate verification of credentials can potentially make
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).

18. In the United States - _______ have traditionally been used not only to raise revenue for government - but also to encourage or discourage certain types of behavior - including the restriction of certain business activities.
Internet - The Internet has made accessible to small businesses the types of resources and information that were previously available only to larger firms.
Lobbying - The American Banking Association and the American Medical Association are both examples of associations typically involved in lobbying activities.
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.
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

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

20. A company's sequence of events that transforms resources (or inputs) into products and services is called the _________ process.
Just In Time - A just-in-time system minimizes waste and keeps costs down. However - it requires careful coordination between manufacturers and suppliers in order to work effectively.
Conversion - The conversion process can be either an analytic system - which breaks raw materials into one or most distinct products - or a synthetic system - which combines two or more materials to form a single product.
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.
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.

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

22. 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.
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.
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.
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.
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.

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

24. 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

25. Employees who receive _______ earn cash payment based on the number of hours the employee has worked or the number of units the employee has produced.
Wages. Unlike salaried workers - workers earning wages receive cash payment directly related to the number of hours worked or pieces produced. Wages provide an incentive to an employee to produce more in order to receive a higher paycheck.
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.
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.
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.

26. The rise and spread of the __________ is one of the major factors contributing to the dramatic increase in small businesses - as well as the number of employees who now telecommute.
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.
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.
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.
Internet - The Internet has made accessible to small businesses the types of resources and information that were previously available only to larger firms.

27. 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.
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
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.
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
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.

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

29. 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.
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
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.
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
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

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

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

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
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.
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.
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.
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.

33. 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.
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
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.
Inventory - To minimize risk and cost - and also to increase manufacturing efficiency - most companies have established a system of inventory control.
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

34. 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
Customization - Systems of mass customization recognize that consumers have individual needs and are best served by products that can be easily customized for them.
Profit Sharin - A company that participates in profit sharing usually distributes profits to employees on an quarterly - semi-annually - or annual basis.
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.
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

35. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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

36. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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

38. Administering ___________ - or the combination of payments in the form of wages or salaries - incentive programs - employee benefits - and employer services - is one of the major responsibilities of the human resources department.
Compensation. Compensation is the umbrella term covering all the various money - benefits - and services paid to employees for their work.
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.
Outsourcing - The increased practice of outsourcing specialized work has allowed many large firms to downsize and work with smaller staffs.
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.

39. _____________ - or subcontracting work to outside companies - is a common staffing strategy by companies that lack specialized resources internally.
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.
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.
DPO - The growth of the Internet and its resources has made it easier for companies to sell stock through a direct public offering (DPO).
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

40. 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.
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.
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.
Angel Investors - Risky start-ups that have trouble getting loans from a bank can sometimes find angel investors to finance their business.
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.

41. Facilities specifically designed to house small businesses during their early growth phase are known as __________.
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
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.
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).
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

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

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

44. 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.
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
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.
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.

45. 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.

46. 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 ___ _______.
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.
Job Description. The job description helps HR determine the qualifications needed by potential applicants to be considered for the job.
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).
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.

47. 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
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.
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
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.
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

48. 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.
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.
Job Analysis - Job analysis is the process by which jobs are studied to determine the exact tasks and dynamics needed to perform them.
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.
Pension - Pension plans are company-sponsored programs for providing employees with income when they retire.

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

50. Usually used for sales staff - a ____________ is a form of payment that pays employees a percentage of sales made.
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.
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.
Performance Appraisal. Most human resources managers develop performance appraisal systems to objectively evaluate employees according to set - job-related criteria.
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.