U3AOS1 Flashcards
Define a Sole Trader
One person that owns and runs a business
What does an individual have in common with a business? (sole trader)
They have the same legal entity with unlimited liability
Define unlimited liability
Owners held fully responsible for all operations of a business (business is sued, the owner is sued)
Advantages of a sole trader business
- simple and inexpensive
- complete control
- minimal government regulations
- the owner keeps net profit
Disadvantages of a sole trader business
- unlimited liability
- difficult to gain finance
- large burden
- heavy reliance on owners skills
Define partnerships
A business owned by two or more people (generally up to 20 partners)
What is the difference between general and limited partnerships?
General partnerships have unlimited liability and in limited each partner has liability depending on the proportion of investment
Advantages of partnerships
- workload shared
- simple and inexpensive
- risk and debt shared
Disadvantages of partnerships
- potential for disagreements
- profit shared
- unlimited liability
What are the main two different types of companies?
- private limited
- public listed
Define incorporated
Incorporating a business means turning your sole trader or general partnership into a company formally recognized as a company. When a company incorporates, it becomes its own legal business structure set apart from the individuals who founded the business.
Define corporation
A large company or group of companies authorized to act as a single entity and recognized as such in law.
What is the difference between a business and a company?
A business is a sole trader or partnership while a company involves owners that purchase shares and become shareholders. Owners have a separate legal entity and limited liability in a company
Define private limited companies
Companies owned by private shareholders (can be owned by up to 50 shareholders) Has ‘Pty Ltd’ after its name
Advantages of private limited companies
- limited liability
- separate legal entity
- pay company tax rate (>17%)
- the company is bigger than directors
Disadvantages of private limited companies
- more complex and expensive
- more reporting requirements to government
- shares cannot be traded fairly
Define public listed companies
A company where shares can be purchased or sold on an open market (has ‘Limited’ or Ltd’ after their name)
What is a company called when it first lists an exchange?
Initial public offering (IPO)
Advantages of public listed companies
- limited liability
- separate legal entity
- pay company tax rate (>17%)
- the company is bigger than directors
Disadvantages of public listed companies
- possible loss of control
- more complex and expensive
- more reporting requirements to government
- shares cannot be traded fairly
Define social enterprise
A business that primarily exists to fulfil a vision that benefits the community. They usually make a profit commercially that is put towards a social cause
Advantages of social enterprise
- meeting a social need can encourage community support
- improved morale within a business as employees value what they are doing
Disadvantages of social enterprise
- difficult to balance financial objectives and social objectives
- can be difficult to raise initial capital
Define a government business enterprise
A business that’s shareholders are 100% made from the government and is involved in commercial activities that aim to make a profit (Australian Post)
Advantages of a government business enterprise
- relies on the government for initial investments
- provides healthy competition to private sectors
- may develop infrastructure in areas that private companies may hesitate to invest in
Disadvantages of a government business enterprise
- strategic directions can change with a change of government
- may be inefficencies caused by government ‘red tape’
- political interference
- GBE’s may not be a productive as private sector businesses
What is a business objective?
It described what a business expects to accomplish over a set period, provides a business with direction and helps measure success.
What is the difference between financial and social objectives?
Financial objectives are concerned with making a profit. Social objectives are concerned with fulfilling a social need.
What are the five examples of business objectives?
- Make a profit
- Increase market share
- Fulfil a market need
- Fulfil a social need
- Meet shareholders expectations
How is a profit calculated?
Profit is calculated as a business’s revenue minus expenses. A positive result of that equation is profit.