Podcast
Questions and Answers
A key characteristic of a business is its ability to create value, often measured as profit, which stems from effectively using resources to meet customer ______ and needs.
A key characteristic of a business is its ability to create value, often measured as profit, which stems from effectively using resources to meet customer ______ and needs.
demands
The effectiveness of different ______ styles, such as autocratic or democratic, depends on various factors including the nature of the task, the employees' skill levels, and the organizational culture.
The effectiveness of different ______ styles, such as autocratic or democratic, depends on various factors including the nature of the task, the employees' skill levels, and the organizational culture.
management
A business's ______ culture, defined by shared values and beliefs, significantly impacts employee behavior, decision-making processes, and the overall organizational performance.
A business's ______ culture, defined by shared values and beliefs, significantly impacts employee behavior, decision-making processes, and the overall organizational performance.
corporate
Effective communication is a crucial management ______ that enables the clear exchange of information, ideas, and feedback between managers, employees, and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and alignment.
Effective communication is a crucial management ______ that enables the clear exchange of information, ideas, and feedback between managers, employees, and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and alignment.
______ are individuals or groups that have an interest in the performance and activities of a business, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the community.
______ are individuals or groups that have an interest in the performance and activities of a business, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the community.
A Swinburne University study, funded by the AMP Foundation, assessed the impacts of Vanguard on mental health and ______.
A Swinburne University study, funded by the AMP Foundation, assessed the impacts of Vanguard on mental health and ______.
Before joining Vanguard, fewer than a ______ of its employees had significant employment experience.
Before joining Vanguard, fewer than a ______ of its employees had significant employment experience.
After one year at Vanguard, employees showed a decreased likelihood of relying on ______.
After one year at Vanguard, employees showed a decreased likelihood of relying on ______.
Almost 80 per cent of Vanguard's employees reported that they simply felt ______ after working there.
Almost 80 per cent of Vanguard's employees reported that they simply felt ______ after working there.
Vanguard provides courses on money ______ and quitting smoking to support employee development.
Vanguard provides courses on money ______ and quitting smoking to support employee development.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an 80 per cent decrease in Vanguard’s volume of ______ in 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an 80 per cent decrease in Vanguard’s volume of ______ in 2021.
In 2022, Vanguard established a new ______ with ‘Hello Good World’.
In 2022, Vanguard established a new ______ with ‘Hello Good World’.
Jeremy Meltzer was inspired to establish i=Change after becoming increasingly aware of the systemic violence and abuse facing women and girls across the ______.
Jeremy Meltzer was inspired to establish i=Change after becoming increasingly aware of the systemic violence and abuse facing women and girls across the ______.
Social enterprises are commercially viable businesses established to achieve social objectives, rather than focusing on making a ______ for shareholders or owners.
Social enterprises are commercially viable businesses established to achieve social objectives, rather than focusing on making a ______ for shareholders or owners.
Vanguard Laundry Services employs more than 40 people and cleans 20 tonnes of ______ a week for commercial clients.
Vanguard Laundry Services employs more than 40 people and cleans 20 tonnes of ______ a week for commercial clients.
Luke Terry, founder of Vanguard Laundry Services, was formerly the CEO of Toowoomba ______, a not-for-profit organization.
Luke Terry, founder of Vanguard Laundry Services, was formerly the CEO of Toowoomba ______, a not-for-profit organization.
Vanguard Laundry Services secured funding by raising $6 million from more than 100 ______.
Vanguard Laundry Services secured funding by raising $6 million from more than 100 ______.
The primary social impact of Vanguard Laundry is providing jobs to unemployed people who have a lived experience of ______ ______.
The primary social impact of Vanguard Laundry is providing jobs to unemployed people who have a lived experience of ______ ______.
Social enterprises typically seek to generate a ______ from their trading activity in order to tackle social problems and improve communities.
Social enterprises typically seek to generate a ______ from their trading activity in order to tackle social problems and improve communities.
Luke Terry's motivation for starting Vanguard Laundry Services stemmed from community member's difficulty finding ______.
Luke Terry's motivation for starting Vanguard Laundry Services stemmed from community member's difficulty finding ______.
Any surplus generated by Vanguard Laundry is reinvested back into improving laundry services or supporting local ______ ______ employment projects.
Any surplus generated by Vanguard Laundry is reinvested back into improving laundry services or supporting local ______ ______ employment projects.
The i=Change model involves online retailers committing to a ______ with every sale.
The i=Change model involves online retailers committing to a ______ with every sale.
Customers using the i=Change platform can choose where the ______ goes at checkout.
Customers using the i=Change platform can choose where the ______ goes at checkout.
I=Change charges its retail partners a separate ______ for use of the platform, instead of taking a portion of the donations.
I=Change charges its retail partners a separate ______ for use of the platform, instead of taking a portion of the donations.
Jeremy Meltzer believes that social enterprises need to be ______ businesses to create impactful social change.
Jeremy Meltzer believes that social enterprises need to be ______ businesses to create impactful social change.
A social enterprise needs to be ______ to pay employees and continue to use the profits to achieve its chosen social objectives.
A social enterprise needs to be ______ to pay employees and continue to use the profits to achieve its chosen social objectives.
By 2022, i=Change had reached over $______ million in donations.
By 2022, i=Change had reached over $______ million in donations.
I=Change has partnered with over 36 ______ and NGOs across the world.
I=Change has partnered with over 36 ______ and NGOs across the world.
I=Change donates to causes ranging from providing housing for refugee families in Australia, to preventing child marriage in Bangladesh, to keeping girls in ______ in Zimbabwe.
I=Change donates to causes ranging from providing housing for refugee families in Australia, to preventing child marriage in Bangladesh, to keeping girls in ______ in Zimbabwe.
In a private listed company, the number of ______ is effectively unlimited, granting them an ownership interest.
In a private listed company, the number of ______ is effectively unlimited, granting them an ownership interest.
Shareholders receive a portion of distributed profits according to the number of ______ held.
Shareholders receive a portion of distributed profits according to the number of ______ held.
The primary objective for most shareholders is to make a ______ from their investment, although socially responsible companies are an attractive proposition to many.
The primary objective for most shareholders is to make a ______ from their investment, although socially responsible companies are an attractive proposition to many.
[Blank] have the responsibility of running a profitable or successful business, ensuring strategies align with objectives.
[Blank] have the responsibility of running a profitable or successful business, ensuring strategies align with objectives.
Poor financial performance would result in managers reviewing the business's strategies, processes, and ______ performance.
Poor financial performance would result in managers reviewing the business's strategies, processes, and ______ performance.
Most managers today understand that ______ responsible activities should lead to increased sales.
Most managers today understand that ______ responsible activities should lead to increased sales.
Management could introduce new technology to reduce waste and improve ______ so that the business remains competitive.
Management could introduce new technology to reduce waste and improve ______ so that the business remains competitive.
Management could offer employees higher wages and better working conditions, but they may be forced to raise the price of products to cover this cost, leading to a fall in ______.
Management could offer employees higher wages and better working conditions, but they may be forced to raise the price of products to cover this cost, leading to a fall in ______.
Business ______ desire the business to achieve profitability, as their personal income or wealth may be reliant on its success.
Business ______ desire the business to achieve profitability, as their personal income or wealth may be reliant on its success.
______ seek dependable delivery of high-quality materials to ensure the business maintains profitability.
______ seek dependable delivery of high-quality materials to ensure the business maintains profitability.
______ anticipate receiving fair compensation, appropriate training, and ethical treatment in exchange for their contributions to the business's production processes.
______ anticipate receiving fair compensation, appropriate training, and ethical treatment in exchange for their contributions to the business's production processes.
______ demand access to products of superior quality at affordable prices, coupled with exceptional service standards.
______ demand access to products of superior quality at affordable prices, coupled with exceptional service standards.
______ aspire for the business to demonstrate financial success and, in turn, anticipate being fairly compensated for their efforts.
______ aspire for the business to demonstrate financial success and, in turn, anticipate being fairly compensated for their efforts.
______ aim for the business they have invested in to generate profit, as this influences the value of their stocks and the amount of dividends they are paid.
______ aim for the business they have invested in to generate profit, as this influences the value of their stocks and the amount of dividends they are paid.
To ensure a business makes a profit, ______ must provide quality materials that arrive on time and in the correct quantities.
To ensure a business makes a profit, ______ must provide quality materials that arrive on time and in the correct quantities.
In return for their contribution to production, ______ expect to be paid fairly, trained properly, and treated ethically.
In return for their contribution to production, ______ expect to be paid fairly, trained properly, and treated ethically.
Flashcards
Business Stakeholders
Business Stakeholders
Entities involved or affected by a business's operations and performance.
Corporate Culture
Corporate Culture
The typical behaviors, attitudes, and values within a business.
Management Styles
Management Styles
Ways managers interact with employees to achieve business objectives.
Management Skills
Management Skills
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Manager
Manager
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Social Enterprise
Social Enterprise
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Typical Business Objective
Typical Business Objective
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Social Enterprise Activities
Social Enterprise Activities
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Vanguard's Surplus Use
Vanguard's Surplus Use
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Social Impact of Enterprises
Social Impact of Enterprises
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Funding Social Enterprises
Funding Social Enterprises
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Lived Experience
Lived Experience
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Vanguard's Business Activity
Vanguard's Business Activity
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Vanguard's Impact
Vanguard's Impact
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Vanguard's Support System
Vanguard's Support System
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i=Change
i=Change
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i=Change's Model
i=Change's Model
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Inspiration behind i=Change
Inspiration behind i=Change
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Vanguard's Purpose
Vanguard's Purpose
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Benefits of Working at Vanguard
Benefits of Working at Vanguard
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i=Change Platform
i=Change Platform
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Social Enterprise Sustainability
Social Enterprise Sustainability
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Social Objectives
Social Objectives
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Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
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Surplus
Surplus
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Community Impact
Community Impact
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Shareholders
Shareholders
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Dividend
Dividend
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Strategy Review
Strategy Review
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Manager Remuneration
Manager Remuneration
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Socially Responsible Activities
Socially Responsible Activities
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Social Responsibility Trade-offs
Social Responsibility Trade-offs
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Job Displacement
Job Displacement
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Owners' Interests
Owners' Interests
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Shareholders' Interests
Shareholders' Interests
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Managers' Interests
Managers' Interests
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Suppliers' Interests
Suppliers' Interests
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Employees' Interests
Employees' Interests
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Customers' Interests
Customers' Interests
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Shareholders' Social Responsibility Inclination
Shareholders' Social Responsibility Inclination
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Managers' Business Objectives
Managers' Business Objectives
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Study Notes
Business Foundations - Topic Overview
- The topic covers the key characteristics of businesses, their stakeholders, management styles and skills, and corporate culture.
- It aims to equip students with the ability to analyze these aspects of businesses.
Types of Businesses
- Businesses include sole traders, partnerships, private and public companies, social enterprises, and government business enterprises.
- A sole trader business is owned and run by one person, bearing full financial and operational responsibility; easy to establish, registering with ASIC only if using a business name different from the owner's, has unlimited liability.
- Partnerships involve two or more owners, sharing responsibilities; maximum 20 partners in general, unlimited liability.
- Incorporation transforms the business into a company, a separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders), providing limited liability.
- A private limited company has a minimum of one and a maximum of 50 non-employee shareholders, shares are not publicly traded.
- A public listed company's shares are traded on the Australian Securities Exchange, needing at least one shareholder, has no maximum.
- Social enterprises prioritize fulfilling a social need; reinvesting majority profits back into the business or community.
- Government business enterprises are government owned and operated, participate in commercial activities, carry out government policies.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Business Structures
- Sole traders have low entry costs, simplest form, complete control, but unlimited liability and difficulty securing finance.
- Partnerships pool funds and talents, have minimal regulation; but face unlimited liability and potential for disputes.
- Companies (private and public) provide limited liability, easier finance attraction, but formation is costly.
- Social enterprises tap new markets, but may struggle with capital and significant operating costs.
- Government business enterprises can carry out government policies and operate independently, but face political interference and inefficiencies.
Incorporation
- The process is governed by the Commonwealth Corportations Act 2001, which issues a certificate of incorporation and an Australian Company Number (ACN).
- Involves registering a company name with ASIC and appointing directors.
- Limited liability protects shareholders assets, but directors must ensure the company obeys the law.
The Big Issue
- Is a magazine sold by primarily homeless people to make money for a better life for themselves.
Business Objectives
- Objectives provide direction and increase chances of success; some mentionable ones involve making a profit, increasing market share, improving efficiency, improving effectiveness, fulfilling market/social needs, and meeting shareholder exprectations.
- Market share represents their sales proportion of total sales in an industry.
- Efficiency minimizes resource use while maximizing outputs, including waste reduction and cost savings.
- Effectiveness is how well a business achieves its objectives, and it has to be continuously considered.
- Social needs involve the good side of running a business by helping others
- Investor or shareholder expectations are met by profit and making their initial investment grow
Business Strategies and Performance
- Strategies outline how to achieve objectives (e.g., new product range for increased profit).
- Performance is analysed against objective achievement.
- Key performance indicators (KPIs) measure success, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Business Stakeholders
- Stakeholders are the groups or individuals who interact with the business and have a vested interest.
- Owners: Desire profit for income and wealth or return on investments.
- Managers: Aim to perform well for remuneration and want socially responsible business practices that increase sales.
- Employees: Want fair pay, training, job security, leading to a need of a socially responsible business
- Customers: Expect quality products at reasonable prices and with high customer service, acting responsibly.
- Suppliers: Must be delivered on time and efficiently to be successful
- The General community: Want responsible actions concerning the environment
Potential Conflicts Between Steakholders
- Various Stakeholders may have conflicting interests (e.g., employees vs. shareholders)
- Social responsibility considerations can cause disagreement within a business.
- Corporate social responsibility involves obligations beyond legal requirements to wellbeing of all stakeholders.
Management Styles
- A manager's style is their approach to making decisions, directing, and motivating.
- Autocratic: Manager makes decisions and tells staff what's to happen and expects compliance; most effective with quick action situations.
- Persuasive: Manager tries to convince employees that the management's way is best, however control is still centralized.
- Consultative: Manager consults employees before making decisions; the final decision power resides at the manager.
- Participative: Manager shares decision making authority with subordinates; promotes commitment.
- Laissez-Faire: Employees control workplace operations; encourages ownership and autonomy.
Management Skills
- The skills are used to complete the tasks necessary for the achievement of business objectives and goals.
- Communication: Transfers information between parties in an effective style in order to maintain a long, lasting relationship
- Delegation: A manager transfers authoritiy and tasks to the staff while providing support.
- Planning: Define business goals and decide how to achieve them with methods and stratedgies.
- Leadership: Motivating and managing employees to meet company goals in both an effective and efficient manner
- Decision making: Having control over a situation and making important decisions to achieve it's objectives
- Interpersonal skills: Ability to deal with problems and develop relations with staff and create a welcoming enviroment
Corporate Culture
- Values, ideas, expectations, and beliefs shared by staff and managers, which may be both official and real.
- Official Culture: Expressed via policies, objectives, and slogans.
- Real Culture: The unwritten rules and behaviors, such as dress code and staff interactions.
- Elements include values, practices, symbols, rituals, and heroes.
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Description
Key business concepts covering value creation, leadership styles, organizational culture, communication, and stakeholder management. Based on a Swinburne University study, funded by the AMP Foundation.