UNIT 3 AOS 1 Flashcards
Sole Trader
Individual owners of a business
Entitled to keep all profits of the business after tax
Liable for all losses
Unlimited liability: liable for all debts accrued by the business
Examples; Plumber, Carpenter, Hairdresser
Sole Trader advantages and disadvantages
Advantages Simple and inexpensive to established Owner has total control of the business Simple to close Minimal government regulation
Disadvantages
Unlimited liability
Harder to get finances
Reliant on the knowledge and skill
Partnership
It’s a business owned between 2-50 people
Either partener is jointly liable for the debts in the business (unlimited liability)
Most partnerships have a partnership agreement between the parties
Examples; Accountants, Builders, Cafe owners
General Partnership
All partners are equally responsible for the management of the business. Each has unlimited liability
Limited Partnership
Liability of one or more partners is limited. Silent partners can be apart of the business partnership but are not involved in the day to day running of the business
Partnership advantages and disadvantages
Advantages Inexpensive and simple to start Risk is shared Minimal government regulations Shared workload Broader access to capital money (invested in business), knowledge, skill and experience
Disadvantages
Unlimited liability
Liable for debts caused by other partners
Business could be threatened by one partner leaving
Potential personality clashes
Company
Separate legal entity
Limited liability
Same rights as a natural person
Has perpetuity (ongoing life)
Must be registered for GST if the earnings are greater than a certain amount ($75,000)
Must keep financial records for at least 7yrs
Private Limited Companies
Many sole traders/partnerships become private limited companies due to expansion and the opportunity to gain protection by limited liability
Can have up to 50 shareholders
Shares can only be traded with the permission of the other owners/shareholders
Private Limited Companies advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
Limited liability
Extra capital can be obtained by selling more shares
Business will still continue if a shareholder/director leaves or passes away
Disadvantages Complex to start Expensive establishments costs Higher degree of government control and reporting requirements Addition compliance costs
Public Listed Company
An organisation listed on the Australian stock exchange
Any individual can by shares
Run by a board of directors (runs the company on behalf of the shareholders)
Shareholders are not involved in the day to day running of the business
Examples; BHP, Myer, Commonwealth bank
Public Listed Company advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
Limited liability
Able to get more capital by selling more shares
Separate legal entity
Business will still continue if a shareholder/director leaves or passes away
Disadvantages Highly complex to start High establishments costs Needs accountability and compliance paperwork Extra compliance costs
Social Enterprize
A business that uses strategies to improve human wellbeing or the environment rather than maximise PROFIT for its owners/shareholders
GOAL is to achieve socio, cultural, community and environmental outcomes and ern revenu
They aim to make a profit to help solve an environmental or social problem
Example; Thankyou group, The salvation army
Government Business Enterprise (GBE)
Operates in the public sector (run by the government). Management of a GBE runs the business, but they must report reguary to the shareholder, parliament and the public.
3 Characteristics of a GBE
- The government controls the business
- The business is engaged in commercial activities
- The business is a separate legal entity to the government department.
Financial Objectives
The desired financial performance of the business
Including;
- Profit (looking for new ways to run the business/ increasing profit = reducing business costs)
- Growing sales (advertising, increasing product range, overseas sales, opening new stores)
- Improving market share
- Increasing productivity
Market Share
- Proportion or percentage of the market (and total sales) controlled by the business
- Market leaders can ask for discounts on supplies
- Can be cheaper than competitors
Marketing Objectives
- Creation of demand for your good or service
- Maximise the appeal of your good or service to the most people possible
Social Objectives
- Role of business in the community
- Above and beyond your legal objectives
- Can also be achieved via workplace policies
- equal opportunity policies
- Anti discrimination policies
Shareholders and Stakeholders
Shareholder;
Owners of the company, can own the whole part or shares in a business
Stakeholders;
An individual/group that has a direct interest in the activities of the business. (can be shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers)
Macro Environment
The conditions that a business operates in that they have no control over
Examples; Exchange rates, Trends, Weather, Political environments
Operating Environemnt
The environment immediately external to a business to which it has close interaction with when conducting business
Examples; Suppliers, Customers, Bank, Unions
Internal Environment
The areas of a business that have control over
Examples; Staff, Management, Employees
Key stakeholders in the macro environment
Community/society, Government
Key stakeholders in the operating environment
Creditios/banks, Trade unions, Customers, Suppliers, Competitors
Key stakeholders in the operating environment
Shareholders, Directors of a company/partnership, Management, Employees
Issues a stakeholder needs to consider
- Is the business conducting itself in a fair and ethical manner
- Does the business conduct itself in a social responsible manner
Management and customers possible conflicts
Management may try to maintain profit and a high dividend to satisfy shareholders
BUT – this will upset customers who want to pay reasonable prices for products