(Unit 1) What is a business? Flashcards
What are businesses?
They are organisations that transform inputs or resources (adds value) into outputs or products that are purchased by their customers.
What is a good?
A physical product (tangible).
What is a service?
A intangible item.
What is a product?
A more general term that includes goods and services.
Why do businesses exist?
- create employment
- create income
- create new products
- enhance a country’s reputation
What are the 2 sectors?
Public and Private.
What is the private sector?
Owned businesses.
What is the public sector?
Government operated businesses.
What does B2B mean?
Business to Business.
What does B2C mean?
Business to Consumer.
What does CELL stand for?
Capital, Enterprise, Land, Labour.
What does Capital mean in CELL?
Man-made physical equipment to produce other goods and services.
What does Enterprise mean in CELL?
The individuals who take the risks and combine the other 3 factors of production to produce a good/service to make a profit.
What does Land mean in CELL?
The stock of natural resources (e.g. renewable energy).
What does Labour mean in CELL?
The human input (labour work).
What are the 3 type of businesses?
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary.
What is a Primary type of business?
The extraction of raw materials (e.g. farming and fishing).
What is a Secondary type of business?
Transforming or refining the raw materials (e.g. manufacturing and constructing).
What is a Tertiary type of business?
The service industry (e.g. hotels and restaurants).
Why do businesses exist?
- profit
- growth
- survival
- cash flow
- social
- ethical objectives
What is a mission statement?
A statement that overrides the purpose of the business.
- the reason for its existence
- a strategic perspective
- supports the stated vision for the future
What is the criticism of mission statements?
- often too vague and general
- not always supported by actions of the business
- often merely statements of the obvious
- are they just for PR?
What should business objectives be?
SMART
What does SMART stand for?
Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
Why do businesses set SMART objectives?
- clear set of guidelines
- co-ordinate business activity
- motivate workers
- emphasise what is improtant
- influence the actions of workers
How do you calculate profit?
Total revenue - Total costs
What type of businesses are sole traders and partnerships?
Unincorporated
What type of businesses are plc and ltd?
Incorporated
What does unlimited liability mean?
Business owners are legally liable for any debt their business might accrue
What does limited liability mean?
This means that the legal duty to pay debts run up by a business stays with the business itself, not with its owners/shareholders
What does sole traders mean?
Sole traders are individuals who establish and operate a business on their own.