Vocabulary for Business Strategy

Question 1

What does ‘Pay dividends’ mean?

Answer 1

Yield benefits or positive results over time.

Example: Their customer loyalty strategy paid dividends with a 15% increase in repeat sales.

Question 2

What does ‘Down the line’ refer to?

Answer 2

At a later point in time; in the future.

Example: We’re postponing the system upgrade until further down the line, once Q4 pressures ease.

Question 3

What does it mean when something ‘comes into play’?

Answer 3

Start to have an effect or become relevant.

Example: Their regional experience came into play when expanding into North Africa.

Question 4

What does ‘Pave the way for’ imply?

Answer 4

Create the conditions or foundation for something to happen.

Example: Launching in smaller markets first paved the way for their global expansion.

Question 5

What does ‘Bring about’ mean?

Answer 5

Cause something to happen.

Example: A shift in consumer behaviour brought about changes in the entire product line.

Question 6

Define ‘Chain reaction’.

Answer 6

A series of related events triggered by a single event.

Example: The credit downgrade set off a chain reaction of investor exits and asset sell-offs.

Question 7

What does ‘By and large’ mean?

Answer 7

Generally speaking; for the most part.

Example: By and large, the cost reduction initiative was successful, though a few areas missed targets.

Question 8

What does ‘In light of’ indicate?

Answer 8

Considering; taking into account.

Example: In light of the recent volatility, we’re revisiting our risk assumptions.