week 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9,10 Flashcards

(36 cards)

1
Q

Who are stakeholders, how do they influence organisations

A

Stakeholders are individuals or groups that can affect or be affected by an organization’s actions, decisions, policies, and goals (Carroll & Buchholtz, 2000). They play a crucial role in shaping business strategies, influencing company reputation, and determining success.

Examples include:

Government bodies (regulation and taxation)
Employees (workforce productivity and morale)
Customers (demand and loyalty)
Suppliers (quality and supply chain stability)

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2
Q

what are the stakeholder classifications in an orgnisation

A

Stakeholders are categorized based on their level of involvement and impact:

Direct Stakeholders – Have a visible and active role in the organization (e.g., owners, executives).
Indirect Stakeholders – Do not actively participate but are affected by organizational decisions (e.g., the general public).
Internal Stakeholders – Are part of the organization’s structure (e.g., employees, managers).
External Stakeholders – Are not part of the business but are linked through economic or regulatory means (e.g., customers, suppliers, government agencies).

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3
Q

What is an opportunity in the international organistions context - give 3 key aspects

A

An opportunity refers to an apparent or latent possibility created by external events, suitable conditions, or circumstances in the business environment that can be leveraged for value creation.

Key aspects:

Opportunities arise due to market trends, technological advancements, and policy changes.
Organizations that identify and exploit opportunities gain a competitive advantage.
Examples include expanding into new markets, developing innovative products, or forming strategic partnerships.

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4
Q

What is value in an organisation, how is it created

A

Value refers to the unique benefit provided to customers that differentiates a business from its competitors.

Key components of value creation:

Product Differentiation: Offering features or services competitors lack.
Customer-Centric Approach: Understanding and fulfilling customer needs.
Cost Leadership or Quality Focus: Providing superior quality or lower prices.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices: Enhancing brand reputation and customer loyalty.
Example: A university offers specialized courses, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong industry links, making it more attractive to students than competitors.

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5
Q

How do government policies impact business operations and decision-making?

A

Governments influence businesses by:

Setting laws & regulations (e.g., taxation, labor laws).
Providing financial support (e.g., grants, funding).
Creating stability (e.g., economic policies, trade agreements).
Encouraging innovation (e.g., R&D tax incentives).
Providing public services (e.g., infrastructure, healthcare).

Government policies influence costs, risk management, and business opportunities. For example, a rise in corporate tax can reduce a company’s profit margins, while a decrease in interest rates might encourage businesses to borrow for expansion. Changes in trade policies, such as Brexit-related regulations, can impact supply chains and international trade strategies.

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6
Q

What are two examples of political factors in PESTLE analysis that impact business operations? - also what is PESTLE - differences between political and legal factors

A

Political factors affecting businesses include:

Regulations & technical standards (e.g., product safety laws).
Administrative & bureaucratic procedures (e.g., business licensing).
Ownership restrictions (e.g., foreign investment rules).
Currency laws & investment incentives (e.g., exchange rate policies).

Brexit and trade regulations: Since leaving the EU, UK businesses must comply with new trade barriers and customs procedures when dealing with European markets, affecting supply chains and costs.

Environmental regulations: Governments phasing out single-use plastics or enforcing carbon reduction targets require businesses to invest in sustainable solutions, impacting production costs and operational strategies.

Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors.

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7
Q

What is lobbying, and how can businesses use it to influence government policies?

A

Lobbying is when individuals, companies, or groups attempt to persuade policymakers to create or change laws that benefit them. Businesses may lobby by:

Directly engaging politicians to discuss concerns (e.g., industry associations meeting government ministers).
Funding research to provide evidence that supports policy changes (e.g., reports on tax benefits for renewable energy).
Public campaigns & media influence to shape public perception and political pressure.
While lobbying can be a legitimate part of democracy, critics argue that it disproportionately favors wealthy corporations that can afford professional lobbying firms, potentially leading to regulatory capture.

Lobbying is the process of influencing government policies, legislation, or decision-making. It can be conducted by businesses, trade unions, interest groups, and even individuals.

Businesses lobby for favorable policies: Large corporations (e.g., BP, Amazon) may lobby for tax incentives, deregulation, or industry-friendly laws to maintain competitiveness.
Trade unions & professional bodies advocate for worker rights: Unions like UNISON lobby for better wages, job security, and labor protections.
Media and former politicians influence policies: The media can shape public opinion, and ex-politicians often use their influence to advise businesses or governments.
Example: Marcus Rashford and FareShare successfully lobbied the UK government to extend free school meals for children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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8
Q

Why is political and economic stability important for businesses?

A

Economic and political stability support long-term business planning: Businesses rely on predictable policies to make decisions on investments, hiring, and market expansion.
Unstable environments create uncertainty: Political unrest, economic downturns, and sudden policy shifts (e.g., Brexit, rising inflation) can disrupt business operations.
Governments create stability through policies: Fiscal policies (taxation, public spending) and monetary policies (interest rates, inflation control) help stabilize markets.

Businesses need stability to make informed decisions about investment, expansion, and hiring. An unpredictable political environment can lead to sudden regulatory changes, increased costs, and investor uncertainty. For example, if corporate tax rates change frequently, businesses struggle to plan long-term financial strategies. Similarly, a stable government with clear economic policies attracts foreign direct investment (FDI), boosting business confidence and market growth.

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9
Q

Flashcard 1: Forms of Organisations & Sectors
Q1: What are the main ways organisations can be classified?
Q2: What are the key differences between the private sector and the public sector?
Q3: What are some examples of public sector organisations?
Q4: How many private sector businesses existed in the UK in 2023?
Q5: What is the size distribution of private sector businesses in the UK?
Q6: How does the private sector differ internationally (UK, Germany, USA)?

A

Flashcard 1: Forms of Organisations & Sectors
A1: Organisations can be classified by:

Sector (Public vs Private)
Objective (Profit, Not-for-Profit, Social)
Scale (SMEs vs MNEs) - small and medium sized enterprises and multintional enterprises
Geographic Scope (National vs International)
Legal Form (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Ltd, Plc)
A2:
Private Sector: Owned by individuals, profit-driven, operates in various industries.
Public Sector: Owned by the government, serves public needs (health, education, transport).
A3: Examples: NHS, Fire Services, Police, Public Schools, Local Councils.
A4: In 2023, there were 5.6 million private sector businesses in the UK.
A5:
99.2% of UK businesses are small (0-49 employees).
0.7% are medium (50-249 employees).
0.1% are large (250+ employees).
A6:
UK: 5.75m in the public sector.
Germany: More private sector participation in state-owned enterprises.
USA: 135m of 161m workers in the private sector.

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10
Q

Flashcard 2: Organisational Objectives & Social Enterprises
Q7: What is the primary objective of a for-profit organisation?
Q8: What are the key characteristics of not-for-profit organisations?
Q9: How do public sector objectives differ from private sector objectives?
Q10: What is a social enterprise and how does it differ from a traditional business?
Q11: What are the key characteristics of social enterprises?
Q12: Why are social enterprises becoming increasingly important?

A

Flashcard 2: Organisational Objectives & Social Enterprises
A7: To generate profits for owners/shareholders and reinvest or distribute dividends.
A8:

Aim to benefit society rather than maximize profit.
Includes charities, NGOs, and social enterprises.
Funded through donations, sponsorships, and grants.
A9:
Public Sector: Provides essential services, not profit-driven.
Private Sector: Aims to maximise revenue and grow market share.
A10: A business that trades for a social purpose, reinvesting profits into community projects.
A11:
At least 50% of revenue comes from trading.
At least 50% of profits reinvested into social missions.
A12:
Growing demand for ethical business models.
Addresses environmental & social challenges.
Supported by government incentives & consumer preference.

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11
Q

Flashcard 3: Size & Legal Structures of Organisations
Q13: What defines a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME) in the UK?
Q14: What are the economic contributions of SMEs?
Q15: What is a Multinational Enterprise (MNE)?
Q16: How does internationalisation benefit businesses?
Q17: What are the common legal structures of organisations?
Q18: What are some key factors influencing the choice of legal structure?

A

Flashcard 3: Size & Legal Structures of Organisations
A13:

Small business: Turnover ≤ £6.5m, ≤ 50 employees.
Medium business: Turnover ≤ £25.9m, ≤ 250 employees.
A14:
99% of UK businesses are SMEs.
Drive employment, innovation, and economic growth.
A15: A company that operates in multiple countries, engaging in foreign direct investment (FDI).
A16:
Access to new markets and customers.
Lower production costs in some countries.
Diversification of revenue streams.
A17:
Sole Trader – One person owns and runs the business.
Partnership – Two or more individuals share responsibility.
Limited Company (Ltd) – Owners have limited liability.
Public Limited Company (Plc) – Can sell shares to the public.
A18: Influenced by:
Internal factors: Size, ownership, risk tolerance.
External factors: Taxation, industry regulations, legal requirements.

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12
Q

Flashcard 4: Decision Factors & Business Setups
Q19: What are the advantages and disadvantages of sole proprietorships?
Q20: What are the advantages and disadvantages of partnerships?
Q21: What are the advantages and disadvantages of limited companies (Ltd & Plc)?
Q22: Why do SMEs dominate the business landscape?
Q23: Why aren’t there more large businesses in an economy?
Q24: How do trade unions impact public and private sector employment?

A

Flashcard 4: Decision Factors & Business Setups
A19:
Advantages: Easy to start, full control, keeps all profits.
Disadvantages: Unlimited liability, limited growth, difficult to raise capital.
A20:
Advantages: Shared responsibility, diverse skills, more funding access.
Disadvantages: Disagreements, shared profits, unlimited liability (unless LLP).
A21:
Ltd Advantages: Limited liability, easier to raise capital.
Ltd Disadvantages: More paperwork, financial disclosure requirements.
Plc Advantages: Can raise large amounts of capital.
Plc Disadvantages: Expensive to run, risk of hostile takeovers.
A22:

Lower barriers to entry.
More flexibility & innovation.
Many businesses don’t need to scale to be profitable.
A23:
High operational costs.
Complex management structures.
Regulatory challenges.
A24:
23.1% of UK employees are union members.
More unionisation in the public sector.
Strikes and negotiations affect wages and working conditions.

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13
Q

Flashcard 1: Globalization & International Business
Q1: What is globalization?
Q2: What are the key characteristics of globalization?
Q3: How does globalization impact businesses and economies?
Q4: What is international business?
Q5: How do globalization and internationalization differ?
Q6: Why do firms expand internationally?

A

Flashcard 1: Globalization & International Business
A1: Globalization is the increasing cross-border integration of trade, capital, technology, and communications, leading to a more interconnected world. (Buckley, Enderwick & Cross, 2018)
A2: Characteristics include:

Geographic spread (businesses expanding globally).
Economic impact (trade and capital flow).
Cultural homogenization (global brands and lifestyles).
A3: Impacts include:
Access to new markets.
Greater competition and efficiency.
Risk of economic disparity and market dominance by large firms.
A4: International business involves companies engaging in cross-border activities, including trade, investment, and global operations. (Peng & Meyer, 2014)
A5:
Globalization is the broader process of world integration.
Internationalization is the strategy businesses use to operate abroad.
A6: Firms expand for:
Profit opportunities (larger customer base).
Competitive pressures (global competition).
Economies of scale (cost reductions).
Technological & tax advantages.

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14
Q

Flashcard 2: Global Market Drivers & Trading Blocs
Q7: What are the key drivers of globalization?
Q8: What are some major economic groupings?
Q9: What are some key trading regions and agreements?
Q10: How does regional integration benefit economies?
Q11: What are some challenges of regional trade agreements?

A

Flashcard 2: Global Market Drivers & Trading Blocs
A7: Key drivers of globalization:

Technology (e.g., digital connectivity).
Trade liberalization (lower tariffs, free trade agreements).
Competitive pressure (firms needing global reach).
Economic policies (FDI incentives, deregulation).
A8: Major economic groupings:
European Union (EU) – Political & economic integration.
G7 – Major advanced economies.
BRICS – Emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
OECD – High-income economies focused on policy cooperation.
A9: Key trading regions and agreements:
USMCA (formerly NAFTA) – U.S., Mexico, Canada.
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) – Southeast Asia.
MERCOSUR – South America.
EEA – European Economic Area.
A10: Benefits of regional integration:
Lower trade costs (reduced tariffs).
Increased efficiency (better resource allocation).
Stronger political cooperation (less conflict).
A11: Challenges of trade agreements:
Loss of national sovereignty over trade policies.
Unequal benefits (some countries gain more).
Increased dependency on foreign economies.

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15
Q

Flashcard 3: Issues & Criticism of Globalization
Q12: What are the main disadvantages of globalization?
Q13: What is deglobalization, and why does it happen?
Q14: What are the benefits of localization over globalization?
Q15: How does geopolitics influence international business?

A

Flashcard 3: Issues & Criticism of Globalization
A12: Disadvantages of globalization:

Economic disparity (rich countries benefit more).
Xenophobia & populism (fear of foreign influence).
Environmental concerns (higher carbon footprint).
Exploitation (cheap labor & outsourcing issues).
Over-reliance on foreign trade (vulnerable in crises).
A13: Deglobalization is the process of reducing economic interdependence, often driven by:
Nationalism & protectionism (e.g., tariffs, Brexit).
Trade wars (U.S.–China conflicts).
Supply chain disruptions (COVID-19, conflicts).
A14: Benefits of localization:
Reduced carbon footprint (local production).
Greater economic stability (less reliance on global markets).
Stronger local communities & job creation.
Less exposure to global crises.
A15: Geopolitics affects business through:
Trade restrictions & sanctions.
Political risks (wars, regime changes).
State influence on multinational firms.

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16
Q

Flashcard 4: The Role of Governments & Emerging Markets
Q16: How do national governments shape international business?
Q17: What are some examples of emerging market multinational companies?
Q18: What is the Emerging Market Potential Index?
Q19: What factors make emerging markets attractive for business?
Q20: How do businesses manage risks when expanding into emerging markets?

A

Flashcard 4: The Role of Governments & Emerging Markets
A16: Governments influence international business through:

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) incentives.
Tax policies & trade agreements.
Economic patriotism (favoring domestic industries).
State subsidies & protectionist policies.
A17: Examples of emerging market multinational firms:
Brazil – Embraer, Havaianas.
Mexico – Bimbo, Cemex.
India – Tata, Infosys, Mahindra.
China – Huawei, Xiaomi, Alibaba.
Turkey – Koç Holding, Vestel.
A18: The Emerging Market Potential Index ranks economies based on:
Market size & growth rate.
Business environment & investment potential.
Infrastructure & economic stability.
A19: Factors making emerging markets attractive:
Fast-growing middle class (new consumers).
Lower production costs.
Abundant natural resources.
Government incentives for foreign firms.
A20: How businesses manage risks in emerging markets:
Diversification (not relying on a single country).
Hedging against currency fluctuations.
Local partnerships to navigate regulations.
Political risk insurance to mitigate government actions.

17
Q

Flashcard 1: Understanding Risk & Its Impact
Q1: What is risk, and why is it important in business?
Q2: What are the different ways risk can be perceived?
Q3: What are the four key components of risk analysis? IMMM
Q4: What are the different levels of risk analysis? take a holistc/macro perspective
Q5: How does political and economic instability affect business risk?

A

Flashcard 1: Understanding Risk & Its Impact
A1: Risk refers to potential future events that may negatively impact a business. Managing risk helps companies make informed decisions and reduce uncertainty.
A2: Risk can be viewed as:

Opportunity – Taking risks can lead to growth.
Perception & attitude – Some firms are risk-averse, while others are risk-taking.
Reward – Higher risks often lead to higher returns but also greater consequences of failure.
Mitigation – Businesses can take steps to minimize or control risks.
A3: The four key components of risk analysis:
Risk identification – Recognizing potential threats.
Risk measurement – Assessing likelihood and impact.
Risk mitigation – Taking action to reduce threats.
Risk monitoring – Continuously evaluating changes in risk.
A4: Risk analysis occurs at different levels:
Organisation level – Financial, compliance, innovation risks.
Industry/Sector level – Technology changes, economic shifts.
Country level – Political instability, infrastructure failures.
A5: Political and economic instability can lead to:
Higher business costs (inflation, interest rates).
Regulatory changes that affect market entry.
Civil unrest or corruption impacting operations.
- Individual and credit rating as indicators of likeliness to pay back, therfore lenders or organisations will be more motivated or comfortable operating dualistically with individuals or countries with high credit ratings

18
Q

Flashcard 2: Types of Risk & Risk Management
Q6: What are the main types of business risk? Consider PESTLE and other simillar factors
Q7: What is the difference between systematic risk and unsystematic risk?
Q8: What are some common political risks faced by businesses?
Q9: What are examples of legal risks that businesses encounter?
Q10: How do businesses identify and analyze risks?

A

Flashcard 2: Types of Risk & Risk Management
A6: The main types of business risk include:

Financial risks (currency fluctuations, credit risks).
Political risks (regulatory changes, government instability).
Legal risks (contract disputes, environmental regulations).
Environmental risks (climate change, supply chain disruptions).
Reputational risks (public perception, brand damage).
A7:
Systematic risk – Affects the entire market (e.g., inflation, recessions).
Unsystematic risk – Specific to a company or industry (e.g., a strike in a factory).
A8: Examples of political risks:
Macropolitical risks – Affect all businesses (e.g., government policy changes).
Micropolitical risks – Affect specific sectors (e.g., stricter rules for SMEs).
A9: Examples of legal risks:
Product liability (faulty goods leading to lawsuits).
Contract disputes (breach of agreements).
Intellectual property theft (trademark/copyright violations).
A10: Businesses identify and analyze risk through:
Brainstorming (internal experience & expertise).
SWOT & PESTLE analysis.
Credit rating agencies (assess financial stability).
Statistical analysis & expert interviews.

19
Q

Flashcard 3: Risk Reduction & Mitigation Strategies
Q11: What are the key methods of risk reduction? AATD
Q12: How does risk transfer work, and what are some examples?
Q13: What are the benefits of localizing business activities in high-risk areas?
Q14: What is the risk-reward trade-off in investments and business decisions? (low and high risk and attractiveness)
Q15: How do businesses prioritize and categorize risks? - swot and pestle analysis rundown (high and nlow impact and likliness)

A

Flashcard 3: Risk Reduction & Mitigation Strategies
A11: Key risk reduction methods include:

Avoidance – Not engaging in high-risk activities.
Transfer – Using insurance or joint ventures.
Diversification – Expanding into multiple markets.
Adaptation – Adjusting business models for different environments.
A12: Risk transfer means shifting financial risk to another party, such as:
Insurance – Covers potential business losses.
Joint ventures – Sharing risk with a partner.
A13: Benefits of localizing activities in high-risk areas:
Building local trust through community involvement.
Reducing operational costs by sourcing materials locally.
Gaining government support through investment in local economies.
A14:
Low risk, low return – Government bonds.
High risk, high return – Venture capital investments.
Low attractiveness – Businesses with low potential and high risk.
High attractiveness – Scarce, valuable market opportunities.
A15: Businesses prioritize risk by:
High impact, high likelihood – Must be addressed immediately.
High impact, low likelihood – Requires contingency planning.
Low impact, high likelihood – Can be managed over time.
Low impact, low likelihood – Least urgent.

20
Q

Flashcard 4: Trade, LDCs, & Ethical Considerations
Q16: Why do businesses trade with Less Developed Countries (LDCs)?
Q17: What are some ethical concerns related to business in LDCs?
Q18: What is the Commitment to Development Index, and what factors does it measure?
Q19: What are the major problems with LDC economies?
Q20: How can businesses balance profit-making with ethical considerations in international trade?

A

Flashcard 4: Trade, LDCs, & Ethical Considerations
A16: Businesses trade with Less Developed Countries (LDCs) because they provide:

Cheap raw materials.
Low-cost labor.
New markets for products.
Opportunities to promote economic development.
A17: Ethical concerns in LDCs include:
Worker exploitation (low wages, poor conditions).
Environmental destruction (deforestation, pollution).
Market manipulation (selling harmful products, like tobacco, to uneducated populations).
A18: The Commitment to Development Index (CDI) measures:
Finance (loans & grants to LDCs).
Trade openness (low tariffs, fair trade).
Environmental impact (GHG emissions, sustainability).
Security (peacekeeping, humanitarian aid).
A19: Major problems with LDC economies:
Agriculture-based (reliant on unstable commodity prices).
Lack of industrial diversification.
High dependency on foreign aid and investment.
A20: Businesses can balance profit and ethics by:
Investing in fair wages & worker rights.
Committing to sustainable production.
Partnering with ethical suppliers.

21
Q

Flashcard 1: Knowledge Economy & Importance of Innovation
Q1: What is a knowledge-based economy, and how is it different from a traditional economy?
Q2: What are the key characteristics of a knowledge economy?
Q3: How does human capital contribute to a knowledge-driven economy?
Q4: Why is innovation important at both the national and organisational level?
Q5: What are the key reasons why businesses and nations need to innovate?

A

Flashcard 1: Knowledge Economy & Importance of Innovation
A1: A knowledge-based economy relies on knowledge, skills, and innovation rather than physical resources. It emphasises research, high-skilled labour, and technological advancements.
A2:

Knowledge-intensive sectors dominate.
Rapid technological change drives productivity.
Highly skilled workforce required.
Continuous learning & innovation are essential.
A3: Human capital + technology = knowledge economy. Skilled workers drive innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.
A4: Innovation is necessary to:
Stay competitive in global markets.
Adapt to technological advancements.
Meet changing customer expectations.
Ensure sustainability & long-term growth.
A5: Key drivers of innovation:
Sustainability & responsible business.
Competitive advantage & market expansion.
Talent attraction & retention.

22
Q

Flashcard 2: Types of Innovation & Innovation Process
Q6: What is the definition of innovation, and what are its key components?
Q7: What are the 3 different types of innovation?
Q8: What are the three main degrees of innovation? - reffering to scale
Q9: What are the key steps in the innovation process?
Q10: How does technological advancement follow an S-curve in the innovation lifecycle?

A

Flashcard 2: Types of Innovation & Innovation Process
A6: Innovation comes from the Latin innovare (“to make something new”) and refers to introducing new ideas, products, or processes that add value.
A7: Types of innovation:

Product Innovation – New/improved products (e.g., smartphones).
Process Innovation – Better production methods (e.g., automation).
Service Innovation – New ways to serve customers (e.g., online banking).
A8: Degrees of innovation:
Incremental – Small, continuous improvements.
Radical – Major breakthroughs changing industries.
Disruptive – Innovations that replace existing markets (e.g., Netflix vs. Blockbuster).
A9: Steps in the innovation process:
Idea generation.
Research & development (R&D).
Prototyping/testing.
Commercialisation & scaling.
Market adoption.
A10: S-Curve in innovation:
Slow start – Technology is new, adoption is low.
Rapid growth – Innovation spreads, demand increases.
Maturity phase – Market stabilises, improvements slow down.

23
Q

Flashcard 3: Challenges in Innovation & Business Failures
Q11: Why is innovation considered a risky and uncertain process?
Q12: What are some common reasons why innovations and startups fail?
Q13: What lessons can be learned from famous innovation failures (e.g., Ford Edsel, early Disney studio, Dyson prototypes)?
Q14: Why do even successful companies struggle with innovation?
Q15: How do companies create the right conditions for successful innovation?

A

Flashcard 3: Challenges in Innovation & Business Failures
A11: Innovation is uncertain because:

Future market conditions are unpredictable.
High R&D costs with no guarantee of success.
Consumer adoption takes time.
A12: 70% of tech startups fail within 20 months due to:
Lack of market need.
Running out of capital.
Poor business model fit.
Operational inefficiencies.
A13: Lessons from failures:
Ford Edsel (1950s) – Poor market research, failed design.
Early Disney Studio (1920s) – Bad contracts, bankruptcy.
James Dyson (5,000+ prototypes) – Persistence is key!
A14: Even successful companies struggle with innovation because:
Ideas may not fit their core business model.
Risk-averse culture discourages change.
Market conditions evolve faster than company decisions.
A15: To foster innovation, companies must:
Encourage risk-taking & experimentation.
Invest in R&D and employee training.
Support open innovation & collaboration.

24
Q

Flashcard 4: Innovation at National Level & Workforce Requirements
Q16: What are the key determinants of innovation at the national level?
Q17: How does education investment impact a country’s innovation capacity?
Q18: Why is research and development (R&D) critical for national innovation?
Q19: How is innovation valued in the job market, and what skills are employers looking for?
Q20: How can individuals demonstrate innovation skills in job applications?

+ key takeaways

A

Flashcard 4: Innovation at National Level & Workforce Requirements
A16: Key factors influencing national innovation:

Education quality.
R&D investment.
Government policies & incentives.
Infrastructure & access to technology.
A17: Countries that invest heavily in education (as % of GDP) tend to have higher innovation output.
A18: R&D spending enables:
Breakthrough technologies.
New product development.
Industry-university collaborations.
A19: Employers value problem-solving, adaptability, and creativity in job candidates. “Innovative” appears in 36,581 job adverts, with an average salary of £37,680.
A20: To showcase innovation skills in job applications:
Mention problem-solving experiences.
Highlight creative solutions used in past roles.
Demonstrate adaptability in changing environments.
Key Takeaways:
📌 Knowledge Economy – Driven by innovation, human capital, and technology.
📌 Types of Innovation – Product, process, service; incremental, radical, disruptive.
📌 Challenges in Innovation – High failure rates, uncertainty, risk-averse cultures.
📌 Innovation & Employment – Employers seek creative problem solvers with adaptability.

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Flashcard 1: Entrepreneurship & Opportunity Recognition Q1: What is the definition of an entrepreneur, and what are their key characteristics? Q2: How is an opportunity different from a threat in entrepreneurship? Q3: What factors influence whether an opportunity is viable? Q4: What is the role of explicit and tacit knowledge in entrepreneurship? Q5: How can human capital influence an entrepreneur’s ability to recognize opportunities?
Flashcard 1: Entrepreneurship & Opportunity Recognition A1: An entrepreneur is someone who creates a new business despite risk and uncertainty to achieve profit and growth. Key traits: innovation, risk-taking, opportunity recognition, and resourcefulness. A2: An opportunity is a favorable market condition (e.g., unmet demand, tech breakthrough). A threat is a potential challenge (e.g., rising competition, regulation). Opportunities can turn into threats if not acted upon. A3: Key opportunity factors: Timing (Is the window of opportunity open?) Value (Does it solve a real problem?) Market readiness (Are customers willing to pay?) A4: Explicit knowledge → Formal, codified (e.g., market data, financial reports). Tacit knowledge → Experience-based, intuitive (e.g., industry expertise, networking). A5: Human capital (skills, experience, education) influences opportunity recognition. More experience → Better at spotting trends. Bias risk: Experience may also lead to rigid thinking or misinterpretation of new market shifts.
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Flashcard 2: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) & Economic Contribution Q6: What defines an SME, and how do they contribute to an economy? Q7: What percentage of employment and GDP do SMEs contribute in developed economies? Q8: How do SMEs contribute to innovation and competition? Q9: What are the social benefits of SMEs? Q10: Why do SMEs often struggle with international expansion?
Flashcard 2: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) & Economic Contribution A6: An SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) is a business with fewer than 250 employees and a limited turnover. A7: SMEs contribute 60-70% of employment and 55% of GDP in developed economies. A8: SMEs foster innovation and competition by: Developing new technologies and niche products. Challenging larger firms, driving market efficiency. A9: Social benefits of SMEs: Provide jobs to locals and marginalized groups. Support communities with unique products and services. Encourage diversity (e.g., women and minority entrepreneurs). A10: Challenges for SME international expansion: Limited capital → Expansion requires heavy investment. Lack of global networks → Harder to secure partners abroad. Regulatory barriers → Different legal frameworks in foreign markets.
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Flashcard 3: SMEs and Internationalization Q11: How does the international environment impact SMEs? Q12: What are the different ways SMEs can engage in international activity? Q13: What internal factors influence an SME’s decision to expand internationally? Q14: What external factors drive SMEs to seek international markets? Q15: What are the biggest barriers to internationalization for SMEs?
Flashcard 3: SMEs and Internationalization A11: SMEs are affected by globalization through: Technology shifts (e-commerce, digital marketing). Trade policies (tariffs, import/export laws). Currency fluctuations (exchange rate risks). A12: Ways SMEs engage internationally: Exporting (direct sales abroad). Licensing/Franchising (allowing others to use their brand abroad). Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) (setting up offices/factories overseas). A13: Internal factors influencing SME expansion: Founder’s vision → Desire to enter global markets. Existing international contacts → Networking reduces entry barriers. Financial resources → More capital = easier expansion. A14: External factors driving SME globalization: Intense local competition → Forces businesses to seek new markets. International niche markets → Opportunities in specialized industries. Trade agreements & globalization → More accessible foreign markets. A15: Biggest barriers to SME internationalization: Insufficient financing → Expansion is costly. Lack of foreign market knowledge → Harder to assess risks. Limited productive capacity → Scaling up operations is difficult.
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Flashcard 4: Entrepreneurship, Gender, and Minority Businesses Q16: What are common stereotypes about entrepreneurs, and how do they affect entrepreneurship? Q17: How does female entrepreneurship compare across different countries? Q18: What challenges do ethnic minority businesses face? Q19: What role do immigrants play in entrepreneurship? Q20: How can society counter stereotypes and support underrepresented entrepreneurs?
Flashcard 4: Entrepreneurship, Gender, and Minority Businesses A16: Common entrepreneurship stereotypes: Entrepreneurs are mostly male. High-risk takers driven only by profit. Born with talent rather than developing skills. A17: Female entrepreneurship trends: Only 1 in 3 UK entrepreneurs is female. Countries like Canada, US, and Australia have higher female participation. Women-owned businesses have higher startup rates but also higher closure rates. A18: Challenges faced by ethnic minority businesses: Limited access to funding due to banking discrimination. Higher failure rates due to lack of networks & market knowledge. Cultural barriers affecting business growth. A19: Role of immigrants in entrepreneurship: High innovation rates → Many tech unicorns were co-founded by immigrants. Significant contributors to patents (e.g., immigrants in the US file a large share of patents). Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya → Over 2,000 small businesses despite harsh conditions. A20: Ways to counter stereotypes & support underrepresented entrepreneurs: Research & awareness campaigns to highlight diverse success stories. Funding & mentorship programs for women & minority entrepreneurs. Inclusive platforms to showcase their businesses.
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Q1: Define ethics, corporate responsibility (CR), and corporate governance. How do these elements interact in shaping responsible business conduct? Q2: What are the different levels at which ethical responsibility operates (individual, organisational, systemic), and how do they affect business behaviour? Q3: How can ethical behaviour conflict with legal compliance, and why is legal adherence not always morally sufficient? Q4: What are the tensions between economic objectives and ethical or sustainable practices in corporate decision-making?
A1: Ethics: Moral principles guiding right/wrong actions. Corporate Responsibility (CR): Voluntary commitment to ethical practices, social impact, and environmental stewardship. Corporate Governance: Structures and processes for directing and controlling a company, including oversight and accountability. These intersect as ethical values influence governance standards and shape corporate responsibility efforts. A2: Individual: Employees and managers making ethical choices. Organisational: Corporate culture, codes of conduct, and leadership influence. Systemic: Economic systems, regulation, and societal norms. All levels interact to influence ethical conduct in business. A3: Legal compliance is required by law; ethics is broader and considers social/moral standards. Some legal actions may be unethical (e.g., aggressive tax avoidance). Ethics demands going beyond minimum compliance. A4: Conflict arises when profit-maximising decisions harm social/environmental interests. Ethical decisions might involve costly changes (e.g., reducing emissions) that clash with short-term profit goals.
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Q9: What is ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), and how does it differ from traditional CSR in focus and accountability? Q10: How do ESG factors influence investment decisions and corporate transparency in the modern business environment? Q11: What are common causes of governance failures (e.g., Enron, Volkswagen), and how do they reveal weaknesses in corporate oversight and ethical leadership? Q12: Why is corruption a critical CSR issue, and which sectors or governance systems are most vulnerable to it?
A9: ESG integrates measurable environmental, social, and governance data into business and investment decisions. Unlike traditional CSR, ESG is quantifiable and often tied to regulatory or investment criteria. A10: ESG influences: Investor decision-making (e.g., ESG funds). Mandatory disclosure of non-financial data. Ratings agencies assess ESG performance. Promotes transparency and long-term thinking. A11: Governance failures include: Enron: Fraud and off-book accounting. Volkswagen: Emissions cheating. Failures reflect weak board oversight, poor ethics, and incentive misalignment. A12: Corruption erodes trust, deters investment, and leads to inefficiency. Vulnerable sectors: resource extraction, construction, pharma. Often prevalent where governance is weak or opaque.
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Q5: What is Carroll’s Pyramid of CSR, and how does it structure the responsibilities of businesses across economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic dimensions? Q6: How does Milton Friedman’s shareholder theory contrast with stakeholder models of CSR, and what are the implications for business purpose? Q7: What are the main arguments in favour of CSR from business, ethical, and societal perspectives? Q8: What are the primary criticisms of CSR, including concerns over authenticity, greenwashing, and managerial accountability?
A5: Carroll’s Pyramid of CSR: Economic: Be profitable. Legal: Obey the law. Ethical: Do what is right, fair, and just. Philanthropic: Be a good corporate citizen. It presents CSR as layered obligations from mandatory to voluntary. A6: Friedman’s View: Businesses should only serve shareholders by maximising profit within the law. Stakeholder Model: Firms must also consider employees, communities, environment, etc. The models differ on who business is accountable to. A7: CSR benefits: Improves brand/reputation. Reduces regulatory risk. Attracts ethical investors/customers. Enhances employee morale and retention. A8: Criticisms of CSR: Greenwashing: superficial PR efforts. Lack of enforcement/standards. Distracts from core business. Can be used to justify poor governance.
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Q13: Define sustainability in a business context and explain the strategic reasons for integrating it into core operations. Q14: What is the circular economy, and how does it differ from linear economic models in terms of resource efficiency and environmental impact? Q15: How are companies implementing circular economy principles in real-world practice (e.g., product design, supply chains)? Q16: How do businesses navigate ethical tensions in legally permissible but socially controversial industries (e.g., tobacco, gambling)?
A13: Sustainability = Meeting present needs without harming future generations. Business case: Reduces waste/costs. Meets consumer and investor demand. Ensures long-term viability. A14: Circular Economy: Closed-loop model focusing on reuse, recycling, and resource efficiency. Contrasts with linear economy (take–make–dispose). Reduces environmental impact and resource dependence. A15: Practices include: Product redesign for recyclability. Leasing models (e.g., Philips lighting). Waste reuse in supply chains. Partnership across value chains. A16: Legal doesn’t always equal ethical. Firms in controversial industries may follow law but still face public backlash. Moral responsibility may require transparency, harm reduction, or diversifying away from harmful products.
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Q1: What are the definitions of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and how do they differ? Q2: What does intersectionality mean, and why is it important in understanding discrimination? Q3: Why is EDI more than just a political issue or trend, and how is inclusion different from diversity? Q4: What is the rationale behind group-focused EDI rather than tailoring for every individual?
A1: Equality: Equal treatment and access regardless of background. Equity: Fairness through tailored support to reach equal outcomes. Diversity: Variety of visible/invisible characteristics in a group (e.g., race, gender, ability). Inclusion: Ensuring all individuals feel valued, respected, and able to thrive without conforming. A2: Intersectionality: Recognizes that overlapping identities (e.g., gender + race) shape unique discrimination experiences. It's key for understanding compounded marginalisation and tailoring inclusive practices. A3: Diversity is a fact—people are inherently different. Inclusion is the action of creating a culture that values those differences. EDI promotes fair competition, not eliminating merit, by removing structural disadvantages. A4: EDI focuses on systemic inequalities across groups (e.g., women, disabled people) rather than making 8 billion individual policies. It aims for flexible, fair structures, avoiding “diversity paralysis.”
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Q5: What is the business case and social justice case for EDI in organisations? Q6: What are the CIPD’s recommendations for employers implementing EDI effectively? Q7: How can bias be removed from recruitment and progression practices? Q8: What roles do inclusive culture and employee voice play in sustaining diversity?
A5: Business case: Enhances innovation, talent attraction, and customer relevance. Social justice case: Everyone should have access to jobs, training, and advancement based on merit, free of bias. A6: Build a business case linked to workforce/customer needs. Track ethnic diversity using HR data. Avoid vague terms like “BAME”; focus on specific groups. Address structural barriers in recruitment, retention, and promotion. A7: Use blind recruitment, gender-decoded language, inclusive imagery. Train line managers. Use structured interviews and standardised assessment criteria. A8: An inclusive culture encourages employees to raise concerns and promotes fairness. Mechanisms like feedback tools and cultural audits help track and improve inclusivity.
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Q13: What are real-world examples of discrimination and how have courts responded? Q14: How do terms like “affirmative action,” “positive discrimination,” and “quota systems” differ in intent and legality? Q15: What are examples of smart EDI interventions employers can implement? Q16: How might AI be used to reduce hiring bias, and what are its potential limitations?
A13: Age: Eileen Jolly’s unfair dismissal due to age-related bias led to £200,000 compensation. Race/language: A Chinese couple won £2,500 after being mistreated for speaking Cantonese in a UK dealership. Religion/free speech: Ashers Bakery refused to bake a cake supporting same-sex marriage. The UK Supreme Court ruled this was lawful expression, not discrimination. A14: Affirmative action: Proactive steps to support disadvantaged groups. Positive discrimination: Giving preference based on group identity—often legally restricted. Quota systems: Fixed targets for representation—controversial and often unlawful in UK. A15: Gender-decoding software for job ads. Blind CVs and structured interviews. Intersectional audits of workplace data. Inclusive imagery and outreach in recruitment. A16: AI can remove bias by ignoring irrelevant identifiers (e.g., names, gender). But biased data input = biased output—human oversight remains essential. Must challenge both old and new forms of discriminatory assessment.