Chapter 1 Flashcards

1
Q

What does the term ‘environment’ refer to in a business context?

A

Anything outside an organisation (industry/market) that affects what it does or how it acts.

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2
Q

What is an ‘environmental scan’?

A

An analysis that includes identifying factors in the environment that create threats or opportunities, recognising the most significant factors, and deciding how the organisation should respond to them.

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3
Q

What are ‘threats’ in the context of environmental analysis?

A

Factors in the environment that might prevent the organisation from achieving its business objectives and create an adverse risk for the entity’s future prospects.

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4
Q

What is necessary for understanding the environment according to the text?

A

It should be an on-going activity.

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5
Q

What are ‘opportunities’ in environmental analysis?

A

Developments that provide opportunities for the organisation to achieve its objectives more successfully.

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6
Q

What are the two methods for analysing environmental factors?

A
  • Porter’s 5 forces model (Industry Analysis)
  • PESTEL analysis (Country/Region/Macro environment Analysis)
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7
Q

List the five factors in Porter’s 5 forces model.

A
  • Threats from potential entrants
  • Threats from substitute products or services
  • The bargaining power of suppliers
  • The bargaining power of customers
  • Competitive rivalry within the industry or market
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8
Q

What categories are used in PESTEL analysis?

A
  • Political
  • Economic
  • Social, cultural and demographic
  • Technological
  • Environmental/Ecological
  • Legal
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9
Q

Fill in the blank: PESTEL analysis groups environmental factors into _______.

A

[four or six categories]

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10
Q

What is the scope of political and legal influence on business?

A

Political decisions and legal changes can significantly impact business activities in different countries.

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11
Q

What does nationalisation of industry mean?

A

Nationalisation refers to the state owning wholly or partly an industry.

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12
Q

What is privatisation?

A

Privatisation is the transfer of ownership of state-owned businesses to commercial companies.

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13
Q

How can transport and infrastructure affect businesses?

A

Businesses rely on the transport system to move goods and employees, which is affected by the quality of the infrastructure.

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14
Q

What role does government policy play in transport and infrastructure?

A

Government policy on transport and building roads or rail networks can significantly affect business operations.

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15
Q

How can taxation influence business activities?

A

Businesses may be affected by changes in taxation, such as increased taxes on fuel consumption or waste disposal.

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16
Q

What is the purpose of government subsidies?

A

Governments may offer subsidies to encourage certain activities, such as skills training.

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17
Q

What factors determine the political setup in a country?

A

The political setup depends on pre-existing laws, regulations, political ideology, and opposition agendas.

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18
Q

How does environmental policy impact businesses?

A

Environmental policy can include regulations to reduce pollution levels in air, water, or land.

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19
Q

What was the significance of the 2007 corn shipment incident?

A

The shipment contained genetically-modified corn, which was legal in the US but illegal in the European Union.

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20
Q

Who is responsible for the education system in most countries?

A

The government is typically responsible for the education system.

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21
Q

How does education policy affect the workforce?

A

Education policy impacts the quality and skills of individuals, which are crucial for the workforce of business entities.

22
Q

Fill in the blank: The political ideology of the ruling political party can influence _______.

A

[business activities and regulations]

23
Q

True or False: Political opposition has no effect on economic agendas.

A

False

24
Q

What was the impact of the Nationalization Act of 1970 in Pakistan?

A

It led to the nationalization of various industries.

25
Q

What is the primary focus of communism?

A

Attainment of equality and social justice

Communism emphasizes the elimination of class distinctions and the redistribution of resources.

26
Q

True or False: In communism, religion is completely suppressed.

A

True

Communism often views religion as an obstacle to social progress.

27
Q

Fill in the blank: Large corporations can _______ in a capitalist system.

A

flourish

Capitalism allows for private ownership and competition, which can lead to the growth of large corporations.

28
Q

What is the role of the state in a socialist system?

A

Regulate and protect the interests of the people

In socialism, the state is seen as responsible for ensuring that everyone has access to basic needs.

29
Q

What does the term ‘status quo’ refer to in political ideology?

A

The existing state of affairs

It often implies maintaining current social, political, and economic conditions.

30
Q

List the two ends of the political spectrum mentioned.

A
  • Authoritarian
  • Democratic

These represent contrasting approaches to governance and individual freedoms.

31
Q

What is the main characteristic of fascism?

A

Authoritarian nationalism

Fascism emphasizes strong, centralized control, often led by a dictator.

32
Q

True or False: Private property is completely prohibited in socialism.

A

False

While socialism promotes collective ownership, some forms allow for personal property.

33
Q

What is the difference between left-wing and right-wing ideologies in terms of tradition?

A

Left-wing tends to be more open to change while right-wing is more reverent towards tradition

This reflects differing attitudes towards social and political reforms.

34
Q

Fill in the blank: The _______ is a political ideology that seeks to minimize state intervention in the economy.

A

Laissez Faire

This approach advocates for free markets and minimal government regulation.

35
Q

What is a key feature of a democratic regime?

A

Protection of individual liberties

Democracies prioritize the rights and freedoms of individuals.

36
Q

List three characteristics of socialism.

A
  • Economic equality
  • Social collectivism
  • Cooperation

These principles aim to create a more equitable society.

37
Q

What does ‘authoritarian’ refer to in terms of governance?

A

Concentration of power in a leader or elite

Authoritarian regimes often limit individual freedoms in favor of state control.

38
Q

True or False: The extreme left is characterized by radical changes to the political system.

A

True

Extreme left ideologies often advocate for revolutionary changes.

39
Q

What is the primary economic system associated with capitalism?

A

Private ownership

Capitalism is defined by the ownership of production by individuals or corporations.

40
Q

Fill in the blank: _______ is a form of socialism that seeks gradual reform rather than revolution.

A

Fabian Socialism

This approach emphasizes gradual changes through democratic means.

41
Q

What does ‘collectivism’ mean in a political context?

A

The practice of prioritizing group goals over individual goals

Collectivism often involves shared ownership or control of resources.

42
Q

Explain the term ‘oligarchy’.

A

Rule by a small group of people

Oligarchies concentrate power in the hands of a few, often leading to inequality.

43
Q

What is a common criticism of capitalism?

A

It can lead to economic inequalities

Critics argue that capitalism often benefits the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

44
Q

What is the impact of political ideologies on government spending

A

Government spending depends on a political ideology. Socialism focuses on public welfare (health, education), while Dictatorial Capitalism emphasizes defense and international alliances.

45
Q

What types of taxation can political ideologies propose?

A

Political ideologies can propose direct taxes (on income) or indirect taxes (on goods/services).

46
Q

How does taxation affect businesses?

A

Taxation impacts businesses by increasing overhead costs and reducing profit margins.

47
Q

What are the effects of taxation on public resources?

A

Taxes fund public expenditures like roads, schools, hospitals, and parks, enhancing the competitive position of businesses.

48
Q

How do labor laws impact businesses?

A

Labor laws, influenced by political ideologies, regulate minimum wages, insurance, and safety. International labor standards can restrict imports from countries with poor labor conditions.

49
Q

What is the role of international relations and policies in business?

A

Policies supporting foreign investments boost business, but protectionism restricting imports may harm competitiveness.

50
Q

What is the connection between agriculture policies and political ideology?

A

Agricultural policies are tailored to political ideologies, focusing on managing economies suitable for agriculture sectors