Subject specific vocabulary
These are the definitions of key terms used in our GCSE Business specification (8132).
You (the student) should be familiar with and gain an understanding of these terms.
Aim - The intention to reach a goal.
Air pollution - The presence or introduction of harmful substances into the air causing disease, allergies or damage to humans, animals, plants or the built environment.
Asset - Something the business owns; it has a value.
Average rate of return - The average profit for the year as a percentage of the original investment.
Average rate of return = average return per annum/initial investment × 100
Boston matrix - A tool for analysing the contribution made by each product in a business’ product portfolio. It plots each product’s position according to its market share and the rate of growth of the market.
Brand image - The consumers’ perception of the brand; its character, qualities and shortcomings. It is developed over time and operates as a consistent theme through advertising campaigns.
Break-even chart - A diagrammatic representation of the costs and revenue for a product; it plots total costs against total sales revenue, showing the break-even point where they cross.
Break-even output - The point at which the business’ total sales equals the total costs. There is neither profit nor loss.
Buffer stock - A stock of raw materials held in reserve to protect the production process from unforeseen shortages.
Business plan - A detailed statement of how the business intends to operate, either at start-up or during a given period of time. Business plans are based on forecasts and so cover only a short time.
Cash - Money that the business has in cash or at the bank.
Cash flow forecast - A financial planning tool that estimates the money coming into and going out of the business on a month-by-month basis; it allows the business to predict times when additional finance may be needed to maintain liquidity.
Cash inflow - Money received by the business from its operations or investments.
Cash outflow - Money paid out by the business to fund its operations or investment activities.
Centralisation - Maintaining control by keeping authority at the senior levels of the organisation.
Chain of command - The line through the hierarchy that shows who is responsible for whom from top to bottom of an organisation.
Channels of distribution - The route the ownership of the product transfers from the seller to the buyer; it may be a single transaction or pass through others such as wholesalers, distributors, agents and retailers.
Closing balanceThe amount that remains in the account at the end of an accounting period.
CommissionAn amount of money paid to an employee that is based on a percentage of the sales he/she achieved; paid in addition to a basic salary.
CompetitionThe rivalry between businesses looking to sell their goods/services in the same market.
Competitive pricingSetting the price of a product so that it is in line with competitors’ prices.
Consumer lawLaws designed to ensure that businesses make products that are safe and of good quality, and that they deal with customers honestly and fairly.
Consumer spendingThe money spent by households on goods and services to satisfy their needs and wants.
Contracts of employmentA legal document that sets out the terms and conditions of the job for the employer and the employee.
CostThe money spent by a business on goods and services.
Cost-plus pricingSetting the price of a good or service at an amount higher than the cost of producing it so that a profit is made.
CustomerIndividuals, businesses or organisations that purchase goods/services and make decisions about which supplier to choose.
Customer engagementThe relationship between the business and the customer that puts the customer’s requirements at the centre of the operation to build brand loyalty.
Customer loyaltyThe likelihood that past customers will continue to buy from the business, enhanced by high quality customer service and/or reward programmes.
Customer satisfactionWhether customers are pleased with the goods/services they receive; whether they would purchase again.
DecentralisationWhere authority is spread widely through the organisation.
DelayeringThe reorganisation of the organisation’s employees so that there are fewer levels of management.
DelegationAllocating a task to someone who would not normally be responsible for it.
DemandThe quantity of a particular product that will be bought at particular price over a specific time.
DirectorsThe people who are elected by the shareholders to run the business on their behalf.
Diseconomies of scaleWhen a business grows too large, leading to a possible increase in unit cost.
Disposal of wasteThe removal, storage or destruction of unwanted material. Methods include recycling, burning and landfill sites.
DividendA portion of the after-tax profit that is paid to shareholders according to the number of shares they own.
E-commerceBusiness transactions carried out electronically on the internet.
Economies of scaleThe cost advantage of producing on a large scale. As output increases the unit cost decreases.
EmployeesIndividuals who work full time or part time for the business; they have a contract of employment detailing their duties and rights.
Employment lawRulings that relate to the rights and responsibilities of people who work for a business; they affect the recruitment and selection process and how the business deals with its workers.
EnterpriseThe ability to identify business ideas and opportunities to bring them to fruition and to take risks where appropriate.
EntrepreneurA person who has the vision to use initiative to make business ideas happen, managing the resources and risks.
Equality Act (2010)Protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It sets out the different ways in which it is unlawful to treat someone.
Ethical objectivesA business’ goals that relate to fair business practice or moral guidelines and make a positive contribution to the business’ reputation.
EthicsThe moral principles that guide how a business operates.
Exchange ratesThe price of one currency based on another or the cost of buying one currency from another, for example £1 = $1.21.
ExpansionThe process of increasing a business’ size.
ExportGood/service sold to a customer in another country.
Extension strategiesMethods that can be used to prolong the life of a product; could include price reductions, modifications to the product or relaunch.
External growthThe growth of a business by joining with another by merger or takeover.
External sources of financeObtaining funds from sources that are not part of the business; possibilities include bank loan, mortgage, overdraft, additional partner or share issue.
Factors of productionThe elements that combine in the production process: land, labour, capital and enterprise.
Fixed costsThe costs that stay largely the same, regardless of the business’ output.
Flat organisational structureAn organisational structure with a wide span of control and few levels of hierarchy (a short chain of command).
Flow productionUsing a production line to make goods continuously and in large numbers.
Focus groupsA small number of people from the target market brought together to discuss a particular product; produces qualitative data about their preferences and opinions.
FranchisingThe sale of the rights to use/sell a product by a franchisor to a franchisee. A fixed fee and/or a percentage is paid in return. The franchiser specifies the standards and provides training and support.
Fringe benefitsAdditional ‘perks’ that are in addition to a wage/salary; they are liable to income tax.
Full timeWorking all the usual hours required of an employee; usually 35 hours or more.
Gap in the marketAn opportunity for a new business (or expansion) which may meet a need that is not being met, or a group of potential customers who are not yet purchasing a particular good/service.
Global warmingThe steady increase in the earth’s temperature due to emissions and the build-up of greenhouse gases, resulting in climate changes.
GlobalisationThe trend for large businesses to operate on a worldwide scale; money, goods and services can be transferred across national borders.
GoodsItems that are produced from raw materials for sale to businesses or consumers.
Government grantsMoney available from the government to fund projects that it wants to support; the money is not repaid, but there are conditions and often progress reports are required.
GrowthA business’ increase in size. Methods include: asset value, employees, market share, markets, profits and sales.
Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)Sets out the duties and responsibilities of both employers and employees for health and safety in the workplace.
HierarchyThe management structure of a business/organisation showing the levels of responsibility. It is often shown as an organisation chart.
Hire purchaseBuying items by making a small initial payment and paying the remaining amount in instalments over an agreed period of time.
ImportGood/service bought from a supplier in another country.
Income statementA summary of the revenue and expenses over an accounting period that lead to a profit or loss position.
InductionTraining given to a new employee when they start a new job; it provides information about the business, its operation and working practices.
InspectionTesting/examining items to check that materials or items conform to the specified requirements/standards.
IntegrationTwo or more businesses join together.
Interest ratesThe rate charged for borrowing money over a period of time, or the reward for saving money.
Job analysisThe process of determining what the job entails, including responsibilities and tasks.
Job descriptionA summary of what the job entails, including job title, duties and who they are responsible for/to.
Job productionA method of creating a single product to meet an individual order.
Job shareA system where two employees choose to share a full time job; they receive the salary and benefits on a pro rata basis according to the proportion of the full time hours that each works.
Just in case (JIC)Organising procurement to ensure that the production process never runs out of stock, reducing the number of sales lost due to insufficient raw materials.
Just in time (JIT)Organising the ordering of raw materials and components to be delivered just before they will be used, reducing the need for storage.
Lean productionContinually working to reduce the resources used to create products: raw materials, labour, machines and premises.
Level of employmentThe percentage of the population of working age that are employed.
LiabilityThe extent of the owner’s/owners’ responsibility for the debts of the business.
Limited liabilityThe owners are not responsible for the debts of the business. The limit of their liability for the business’ debts is the amount they invested.
LoansA fixed sum of money borrowed for a specified period of time at an agreed rate of interest; repaid in instalments.
Local communityThe individuals, other businesses and organisations that are located close to the business. The business interacts with these groups.
LocationThe site of a business and the reasoning behind the choice of site.
LogisticsManaging the movement of supplies and products to ensure the timely delivery of supplies to the production process and finished products to customers.
LossWhere expenditure is greater than income.
Loss leaderA good or service sold at below cost price to bring customers into the shop with the intention that, once there, they may purchase full-priced items too.
ManagementOrganising and coordinating business activities in order to fulfil production and meet the business’ objectives.
Margin of safetyThe amount by which current sales exceed the break-even level of output.
MarketWhere those wishing to buy goods/services make contact with those who have them to sell.
Market researchCollecting information about the customers’ needs, wants and preferences that will help the business to make design, production and marketing decisions.
Market shareThe proportion of the whole market for a product that is held by the business.
MarketingThe coordination of activities that ensure that customers get what they want, in the amounts they want, when they want it and at a price that suits them.
Marketing mixThe combination of four areas of marketing activities (price, product, promotion and place) to make sure that customers’ needs and wants are met while generating optimum revenue.
M-commerceBusiness transactions are carried out electronically by mobile phone.
MergersWhen two or more businesses agree to join together.
MortgageA method of borrowing to purchase property, using the property as security.
MotivationThe reasons people are interested in and committed to their job.
National minimum wage/living wageThe lowest hourly rate that can legally be paid by an employer to an employee.
NeedsThe human wants that are essential to survival; clothing, food, shelter, warmth or water.
Net cash flowThe difference between cash inflows and cash outflows.
Net cash flow = cash inflows – cash outflows
Noise pollutionA type and level of noise that is excessive and disturbing to people or animals.
Not-for-profit organisationsAssociations, charities, co-operatives or voluntary organisations set up to further non-monetary ideals such as cultural, educational, religious and public service. Profits/losses are retained/absorbed.
ObjectiveA specific statement that defines a precise goal that can be measured and delivered within a given time.
Off-the-job trainingEmployees are trained away from their job, at a college, training provider or the business’ training centre.
On-the-job trainingEmployees learn alongside experienced colleagues while they are doing the job.
Opening balanceThe amount brought forward from the end of the preceding accounting period so that it is the starting figure for the new one.
Opportunity costThe cost of making one choice concerning the use of limited resources at the expense of an alternative choice.
Organic growthA business grows by increasing its output, by increasing its customer base or by developing new product(s).
Organisational structuresThe way in which the organisation is divided into levels of management, functions and responsibilities.
OutsourcingContracting another business to carry out some of the business’ activities, often to reduce costs.
OverdraftBorrowing from a bank by drawing from a current account so that the balance becomes less than zero.
OwnersIndividuals who own the business or own a share(s) in it, in return for the rights to decision making and profits, balanced with the risks involved.
Part timeWorking only a proportion of the full time hours.
PartnershipsA business that is owned and operated by a group of between 2 or more people.
Person specificationIdentifies the requirements of the job holder, including qualifications, experience and skills.
Point of saleOpportunities to communicate information about the product in the place where it is sold (retail outlet); window displays, hanging signs or shelf signs.
Post-sales servicingMaintenance or repair of equipment by the manufacturer or supplier during or after the warranty.
PRManaging the relations with groups such as consumers, the media, pressure groups or investors to present a favourable impression and generate interest.
Price penetrationFixing a low price when a new product is first introduced (into an established market) so that the product gains market share quickly. Once the product is established, the price is then raised so that profit is increased.
Price skimmingSetting a very high price when a product (often technology item) is first introduced to the market in relatively small numbers; only those who can afford to pay high prices to own the latest models will be able to purchase the product. The price is later reduced so that others can afford to buy.
Primary industryA business that extracts the earth's natural resources.
Primary researchCollecting information first-hand direct from the public; field research including surveys, questionnaires and testing designed specifically for the market/product.
Private limited company (ltd) - A business that is owned by shareholders; the shares are not available to the general public. Shareholders have limited liability.
Procurement - The process of buying goods and services including dealing with:
Product knowledgeAn in-depth understanding of the features, use and application of the good/service that will enable the person selling it to provide any information that the purchaser wants before committing to buy.
Product life cycleThe stages through which a product travels during its journey from being an idea to being old and dated: research and development, introduction, growth, maturity, decline.
Product portfolioThe range of products offered by one producer.
ProductivityThe amount produced by a worker/machine/factory in a given time; the ability to produce more output with fewer resources.
ProfitThe difference between the money received from the sale of a good/service and the amount it cost; the amount that remains after all the costs have been paid.
Profit = total revenue – total cost
Profit maximisationA business’ ability to make maximum profit with low operating expenses.
Profit sharingA scheme that pays employees an additional amount based on the year’s profits.
PromotionCommunicating information about the product to:
Public limited company (plc)A business that is owned by shareholders. Anyone can buy shares in the business. Shareholders have limited liability.
PurchasingThe business buys the goods and services that it needs for producing the goods it sells or for delivering the services it sells.
Qualitative market researchCollecting information about potential customers’ opinions and preferences about the attributes/characteristics/properties of a product; open questions allow respondents to express their own views by not limiting their responses.
Quantitative market researchUsing sampling techniques such as surveys where the findings are expressed numerically; closed questions allow a limited choice of responses and are easy to turn into statistics for analysis.
Raising financeGetting the money to pay for starting the business or for developing it.
Raw materialsBusinesses that use raw materials that are heavy and/or bulky choose to locate close to their suppliers to reduce the cost of transport or storage.
RecruitmentThe process of hiring a new employee.
RecyclingThe conversion of waste into reusable material.
RetailerA business or person that sells goods to the consumer.
Retained profitAn internal source of finance; a portion of the year’s profit is kept back to fund projects.
RevenueThe income generated from the sale of goods/services.
RiskThe possibility that the return on investment will be lower than expected.
SalaryA method of paying employees for their work; based on a fixed annual amount, normally paid monthly.
Scarce resourcesWhen the raw materials that are available are not sufficient to meet needs.
Secondary industryA business that uses raw materials to manufacture goods or construct items.
Secondary researchExamining information from published sources; desk research using information that has been collected for other purposes.
SegmentationBreaking the whole market for a product into different groups or types of consumers with similar needs/wants/characteristics; enables the marketing mix to be designed to meet their needs more precisely.
SelectionThe process of choosing which applicant to employ.
ServiceAn action that is carried out to fulfil a need or demand in return for payment.
Share(s)The units of the business that are available for sale to investors.
Share issueNew shares in a business made available for the public to buy.
Shareholder(s)Those people who own shares in a limited company; each shareholder is a part owner of the business.
Shareholder valueThe value that a shareholder is able to get for the money invested in the business: capital gains, dividend payments, pay-outs to shareholders or proceeds from buyback programmes.
Social objectivesA business’ goals that relate to fair treatment of the people concerned: customers, investors, suppliers or workers.
Sole tradersA business that is owned and operated by one person.
Sources of financeWays of obtaining the funds the business needs; money may be needed to meet short or long term needs.
Span of controlThe number of people for whom a manager is directly responsible.
Staff retentionKeeping staff once they have been employed.
StakeholdersThose with an interest in the way that a business operates.
Statement of financial positionReports the assets, liability and equity of a business on a specific date; formerly known as the balance sheet.
Styles of managementThe methods used by those in leadership roles to achieve the most effective outcomes from the employees for whom they are responsible.
SupplierA business that provides goods/services.
Supply chainThe network of organisations, people, activities, information and resources that take the product/service from supplier to customer.
SurvivalThe capacity of a business to stay in business. It is dependent on the business selling sufficient amounts of its goods/services to cover all its costs.
SustainabilityThe process of operating without damaging the environment or depleting natural resources.
TakeoverOne business takes control of another.
Tall organisational structureAn organisational structure with a narrow span of control and many levels of hierarchy (a long chain of command).
Target marketThe particular group of customers to which a business aims to sell its product; a particular market segment.
Technical economies of scaleThe benefits that large businesses gain from having the funds to invest in expensive machinery that brings cost savings.
TelesalesAttempting to sell a good/service by making the initial contact by telephone.
Tertiary industryA business that provides services to consumers or other businesses.
Total costsAll the costs involved in producing goods/services.
Total costs = fixed costs + variable costs
Total quality management (TQM)A philosophy that involves everyone in the business in the quest for continual improvement in the attitudes, practices, structures and systems that combine to create a top-quality product.
Trade creditThe process of buying items from a supplier and paying for them later; for example, 30 days after invoice date.
Trade descriptionsProtecting customers from false or misleading descriptions about products or their prices.
Traffic congestionThe effects of overuse of transport networks, for example slower speeds, traffic queues and longer journey times.
Training - Employees learn the skills and techniques needed to do the job or to prepare for a new role.
Unique selling point (USP) - The key benefit of a good/service; it differentiates the product from others and will be the focus of advertising and promotion.
Unit cost - The average cost of each unit.
Unit cost = total cost ÷ quantity
Unlimited liability - When the owner(s) are responsible for all the debts of the business. Their personal funds would be used to settle the business’ debts if the business’ funds were insufficient.
Variable costs - The costs that change as the business' output changes.
Wage - A method of paying employees for their work based on an hourly, weekly or piece of work basis, usually paid weekly or monthly.
Wants - Things that people would like to have; not limited to the things they need to survive.
Waste - The unwanted material left over from the production process; it may have little or no value and the business may have to pay for its disposal.
Wholesaler - A business or person that buys goods in large quantities from producers, stores them in warehouses and sells them on to retailers.
Word of mouth - Personal recommendations from satisfied customers to prospective customers.
Zero-hour contract - A contract of employment where the employer is not obliged to provide any minimum hours of work; the employee is not obliged to accept any work that is offered.
You (the student) should be familiar with and gain an understanding of these terms.
Aim - The intention to reach a goal.
Air pollution - The presence or introduction of harmful substances into the air causing disease, allergies or damage to humans, animals, plants or the built environment.
Asset - Something the business owns; it has a value.
Average rate of return - The average profit for the year as a percentage of the original investment.
Average rate of return = average return per annum/initial investment × 100
Boston matrix - A tool for analysing the contribution made by each product in a business’ product portfolio. It plots each product’s position according to its market share and the rate of growth of the market.
Brand image - The consumers’ perception of the brand; its character, qualities and shortcomings. It is developed over time and operates as a consistent theme through advertising campaigns.
Break-even chart - A diagrammatic representation of the costs and revenue for a product; it plots total costs against total sales revenue, showing the break-even point where they cross.
Break-even output - The point at which the business’ total sales equals the total costs. There is neither profit nor loss.
Buffer stock - A stock of raw materials held in reserve to protect the production process from unforeseen shortages.
Business plan - A detailed statement of how the business intends to operate, either at start-up or during a given period of time. Business plans are based on forecasts and so cover only a short time.
Cash - Money that the business has in cash or at the bank.
Cash flow forecast - A financial planning tool that estimates the money coming into and going out of the business on a month-by-month basis; it allows the business to predict times when additional finance may be needed to maintain liquidity.
Cash inflow - Money received by the business from its operations or investments.
Cash outflow - Money paid out by the business to fund its operations or investment activities.
Centralisation - Maintaining control by keeping authority at the senior levels of the organisation.
Chain of command - The line through the hierarchy that shows who is responsible for whom from top to bottom of an organisation.
Channels of distribution - The route the ownership of the product transfers from the seller to the buyer; it may be a single transaction or pass through others such as wholesalers, distributors, agents and retailers.
Closing balanceThe amount that remains in the account at the end of an accounting period.
CommissionAn amount of money paid to an employee that is based on a percentage of the sales he/she achieved; paid in addition to a basic salary.
CompetitionThe rivalry between businesses looking to sell their goods/services in the same market.
Competitive pricingSetting the price of a product so that it is in line with competitors’ prices.
Consumer lawLaws designed to ensure that businesses make products that are safe and of good quality, and that they deal with customers honestly and fairly.
Consumer spendingThe money spent by households on goods and services to satisfy their needs and wants.
Contracts of employmentA legal document that sets out the terms and conditions of the job for the employer and the employee.
CostThe money spent by a business on goods and services.
Cost-plus pricingSetting the price of a good or service at an amount higher than the cost of producing it so that a profit is made.
CustomerIndividuals, businesses or organisations that purchase goods/services and make decisions about which supplier to choose.
Customer engagementThe relationship between the business and the customer that puts the customer’s requirements at the centre of the operation to build brand loyalty.
Customer loyaltyThe likelihood that past customers will continue to buy from the business, enhanced by high quality customer service and/or reward programmes.
Customer satisfactionWhether customers are pleased with the goods/services they receive; whether they would purchase again.
DecentralisationWhere authority is spread widely through the organisation.
DelayeringThe reorganisation of the organisation’s employees so that there are fewer levels of management.
DelegationAllocating a task to someone who would not normally be responsible for it.
DemandThe quantity of a particular product that will be bought at particular price over a specific time.
DirectorsThe people who are elected by the shareholders to run the business on their behalf.
Diseconomies of scaleWhen a business grows too large, leading to a possible increase in unit cost.
Disposal of wasteThe removal, storage or destruction of unwanted material. Methods include recycling, burning and landfill sites.
DividendA portion of the after-tax profit that is paid to shareholders according to the number of shares they own.
E-commerceBusiness transactions carried out electronically on the internet.
Economies of scaleThe cost advantage of producing on a large scale. As output increases the unit cost decreases.
EmployeesIndividuals who work full time or part time for the business; they have a contract of employment detailing their duties and rights.
Employment lawRulings that relate to the rights and responsibilities of people who work for a business; they affect the recruitment and selection process and how the business deals with its workers.
EnterpriseThe ability to identify business ideas and opportunities to bring them to fruition and to take risks where appropriate.
EntrepreneurA person who has the vision to use initiative to make business ideas happen, managing the resources and risks.
Equality Act (2010)Protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It sets out the different ways in which it is unlawful to treat someone.
Ethical objectivesA business’ goals that relate to fair business practice or moral guidelines and make a positive contribution to the business’ reputation.
EthicsThe moral principles that guide how a business operates.
Exchange ratesThe price of one currency based on another or the cost of buying one currency from another, for example £1 = $1.21.
ExpansionThe process of increasing a business’ size.
ExportGood/service sold to a customer in another country.
Extension strategiesMethods that can be used to prolong the life of a product; could include price reductions, modifications to the product or relaunch.
External growthThe growth of a business by joining with another by merger or takeover.
External sources of financeObtaining funds from sources that are not part of the business; possibilities include bank loan, mortgage, overdraft, additional partner or share issue.
Factors of productionThe elements that combine in the production process: land, labour, capital and enterprise.
Fixed costsThe costs that stay largely the same, regardless of the business’ output.
Flat organisational structureAn organisational structure with a wide span of control and few levels of hierarchy (a short chain of command).
Flow productionUsing a production line to make goods continuously and in large numbers.
Focus groupsA small number of people from the target market brought together to discuss a particular product; produces qualitative data about their preferences and opinions.
FranchisingThe sale of the rights to use/sell a product by a franchisor to a franchisee. A fixed fee and/or a percentage is paid in return. The franchiser specifies the standards and provides training and support.
Fringe benefitsAdditional ‘perks’ that are in addition to a wage/salary; they are liable to income tax.
Full timeWorking all the usual hours required of an employee; usually 35 hours or more.
Gap in the marketAn opportunity for a new business (or expansion) which may meet a need that is not being met, or a group of potential customers who are not yet purchasing a particular good/service.
Global warmingThe steady increase in the earth’s temperature due to emissions and the build-up of greenhouse gases, resulting in climate changes.
GlobalisationThe trend for large businesses to operate on a worldwide scale; money, goods and services can be transferred across national borders.
GoodsItems that are produced from raw materials for sale to businesses or consumers.
Government grantsMoney available from the government to fund projects that it wants to support; the money is not repaid, but there are conditions and often progress reports are required.
GrowthA business’ increase in size. Methods include: asset value, employees, market share, markets, profits and sales.
Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)Sets out the duties and responsibilities of both employers and employees for health and safety in the workplace.
HierarchyThe management structure of a business/organisation showing the levels of responsibility. It is often shown as an organisation chart.
Hire purchaseBuying items by making a small initial payment and paying the remaining amount in instalments over an agreed period of time.
ImportGood/service bought from a supplier in another country.
Income statementA summary of the revenue and expenses over an accounting period that lead to a profit or loss position.
InductionTraining given to a new employee when they start a new job; it provides information about the business, its operation and working practices.
InspectionTesting/examining items to check that materials or items conform to the specified requirements/standards.
IntegrationTwo or more businesses join together.
Interest ratesThe rate charged for borrowing money over a period of time, or the reward for saving money.
Job analysisThe process of determining what the job entails, including responsibilities and tasks.
Job descriptionA summary of what the job entails, including job title, duties and who they are responsible for/to.
Job productionA method of creating a single product to meet an individual order.
Job shareA system where two employees choose to share a full time job; they receive the salary and benefits on a pro rata basis according to the proportion of the full time hours that each works.
Just in case (JIC)Organising procurement to ensure that the production process never runs out of stock, reducing the number of sales lost due to insufficient raw materials.
Just in time (JIT)Organising the ordering of raw materials and components to be delivered just before they will be used, reducing the need for storage.
Lean productionContinually working to reduce the resources used to create products: raw materials, labour, machines and premises.
Level of employmentThe percentage of the population of working age that are employed.
LiabilityThe extent of the owner’s/owners’ responsibility for the debts of the business.
Limited liabilityThe owners are not responsible for the debts of the business. The limit of their liability for the business’ debts is the amount they invested.
LoansA fixed sum of money borrowed for a specified period of time at an agreed rate of interest; repaid in instalments.
Local communityThe individuals, other businesses and organisations that are located close to the business. The business interacts with these groups.
LocationThe site of a business and the reasoning behind the choice of site.
LogisticsManaging the movement of supplies and products to ensure the timely delivery of supplies to the production process and finished products to customers.
LossWhere expenditure is greater than income.
Loss leaderA good or service sold at below cost price to bring customers into the shop with the intention that, once there, they may purchase full-priced items too.
ManagementOrganising and coordinating business activities in order to fulfil production and meet the business’ objectives.
Margin of safetyThe amount by which current sales exceed the break-even level of output.
MarketWhere those wishing to buy goods/services make contact with those who have them to sell.
Market researchCollecting information about the customers’ needs, wants and preferences that will help the business to make design, production and marketing decisions.
Market shareThe proportion of the whole market for a product that is held by the business.
MarketingThe coordination of activities that ensure that customers get what they want, in the amounts they want, when they want it and at a price that suits them.
Marketing mixThe combination of four areas of marketing activities (price, product, promotion and place) to make sure that customers’ needs and wants are met while generating optimum revenue.
M-commerceBusiness transactions are carried out electronically by mobile phone.
MergersWhen two or more businesses agree to join together.
MortgageA method of borrowing to purchase property, using the property as security.
MotivationThe reasons people are interested in and committed to their job.
National minimum wage/living wageThe lowest hourly rate that can legally be paid by an employer to an employee.
NeedsThe human wants that are essential to survival; clothing, food, shelter, warmth or water.
Net cash flowThe difference between cash inflows and cash outflows.
Net cash flow = cash inflows – cash outflows
Noise pollutionA type and level of noise that is excessive and disturbing to people or animals.
Not-for-profit organisationsAssociations, charities, co-operatives or voluntary organisations set up to further non-monetary ideals such as cultural, educational, religious and public service. Profits/losses are retained/absorbed.
ObjectiveA specific statement that defines a precise goal that can be measured and delivered within a given time.
Off-the-job trainingEmployees are trained away from their job, at a college, training provider or the business’ training centre.
On-the-job trainingEmployees learn alongside experienced colleagues while they are doing the job.
Opening balanceThe amount brought forward from the end of the preceding accounting period so that it is the starting figure for the new one.
Opportunity costThe cost of making one choice concerning the use of limited resources at the expense of an alternative choice.
Organic growthA business grows by increasing its output, by increasing its customer base or by developing new product(s).
Organisational structuresThe way in which the organisation is divided into levels of management, functions and responsibilities.
OutsourcingContracting another business to carry out some of the business’ activities, often to reduce costs.
OverdraftBorrowing from a bank by drawing from a current account so that the balance becomes less than zero.
OwnersIndividuals who own the business or own a share(s) in it, in return for the rights to decision making and profits, balanced with the risks involved.
Part timeWorking only a proportion of the full time hours.
PartnershipsA business that is owned and operated by a group of between 2 or more people.
Person specificationIdentifies the requirements of the job holder, including qualifications, experience and skills.
Point of saleOpportunities to communicate information about the product in the place where it is sold (retail outlet); window displays, hanging signs or shelf signs.
Post-sales servicingMaintenance or repair of equipment by the manufacturer or supplier during or after the warranty.
PRManaging the relations with groups such as consumers, the media, pressure groups or investors to present a favourable impression and generate interest.
Price penetrationFixing a low price when a new product is first introduced (into an established market) so that the product gains market share quickly. Once the product is established, the price is then raised so that profit is increased.
Price skimmingSetting a very high price when a product (often technology item) is first introduced to the market in relatively small numbers; only those who can afford to pay high prices to own the latest models will be able to purchase the product. The price is later reduced so that others can afford to buy.
Primary industryA business that extracts the earth's natural resources.
Primary researchCollecting information first-hand direct from the public; field research including surveys, questionnaires and testing designed specifically for the market/product.
Private limited company (ltd) - A business that is owned by shareholders; the shares are not available to the general public. Shareholders have limited liability.
Procurement - The process of buying goods and services including dealing with:
- demand
- selection of suppliers
- analysing and negotiating prices
- making the purchase
- managing payments.
Product knowledgeAn in-depth understanding of the features, use and application of the good/service that will enable the person selling it to provide any information that the purchaser wants before committing to buy.
Product life cycleThe stages through which a product travels during its journey from being an idea to being old and dated: research and development, introduction, growth, maturity, decline.
Product portfolioThe range of products offered by one producer.
ProductivityThe amount produced by a worker/machine/factory in a given time; the ability to produce more output with fewer resources.
ProfitThe difference between the money received from the sale of a good/service and the amount it cost; the amount that remains after all the costs have been paid.
Profit = total revenue – total cost
Profit maximisationA business’ ability to make maximum profit with low operating expenses.
Profit sharingA scheme that pays employees an additional amount based on the year’s profits.
PromotionCommunicating information about the product to:
- make consumers aware of a product
- remind customers about a product
- persuade customers to buy.
Public limited company (plc)A business that is owned by shareholders. Anyone can buy shares in the business. Shareholders have limited liability.
PurchasingThe business buys the goods and services that it needs for producing the goods it sells or for delivering the services it sells.
Qualitative market researchCollecting information about potential customers’ opinions and preferences about the attributes/characteristics/properties of a product; open questions allow respondents to express their own views by not limiting their responses.
Quantitative market researchUsing sampling techniques such as surveys where the findings are expressed numerically; closed questions allow a limited choice of responses and are easy to turn into statistics for analysis.
Raising financeGetting the money to pay for starting the business or for developing it.
Raw materialsBusinesses that use raw materials that are heavy and/or bulky choose to locate close to their suppliers to reduce the cost of transport or storage.
RecruitmentThe process of hiring a new employee.
RecyclingThe conversion of waste into reusable material.
RetailerA business or person that sells goods to the consumer.
Retained profitAn internal source of finance; a portion of the year’s profit is kept back to fund projects.
RevenueThe income generated from the sale of goods/services.
RiskThe possibility that the return on investment will be lower than expected.
SalaryA method of paying employees for their work; based on a fixed annual amount, normally paid monthly.
Scarce resourcesWhen the raw materials that are available are not sufficient to meet needs.
Secondary industryA business that uses raw materials to manufacture goods or construct items.
Secondary researchExamining information from published sources; desk research using information that has been collected for other purposes.
SegmentationBreaking the whole market for a product into different groups or types of consumers with similar needs/wants/characteristics; enables the marketing mix to be designed to meet their needs more precisely.
SelectionThe process of choosing which applicant to employ.
ServiceAn action that is carried out to fulfil a need or demand in return for payment.
Share(s)The units of the business that are available for sale to investors.
Share issueNew shares in a business made available for the public to buy.
Shareholder(s)Those people who own shares in a limited company; each shareholder is a part owner of the business.
Shareholder valueThe value that a shareholder is able to get for the money invested in the business: capital gains, dividend payments, pay-outs to shareholders or proceeds from buyback programmes.
Social objectivesA business’ goals that relate to fair treatment of the people concerned: customers, investors, suppliers or workers.
Sole tradersA business that is owned and operated by one person.
Sources of financeWays of obtaining the funds the business needs; money may be needed to meet short or long term needs.
Span of controlThe number of people for whom a manager is directly responsible.
Staff retentionKeeping staff once they have been employed.
StakeholdersThose with an interest in the way that a business operates.
Statement of financial positionReports the assets, liability and equity of a business on a specific date; formerly known as the balance sheet.
Styles of managementThe methods used by those in leadership roles to achieve the most effective outcomes from the employees for whom they are responsible.
SupplierA business that provides goods/services.
Supply chainThe network of organisations, people, activities, information and resources that take the product/service from supplier to customer.
SurvivalThe capacity of a business to stay in business. It is dependent on the business selling sufficient amounts of its goods/services to cover all its costs.
SustainabilityThe process of operating without damaging the environment or depleting natural resources.
TakeoverOne business takes control of another.
Tall organisational structureAn organisational structure with a narrow span of control and many levels of hierarchy (a long chain of command).
Target marketThe particular group of customers to which a business aims to sell its product; a particular market segment.
Technical economies of scaleThe benefits that large businesses gain from having the funds to invest in expensive machinery that brings cost savings.
TelesalesAttempting to sell a good/service by making the initial contact by telephone.
Tertiary industryA business that provides services to consumers or other businesses.
Total costsAll the costs involved in producing goods/services.
Total costs = fixed costs + variable costs
Total quality management (TQM)A philosophy that involves everyone in the business in the quest for continual improvement in the attitudes, practices, structures and systems that combine to create a top-quality product.
Trade creditThe process of buying items from a supplier and paying for them later; for example, 30 days after invoice date.
Trade descriptionsProtecting customers from false or misleading descriptions about products or their prices.
Traffic congestionThe effects of overuse of transport networks, for example slower speeds, traffic queues and longer journey times.
Training - Employees learn the skills and techniques needed to do the job or to prepare for a new role.
Unique selling point (USP) - The key benefit of a good/service; it differentiates the product from others and will be the focus of advertising and promotion.
Unit cost - The average cost of each unit.
Unit cost = total cost ÷ quantity
Unlimited liability - When the owner(s) are responsible for all the debts of the business. Their personal funds would be used to settle the business’ debts if the business’ funds were insufficient.
Variable costs - The costs that change as the business' output changes.
Wage - A method of paying employees for their work based on an hourly, weekly or piece of work basis, usually paid weekly or monthly.
Wants - Things that people would like to have; not limited to the things they need to survive.
Waste - The unwanted material left over from the production process; it may have little or no value and the business may have to pay for its disposal.
Wholesaler - A business or person that buys goods in large quantities from producers, stores them in warehouses and sells them on to retailers.
Word of mouth - Personal recommendations from satisfied customers to prospective customers.
Zero-hour contract - A contract of employment where the employer is not obliged to provide any minimum hours of work; the employee is not obliged to accept any work that is offered.