CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material – Finance, Stock and Commodity Markets Terminology

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material Chapter 6 Common Business Terminologies – Finance, Stock and Commodity Markets Terminology

Terminology or vocabulary means a set of basic terms or concepts used in a particular field or discipline. Each and every subject (e.g. Economics, Accountancy, Law, Medicine, Management, etc.) has its own terminology. Good understanding of the correct meaning of the terms used is essential to gain conceptual clarity. A student or professional working in the concerned profession cannot be efficient without understanding the terminology used in the concerned profession. A Chartered Accountant is excepted to know and understand the terminology used not only in finance and accounts but also in related areas such as marketing banking, administration, etc. This is because a Chartered Accountant comes across these terminologies in course of audit.

Finance, Stock and Commodity Markets Terminology

A

  • Above par: Price of a security quoted higher than its face value.
  • Absorption or acquisition: Takeover of a firm by another firm.
  • Accommodation bill: A bill of exchange drawn and accepted without receiving value in exchange. It is means of lending money.
  • Account: A record of transactions relating to one head e.g. debtors.
  • Accountancy: The held of knowledge containing principles and techniques used in preparing accounts. Account current: A running account summarizing business transactions during a given time period.
  • Accounting: The process of measuring, and recording transactions in the books of account.
  • Agent: (broker): One who buys and sells securities on behalf of his clients.
  • Amortize: To charge regular portion of an expenditure over a fixed time period. For example an expenditure of Rs. 50,000 may be amortized over five years, charging Rs. 10,000 per year in the account books. Also called write off.
  • Annuity: An equal amount paid at fixed intervals (e.g. every three months) for a specified period (e.g. twenty years).
  • Appreciation: Increase in the value of an asset e.g. shares purchased for Rs. 1 lakh may be Rs. 5 lakh now. There is an appreciation of Rs. 4 lakh.
  • Arbitrage: Simultaneous purchase and sale of a security/commodity in different markets to take advantage of price differences.
  • Asset: An economic resource expected to give benefit in future. It may be tangible (e.g. a machine) or intangible (e.g. a patents). Assets are of three types:
    • Current Assets: The assets which are likely to convert into cash within a year e.g. book debts and stock of finished goods.
    • Fixed Assets: The assets which generate revenue and last more than one year e.g. building, vehicles, machinery.
    • Intangible Assets: Assets having no physical shape e.g. patents, trademarks and copy-rights.
  • Ask/Offer: The lowest price at which the owner is willing to sell his securities.
  • Audit: The careful review of financial records to verify their accuracy.
  • Auditor: The qualified Chartered Accountant authorised and appointed to conduct an audit.
  • Authorised capital: The amount of share capital with which a company is registered. It is mentioned in the company’s Memorandum of Association.

B

  • Backwardation: The charge paid big a bear speculator to a bill for postponement of settlement of a transaction.
  • Bad debts: The debts which are not recoverable and are written off as a loss.
  • Badla: Carry forward of a transaction from one settlement period to the next without any payment or delivery.
  • Balance of payments: A statement of all money flows in and out of a country.
  • Balance of trade: A statement of a country’s exports and imports during the year.
  • Balance sheet: A statement containing the assets, liabilities and capital of an organisation. It shows the financial position on a specific date.
  • Base price: A security’s price at the beginning of a trading day. It is used to determine the day’s lowest/highest price and the price range.
  • Basket trading: The facility which enables investors to buy/sell in one go all the 30 scripts of Sensex in proportion of their current weights in the Sensex.
  • Bear: A pessimist who expects prices to fall and sells quickly before the value of his holding declines. Bear market: A market situation when share price are continuously falling.
  • Beta: A measurement of the relationship between the price of a security and the price movement of the whole market.
  • Bid: The highest price a buyer is willing to pay for a share. It is the opposite of ask/offer.
  • Blue chip: Shares of a large, well established and financially sound company. It can provide high capital gains.
  • Bond: A long-term promissory note issued by a company or government. It shows the amount of the debt, rate of interest and the due date.
  • Bonus shares: A free allotment of shares out of accumulated reserves to the existing shareholders in proportion to their current holding.
  • Book closure: The period during which a company keeps its register of members closed for updating prior to payment of dividend or issue of new shares/debentures.
  • Book value: The value of an asset recorded in the books of account. It also means the difference between total assets and total liabilities.
  • Brokerage: The commission charged by brokers.
  • Break even point: The number of units that must be sold to generate revenue equal to total expenses. Sale above this point create a profit and sales below it create loss.
  • Budget: A detailed plan expressed in quantitative terms for a specific future period.
  • Bull: One who expects prices to rise and buys in anticipation.
  • Bull market: A market situation in which share prices continuously rise.
  • Business days: The days on which stock markets are open – Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
  • Business risk: The risk inherent in the operations of a firm which uses no debt.
  • Buyer: The trading member who has placed on order for the purchase of securities.

C

  • Call: The demand for payment by the company which has issued shares.
  • Call option: The right (not obligation) to buy a particular share at a specified price within the specified time period.
  • Capital budgeting: The process of planning expenditure on fixed assets.
  • Capital gain: The increase in the value of a security.
  • Capital market: The financial market for shares, debentures and long-term debt.
  • Closing price: The price of a security at the end of a trading day.
  • Commercial paper: Short term and unsecured promissory note issued by a large firm with an interest rate below the prime lending rate of commercial banks.
  • Commodity: Products used for commerce and traded on authorized commodity platforms.
  • Convertible security: A preference share, debenture, a bond that can be converted into equity shares at the option of the holder.
  • Consolidation: Business combination of two or more firms.
  • Credit period: The length of time for which credit is granted.
  • Creditor: The individual/organization who owes money on a particular date.

D

  • Debenture: An instrument acknowledging debt raised by a company/corporation.
  • Debtor: An individual/enterprise who owes money, shown as an asset in the balance sheet. Defensive stock: A stock that provides constant dividends even during economic down turn. Depreciation: An expense allowance made for wear and tear of an asset over its estimated useful life.
  • Derivatives: A security whose price is derived from one or more underlying assets such as shares, bonds, commodities, currencies, etc.
  • Diversification: Spreading the investment risk by purchasing shares of different companies operating in different sectors. Also used to refer to a company investing in several related or unrelated business.
  • Dividend: A part of the company’s earning paid to shareholders.
  • Devaluation: Reducing the value of a currency in relation to other currencies, decided by the government.
  • Disinvestment: Selling a part of the share holding of a public enterprise to private sector.

E

  • E-commerce: Doing business transactions over the internet.
  • Economic activity: Any activity undertaken to earn money.
  • Equity capital: Funds provided by holders of equity shares.
  • Equity: Equity capital, free reserves, retained earnings and preference capital.
  • Exchange rate: The rate at which one currency can be purchased for another currency. Ex-dividend: Shares on which dividend declared after their purchase is not payable.

F

  • Foreign company: A company incorporated outside India but having business operations in India.
  • Forward trading: Buying and selling without the intention of delivery and payment, aim is to earn from fluctuations in price.
  • Futures: The right to buy or sell at a future date and at the specified price.
  • Face value: The price at which a share/bond/debenture is issued. Also known as par value.
  • Financial instrument: A written document sharing an agreement or a transaction e.g. share, debenture, cheque, etc.
  • Financial intermediary: One who acts as a link between buyers and sellers of securities, e.g. share brokers, banks.

G

  • Goodwill: The estimated money value of a firm’s reputation.
  • Government bonds: A security issued by a government to raise debt.
  • Government company: A Company in which government owns 51 per cent or more of the share capital.

H

  • Hedge: A strategy used to minimise the risk and maximize the return on investment.
  • Holding period: The time period during which an individual/corporation holds/owns an asset. This period is considered while pledging the asset as collateral.

I

  • Income stock: A security that offers dividend higher than that on common stock. It has a solid record of dividend payments.
  • Index: A statistical measure of change in the security market/economy. It is usually calculated as a percentage change in the base value overtime.
  • Initial public offer (IPO): A company’s first issue of shares to general public.
  • Internet trading: Buying and selling securities over the internet. SEBI approved it in January 2000. Interim dividend: A dividend declared prior to the close of the financial year.

J

  • Joint venture: A partnership between two or more independent firms resulting in the creation of a third enterprise.
  • Journal: Datewise records of transactions, a book of original entry.

L

  • Lame duck: A speculator struggling to honour his commitment due to unexpected fluctuations in the price of a security on the stock market.
  • Lease: A legal right for the use of an asset.
  • Ledger: A book of account in which entries are posted from the Journal into various accounts. Lien: A legal claim to property until repayment of debt.
  • Limit order: An order to buy or sell a share at a specified price. It specifies the minimum price the seller is willing to accept or a maximum price the buyer is willing to pay.
  • Liquidation: Piecemeal sale of the assets of a division of the company.
  • Listed stock: The shares of a company that are eligible for trading on the stock exchange.

M

  • Margin trading: Buying securities on a stock exchange after keeping a deposit with the broker. Market capitalization: The total market value of a company’s out standing shares.
  • Minimum subscription: The minimum amount of share capital a company must receive in cash before making allotment of shares. It is equal to 90 per cent of issued capital.
  • Money market: Market for raising short-term funds.
  • Mutual funds: A pool of money managed by experts for investing in shares, debentures and other securities. .

N

  • Nominee director: A director nominated by the financial institution from which the company has raised a loan.

O

  • Odd lot: Shares less than the trading lot and held by a small investor.
  • One sided market: A market having only potential buyers or only potential sellers.
  • Out-of-the money (OTM): In case of call options, it means the share price is below the strike price. In case of put options, it means the share price is above the strike price.

P

  • Par value: The value of a share printed on the share certificate.
  • Portfolio: Various types of securities of different companies held by an investor.
  • Preliminary expenses: Expenses incurred for the formation of a company.
  • Pre-opening session: Time duration from 9.00 am to 9.15 a.m. during which order entry, modification and cancellation are done before the start of trading on stock exchange.
  • Price earning (PIE) ratio: The market price of a share divided by the earning per share. Prospectus: A document issued by a Company to sell shares/debentures to the general public.
  • Proxy: A written authority given by a member of a company to some one to attend the meeting on his/her benefit.

R

  • Right shares: Equity shares issued by a company to the existing shareholders in proportion to their current holding.

S

  • Securities: A transferable certificate of ownership of shares, debentures, etc.
  • Share: A part in the share capital of a company.
  • Stock: Fully paid shares of a company.
  • Strike price: The price at which the shareholder can buy (in case of call option) or sell (in case of put option) a security.
  • Stock split: Splitting one share into several shares to increase the availability of existing shares e.g., splitting a share with face value of 100 into 10 shares with face value of Rs. 10 each.

T

  • Thin market: A market with a few bids to buy or offer to sell, the prices in such market vary highly. Trading session: The time period during which the stock market is open for trading.

U

  • Underwriting: Guarantee to subscribe to an issue of shares in case public does not subscribe to it.

W

  • Working capital: The capital used in day-to-day business activities, also called circulating capital.

Y

  • Yield: Percentage return on investment in case of shares it is calculated by dividing the annual dividend with the current price of the share.
  • Yield-to-call: The rate of return earned on a bond when it is called before the date of maturity.

Z

  • Zero coupon bond: A bond sold at a discount below par but paid back at face value. No interest is payable on it.

CA Foundation Business Economics Study Material – Introduction to Demand

CA Foundation Business Economics Study Material Chapter 2 Theory of Demand and Supply – Introduction to Demand

Meaning of Demand

  • In ordinary speech, the term demand is many times confused with ‘desire’ or ‘want’.
  • Desire is only a wish to have any thing.
  • In economics demand means more than mere desire.
  • Demand in economics means an effective desire for a commodity ie. desire backed by the ‘ability to pay’ and ‘willingness to pay’ for it.
  • Thus, demand refers to the quantity of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to purchase at different prices during a period of time.
  • Thus, defined, the term demand shows the following features:
    1. Demand is always with reference to a PRICE.
    2. Demand is to be referred to IN A GIVEN PERIOD OF TIME.
    3. Consumer must have the necessary purchasing power to back his desire for the commodity.
    4. Consumer must also be ready to exchange his money for the commodity he desires.
  • E.g. Mr. A’s demand for sugar at Rs. 15 per kg. is 4 kgs. per week.

Determinants of Demand

For estimating market demand for its products, a firm must have knowledge about—
(a) the determinants of demand for its product, and
(b) the nature of relationship between demand and is determinants.

The various factors on which the demand for a product/commodity depends are as follows:—

Price of the commodity:

  1. Other things being equal, the demand for a commodity is inversely related with its price.
  2. It means that a rise in price of a commodity brings about fall in its demand and vice versa.
  3. This happens because of income and substitution effects.

Price of the related commodities:

  1. The demand for a commodity also depends on the prices of related commodities.
  2. Related commodities are of two types namely—
    • Substitutes or competitive goods, &
    • Complementary goods.
  3. Substitute goods are those goods which can be used with equal ease in place of one another.
  4. E.g. Essar Speed Card and Airtel Magic Card; Coke and Pepsi; ball pen and ink pen; tea and coffee; etc.
  5. Demand for a particular commodity is affected if the price of its substitute falls or rises.
  6. E.g. If the price of Airtel Magic card falls, its demand will increase and demand for Essar Speed Card would fall and vice versa.
  7. Thus, there is a POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP between price of a commodity and demand for its substitutes.
  8. Complementary good are those goods whose utility depends upon the availability of both the goods as both are to be used together.
  9. E.g. a ball pen and refill; car and petrol; a hand set and phone connection; a tonga and horse, etc.
  10. The demand for complementary goods have an INVERSE RELATIONSHIP with the price of related goods.
  11. E.g. If the price of Scooters falls, its demand will increase leading to increase in demand for petrol.

Income of the consumers

  1. Other things being equal, generally the quantity demanded of a commodity bear a DIRECT RELATIONSHIP to the income of the consumer ie. with an increase in income, the demand for a commodity rises.
  2. However, this may not always hold true. It depends upon the class to which commodity belongs ie. necessaries or comforts and luxuries or inferior goods:
    • Necessaries (E.g. Food, clothing and shelter). Initially, with an increase in the in-come, the demand for necessaries also rises upto some limit. Beyond that limit, an increase in income will leave the demand unaffected.
    • Comforts and Luxurious (E.g. Car; Air-Conditioners; etc.) Quantity demanded of these group of commodities have a DIRECT RELATIONSHIP with the income of the consumers. As the income increases, the demand for comforts and luxuries also increases.
    • Inferior goods (E.g. Coarse grain; rough cloth; skimmed milk; etc.). Inferior goods are those goods for which superior substitutes are available Quantity demanded of this group of commodities Have an INVERSE RELATIONSHIP with the income of the consumer. E.g. A consumer starts consuming full cream milk (normal good) in place of toned milk (inferior good) with an increase in income.

Therefore, it is essential that business managers must know—

  • the nature of good they produce,
  • the nature of relationship between the quantities demanded and changes in consumer’s income, and
  • the factors that could bring about changes in the incomes of the consumers.

Tastes and Preferences of the consumers

  • Tastes and preferences of consumers generally change over time due to fashion, advertisements, habits, age, family composition, etc. Demand for a commodity bears a direct relationship to those determinants.
  • Modern goods or fashionable goods have more demand than the goods which are of old design and out of fashion.
    E.g. People are discarding Bajaj Scooter for say Activa Scooter.
  • The demand of certain goods is determined by ‘bandwagon effect’ or ‘demonstration effect’. It means a buyer wants to have a good because others have it. It means that an individual consumer’s demand is conditioned by the consumption of others.
  • Taste and preferences may also undergo a change when consumer discover that consumption of a good increases his PRESTIGE. E.g. Diamonds, fancy cars, etc.
  • A good loses its prestige when it becomes a commonly used good. This is called ‘snob effect’.
  • Status seeking rich people buy highly priced goods only. This form of ‘conspicuous consumption’ or ‘ostentatius consumption’ is called ‘VEBLEN EFFECT’ (named after American economist THORSTEIN VEBLEN)
  • Tastes and preferences of people change either due to external causes or internal causes.
  • Therefore, knowledge about tastes and preferences is important in production planning, designing new products and services to suit the changing tastes and preferences of the consumers.

Other Factors. Other things being equal demand for a commodity is also determined by the following factors:—

  1. Size and composition of Population:
    • Generally, larger the size of population of a country, more will be the demand of the commodities.
    • The composition of the population also determines the demand for various commodities.
      E.g. If the number of teenagers is large, the demand for trendy clothes, shoes, movies, etc. will be high.
  2. The level of National Income and its Distribution:
    • National Income is an important determinant of market demand. Higher the national income, higher will be the demand for normal goods and services.
    • If the income in a country is unevenly distributed, the demand for consumer goods will be less.
    • If the income is evenly distributed, there is higher demand for consumer goods.
  3. Sociological factors:
    • The household’s demand for goods also depends upon sociological factors like class, family background, education, marital status, age, locality, etc.
  4. Weather conditions:
    • Changes in weather conditions also influence household’s demand.
      E.g. – Extraordinary hot summer push up the demand for ice-creams, cold drinks, coolers etc.
  5. Advertisement:
    • A clever and continuous campaign and advertisement create a new type of demand.
      E.g. Toilet products like soaps, tooth pastes, creams etc.
  6. Government Policy:
    • The government’s taxation policy also affects the demand for commodities.
    • High tax on a commodity will lead to fall in the demand of the commodity.
  7. Expectation about future prices:
    • If consumers expect rise in the price of a commodity in near future, the current demand for the commodity will increase and vice versa,
  8. Trade Conditions:
    • If the country is passing through boom conditions, demand for most goods is more.
    • But during depression condition, the level of demand falls.
  9. Consumer-credit facility and interest rates:
    • If ample credit facilities with low rates of interest is available, there will be more demand specially of consumer durable goods like scooters, LCD /LED televisions, refrigerators, home theatre, etc.

Demand Function

Mathematical/symbolic statement of functional relationship between the demand for a product (the dependent variable) its determinants (the independent variables) is called demand function

Dx = f (Px, M, Ps ; Pc, T, A)

Where—
Dx= quantity demanded of product
Px = the price of the product
M = money income of the consumer
Ps = the price of its substitute
Pc = the price of its complementary goods
T = consumer’s tastes and preferences
A = advertising effect measured through the level of advertisement expenditure.

CA Foundation Business Economics Study Material Chapter 1 Nature and Scope of Business Economics – MCQs

CA Foundation Business Economics Study Material Chapter 1 Nature and Scope of Business Economics – MCQs

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Economics is a science because
(a) Systematised study
(b) Scientific laws
(c) Has its own methodology
(d) All the above

2. Positive statements concern what is; normative statements concern—
(a) What was
(b) What is the normal situation
(c) What will be
(d) What ought to be

3. Which of the following statements are positive statements?
(i) India is overpopulated.
(ii) Agricultural income should be taxed.
(iii) Service-class people should be exempted from income tax
(vi) There is tremendous tax evasion in India.
(a) i and ii
(b) i and iii
(c) i and iv
(d) iii and iv

4. The central problems of an economy arises because of—
(a) Unlimited wants
(b) Scarce resources having alternative uses
(c) Limited wants and unlimited resources
(d) Both (a) and (b)

5. The central problems relating to allocation of resources are—
(a) What to produce?
(b) How to produce?
(c) For whom to produce?
(d) All the above.

6. The problem of ‘What to produce’ relates to—
(a) The distribution of produced goods and services
(b) The technique of production to produce good
(c) The distribution of income among factor owners
(d) None of these

7. Micro economics deals with—
(a) Inflation in the country
(b) The economic behaviour of an individual unit
(c) The per capita income
(d) The problems of poverty and unemployment in the country

8. The objective of macro-economics is to study about—
(a) Problems, principles and policies relating to full employment of available resources
(b) Problems, Principles and policies relating to optimum allocation of resources
(c) Growth of resources
(d) Both a and c

9. Micro economics covers the study of—
(i) Consumer’s behaviour
(ii) Producer’s equilibrium
(iii) Fiscal system of an economy
(iv) Factor pricing
(a) i and iii (b) ii and iv
(c) i, ii and iii (d) i, ii and iv

10. Macro-economics is also known as—
(i) Method of Lumping
(ii) Price Theory
(iii) General equilibrium analysis
(iv) Aggregative Economics
(a) i and ii only
(b) iii and iv only
(c) i, iii and iv only
(d) ii, iii and iv only

11. Which of the following is not correct?
(a) Micro and Macro economics are complementary to each other
(b) Every macro-economic problem requires micro-economic analysis for its proper understanding
(c) Micro-economic behaviour can be added-up to derive macro-economic behaviour.
(d) What is macro from the national angle is micro from world angle

12. A theory may contain all but one of the following—
(a) An unorganised collection of facts about the real world!
(b) A set of definitions of the terms used.
(c) A set of assumptions
(d) One or more hypotheses

13. Positive economics deals with—
(a) What is
(b) What ought to be
(c) Both ‘a’ ‘b’
(d) None of these

14. Micro economics does not cover—
(a) Consumer behaviour
(b) Factor Pricing
(c) General price level
(d) Product Pricing

15. Find the odd—
(a) Normative economics is concerned with welfare propositions.
(b) Normative economics is prescriptive in nature.
(c) Normative economics is regulatory in nature.
(d) Economic laws are hypothetical.

16. A mixed economy to solve its central problems relies on—
(a) Economic planning
(b) Price mechanism
(c) Price fixing
(d) Both ‘a’ and ‘b’

17. In a socialist economy, the basic force of economic activity is profit. This statement is—
(a) Correct
(b) Incorrect
(c) Partially correct
(d) None of these

18. The interference of the government is very limited in—
(a) Socialist economy
(b) Capitalist economy
(c) Mixed economy
(d) All the above.

19. Both private and public sectors exist side by side in—
(a) China
(b) U.S.A.
(c) India
(d) Russia

20. In a competitive economy, the uncrowned king is—
(a) Government
(b) Producer
(c) Consumer
(d) Seller

21. Wastes of competition are found in—
(a) Capitalist economy
(b) Socialist economy
(c) Mixed economy
(d) None of these

22. A dual system of pricing exists in—
(a) Capitalist economy
(b) Socialist economy
(c) Mixed economy
(d) None of these

23. One of the important features of capitalist economy is—
(a) Economic planning
(b) Price mechanism
(c) Economic equalities
(d) Social welfare

24. ‘A government deficit will reduce unemployment and cause an increase in prices.’ This statement is—
(a) Positive
(b) Normative
(c) Incomplete
(d) None of these

25. Positive economics remains strictly neutral towards ends. This means that—
(a) Positive economics study the facts as they are
(b) Positive economics is prescriptive in nature
(c) Positive economics is based on ethical, philosophical and religious beliefs
(d) Only (a) and (b)

26. “During the boom periods when aggregate demand, national income and prices are high, entrepreneurs tend to make high profits”. This statement shows—
(a) Effect of micro-economic variables on macro variables
(b) Effect of macro-economic variables on micro variables
(c) Inter-dependence of micro and macro-economics
(d) Both (b) and (c)

27. Social insurance, sickness benefits, old age pension, etc are some social benefits provided by—
(a) State in capitalist economy
(b) State in socialist economy
(c) State in mixed economy
(d) Both (b) and (c)

28. In a capitalistic economy what to produce depends on—
(a) governments is policy
(b) consumer’s preference
(c) profits of firm
(d) none of these

29. The economy in which the government allows freedom of action of all economic units is essentially—
(a) a socialist economy
(b) a mixed economy
(c) a capitalistic
(d) none of the these

30. Which of the following is not correct about capitalistic system—
(a) Too much of waste due to cut throat competition
(b) There is right of private property.
(c) Conditions are not favourable for equitable distribution of wealth.
(d) There is central planning authority.

31. Which of the following is not the feature of socialist economy ?
(a) Economic planning
(b) Social welfare
(c) Private ownership of productive resources
(d) Economic equalities

32. Micro economics is also known as—
(a) Price theory
(b) Slicing method
(c) Product theory
(d) Both (a) and (b)

33. Economics is an art as—
(a) it teaches us to do
(b) it provides practical solutions to various economic problems.
(c) it is practice of knowledge
(d) all the above

34. Study of the problem of poverty denotes that economics is—
(a) a science
(b) an art
(c) both a science and an art
(d) neither a science nor an art

35. Framing suitable policies to solve inequalities of income denotes that economics is—
(a) a science
(b) an art
(c) both a science and an art
(d) neither science nor an art

36. Study of unemployment problem and then framing suitable policies to reduce the extent of unemployment shows that economics is—
(i) Both a science and an art
(ii) Neither a science nor an art
(iii) Positive science
(iv) Normative science
(a) i and iii only
(b) ii and iv only
(c) i, iii and iv
(d) ii, iii and iv

37. _____ economics explains cause and effect relationship between economic phenomena
(a) Positive
(b) Normative
(c) Empirical
(d) Applied

38. Positive economics concerns .
(a) what should be
(b) what is
(c) both (a) and (b)
(d) what ought to be

39. Normative economics is in nature
(a) modern
(b) descriptive
(c) prescriptive
(d) none of the above

Q. 40 to Q. 43 are based on the following conversation
Ram : “Rise in prices of goods have made it difficult to make two ends meet”
Shy am : “Yes, the cost of cultivation too has increased very much”.
Raghu : “Government should take steps to curb the price rise and provide relief to common man”.
Bhola : “Yes, he government should deal strictly on hoarders and black marketers”.

40. In the above conversation whose statements shows positive aspect of Economics?
(a) Ram
(b) Shyam
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Bhola

41. In the above conversation whose statements shows normative side of economics
(a) Shyam
(b) Raghu
(c) Bhola
(d) Both (b) and (c)

42. Shyam’s statement in the above conversation shows—
(a) What is
(b) What can be
(c) What ought to be
(d) What will be

43. Bhola’s statement in the above conversation shows—
(a) What is
(b) What should be the things
(c) What was
(d) None of the above

44. As compared to other economic systems, inequalities of incomes is relatively less in economic system
(a) Capitalist
(b) Socialist
(c) Mixed
(d) None of the above

45. Price-mechanism is an important feature of –
(i) Market economy
(ii) Regulated economy
(iii) Mixed economy
(iv) Capitalist economy
(a) i and ii only
(b) iii and iv only
(c) i and iii only
(d) i and iv only

46. Consumers and produces make their choices based on the market forces of demand and supply in—
(a) Socialist (Command) Economy
(b) Mixed Economy
(c) Capitalist Economy
(d) Closed Economy

47. The problem of what goods and services are produced and how much, is covered by the general term—
(a) resource allocation
(b) choice of technique of production
(c) distribution
(d) macro-economics

48. Business Economics is generally in nature.
(a) normative
(b) positive
(c) neutral
(d) descriptive

49. Capital intensive technique would be chosen in a
(a) labour surplus economy where the relative price of capital is lower
(b) capital surplus economy where the relative price of capital is lower
(c) developed economy where technology is better
(d) developing economy where technology is poor

50. Which of the following statement is incorrect?
(a) Business economics is a normative in nature
(b) Business economics is closely related with statistics
(c) Business economics only considers micro variables
(d) Business economics is also called Managerial economics

51. All of the following are within the scope of Business Economics except
(a) Capital Budgeting
(b) Risk Analysis
(c) Business Cycles
(d) Accounting Standards

52. Which of the following is considered as a disadvantage of allocating resources in a capitalist economy?
(a) Income will tend to be unevenly distributed
(b) People do not get goods of their choice
(c) Men of initiative and enterprise are not rewarded
(d) Profits will tend to be low

ANSWERS

ca-foundation-business-economics-study-material-chapter-1-nature-and-scope-of-business-economics-mcqs

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material – Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material Chapter 4 Government Policies for Business – Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI)

Meaning of FDI

Foreign Direct Investment means investment in a foreign country where the investor claims con¬trol over the investment in terms of actual power of management and effective decision-making. Foreign direct investment typically occurs in the form of setting up a subsidiary, starting a joint venture or acquiring a stake in an existing firm in a foreign country According to the Committee on Compilation of FDI in India (Oct 2002). FDI is “the process whereby residents of one country (the home country) acquire ownership of assets for the purpose of controlling the production, distribution and other activities of a firm in another country (the host country). There are three main categories of FDI-equity capital, reinvested earnings, and lending of funds by a multinational to its affiliate.

When the investor makes only investment and does not retain control over the enterprise it is known as portfolio investment. The investor is interested only in return on his capital and does not want control over the use of the invested capital. Portfolio investment is for a short period and is influenced by short-term gains. On the other hand, foreign direct investment involves long-term commitment and cannot be easily liquidated. Therefore, long-term considerations like political stability, Government policy, industrial prospects, etc. influence it. Direct investors have direct responsibility for the promotion and management of the enterprise. But portfolio investors have no direct responsibility for promotion and management of the enterprise. Portfolio investment takes place through foreign institutional investors (FIIs) like mutual funds and through American Depository Receipts (ADRs) Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) and Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs). ADRs, GDRs and FCCBs are securities issued by Indian companies in the foreign markets to mobilise foreign capital.

Advantages of Foreign Direct Investment

Foreign direct investment offers the following benefits:

  • FDI increases the level of investment by supplementing domestic capital. The host country gets scarce capital resources from abroad. As a result, FDI contributes towards the development of infrastructure, industry and service sector in the host country. FDI helps to enhance business activity and raise the level of economic development.
  • FDI facilitates transfer of technology, machinery and equipment to the host country. Advanced foreign technology helps to reduce costs and improve quality of products and services. Local firms get the opportunity for technology upgradation.
  • FDI can create a managerial revolution in the host country through professional man-agement and employment of sophisticated techniques of organisation and management. Local firms get access to world class management and corporate practices.
  • FDI helps to boost employment and incomes in the host country through establish¬ment of new industries and development of ancillary industries. Higher production and income in turn increase the tax revenue of the Government. Material and human resources can be utilised optimally.
  • FDI can help the host country to increase its exports and reduce imports These add to the foreign exchange resources of the country and improve its balance of payments position. In fact, the Government of India announced economic liberalisation in July, 1991 due to foreign exchange crisis.
  • FDI may help to increase competition and break domestic monopolies in the host
    country. It can overcome trade barriers like tariffs and quotas. FDI can make Indian industries globally competitive.
  • FDI offers benefits to the home country also. There is inflow of foreign currency in the form of dividend and interest. Exports of technology machinery and equipment help to enhance industrial activity and employment in the home country.
  • There is greater choice of products by consumers. Their standard of living is likely to improve due to better quality and wider choice.

Disadvantages of Foreign Direct Investment

Foreign direct investment has been criticised for the following reasons:

  • FDI tends to flow in the areas of high profits rather than in the priority sectors of the host country.
  • Considerable funds are repatriated from the host country in the form of royalty, fees, dividend, interest, etc. on FDI. Such outflows put pressure on the host country’s balance of payments. The cost of FDI is high.
  • FDI takes place mainly through multinational corporations. These corporations are large in size and have a wide resource base. They pose a threat to the domestic firms in the host country.
  • The technology brought in by the foreign investors may not be appropriate to the market size, resource base, stage of economic development and consumption needs of the host country. Excessive reliance on foreign technology may have an adverse effect on local initiative.
  • FDI poses a threat to the economic autonomy and political sovereignty of the host country. Some of the multinational corporations have destabilised governments in African countries. Excessive reliance on foreign technology may have an adverse effect on local initiative.
  • FDI can lead to adverse effects on domestic savings, and adverse terms of trade for the host country which offers special concessions to attract FDI, Some foreign investors pre-empt investment plans of domestic companies. They engage in unfair and unethical trade practices.
  • FDI may involve costs and risks for the home country. Employment opportunities may shrink and balance of payment position may suffer due to FDI.

Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment

The volume of FDI in a country depends on the following factors:

  1. Natural Resources – Availability of natural resources in the host country is a major determinant of FDI. Most foreign investors seek an adequate, reliable and economical source of minerals and other materials. FDI tends to flow in countries which are rich in resources but lack capital, technical skills and infrastructure required for the exploitation of natural resources. Though their relative importance has declined, the availability of natural resources still continues to be an important determinant of FDI.
  2. National Markets – The market size of a host country in absolute terms as well as in relation to the size and income of its population and market growth is another major determinant of FDI. Large markets can accommodate more firms and can help firms to achieve economies of large scale operations. Market access has been the main motive for investment by American companies in Europe and Asia.
  3. Availability of Cheap Labour – The availability of low cost unskilled labour has been a major cause of FDI in countries like China and India, Low cost labour together with availability of cheap raw materials enable foreign investors to minimise costs of production and thereby increase profits.
  4. Rate of Interest – Differences in the rate of interest prevailing in different countries stimulate foreign investment. Capital tends to move from a country with a low rate of interest to a country where it is higher. Foreign investment is also inspired by foreign exchange rates. Foreign capital is attracted to countries where the return on investment is higher.
  5. Socio-Economic Conditions – Size of the population, infrastructural facilities and income level of a country influence direct foreign investment.
  6. Political Situation – Political stability, legal framework, judicial system, relations with other countries and other political factors influence movements of capital from one country to another.
  7. Government Policies – Policy towards foreign investment, foreign collaborations, foreign exchange control, remittances, and incentives (monetary, fiscal and others) offered to foreign investors exercise a significant influence on FDI in a country. For example, Export Processing Zones have been developed in India to attract FDI and to boost exports.

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material – Meaning of Globalization

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material Chapter 4 Government Policies for Business – Meaning of Globalization

Meaning of Globalization

Globalization means reduction or removal of Government restrictions on the movement of goods and services, capital, technology and talent across national borders. It is the process of increasing economic interdependence between countries and their economic integration in the form of world economy. Markets become international and global firms consider the whole world as one market.

Globalization in India – Trends and Issues

The process of globalization of Indian economy began largely in 1991 due to the unprecedented balance of payments crisis. Since then the pace of globalization has gained momentum:

  • Foreign Direct Investment upto 100 per cent is now permitted in specified sectors.
  • Foreign investors can invest in Indian companies through GDRs without any lock-in period.
  • Indian companies are allowed to get themselves listed on overseas stock exchanges.
  • Guidelines for Euro issues were liberalised.
  • The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) has replaced the Foreign Exchange Regulations Act (FERA).

Impact of Globalization of Indian Economy

Globalization has made India a huge consumer market. There has been rapid increase in GDP and India’s exports. India has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Our foreign exchange reserves are now huge and there has been rapid increase in foreign direct investment (FDI).

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION

Positive Effects

  • Expansion of market
  • Growth of independent money market
  • Free flow of resources
  • Advancements in technology
  • Equilibrium in balance of payments
  • Development of infrastructure
  • Fligher living standards
  • International cooperation

Negative Effects

  • Cut-throat competition
  • Rise in monopoly
  • Increase in inequalities
  • Takeover of domestic firms
  • Removal of protection to domestic firms
  • Affect on national sovereignty

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material – Meaning of Privatization

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material Chapter 4 Government Policies for Business – Meaning of Privatization

Meaning of Privatization

Privatization means the transfer of ownership and/or management of an enterprise from the public sector to the private sector. It refers to the introduction of private control and ownership in public sector undertakings. According to the World Bank, “privatization is the transfer of State owned enterprises to the private sector by sale (full or partial) of going concerns or by sale of assets following their liquidation.” In the words of Barbara Lee and John Nellis “Privatization is the general process of involving the private sector in the ownership or operation of a State owned enterprise,”

There are several forms or methods of privatization such as:

  • Denationalization of a public enterprise by its complete sale to the private sector. For example, BALCO. was sold to Sterlite Industries.
  • Divestiture, i.e., the sale of equity in full or part of a public sector undertaking to private sector.
  • Transfer of management of a public sector enterprise to private sector through a management contract.
  • Joint venture, i.e., joint ownership of an enterprise by Government and private sector.
  • Leasing, Le., transferring the use of assets of a public sector unit to private bidders for a specified period.
  • Franchising of public sector services to designated private sector units.

Trends And Issues – Privatization In India

The process of privatization began in India mainly after the Industrial Policy of July 1991. Under this policy the number of industries reserved for the public sector was reduced from 17 to 2 – Railways and Atomic Energy. Shares of several public sector enterprises have been sold to mutual funds, workers and the public.

Impact of Privatization on Indian Economy

The main reason for privatization in India has been the poor performance of public sector units which results in wastage of national resources and burden on common man.

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF PRIVATIZATION

Positive Effects

  • Expansion of market
  • Growth of independent money market
  • Free flow of resources
  • Advancements in technology
  • Equilibrium in balance of payments
  • Development of infrastructure
  • Higher living standards
  • International cooperation

Negative Effects

  • Cut-throat competition
  • Rise in monopoly
  • Increase in inequalities
  • Takeover of domestic firms
  • Removal of protection to domestic firms
  • Affect on national sovereignty

 

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material – Meaning of Liberalization

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material Chapter 4 Government Policies for Business – Meaning of Liberalization

India faced foreign exchange crises in 1990. Government of India adopted the policy of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization (LPG) to overcome the crisis. Government controls on business and industry have since then been dismantled gradually. The process further gained momentum in 2014. Since then rules and regulations have been simplified to increase the ease of doing business. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is the latest step in this process.

Meaning of Liberalization

Liberalization of an economy means removing or relaxing Government controls and restrictions on economic activities. It is the process of liberating the economy from unnecessary controls and restrictions on trade, industry, banking system, etc. of the country. It involves abolition of those policies, rules and regulations which impede economic development.

Liberalization in India – Trends and Issues

The process of economic liberalization in India began primarily in 1991. The economic reforms are being implemented in two stages, namely (i) First Generation Reforms, and (ii) Second Generation Reforms. The main trends of liberalization in India are as follows:

1. Infrastructural Reforms:

  • Opening up of oil exploration and petroleum to foreign investment.
  • Power sector reforms.
  • Private sector participation in infrastructure development.
  • Decontrol of steel.
  • Telecom sector reforms.

2. Industrial Reforms:

  • Delicensing of industry.
  • Public sector undertakings allowed access to capital market.
  • Simplification of licensing procedures.

3. Fiscal Reforms:

  • Reduction in customs duty.
  • Five year tax holiday to enterprises in specified sectors.
  • Downsizing of some departments.
  • Reduction in personal and corporate taxes.
  • Simplified tax administration.
  • Introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT).

4. Capital and Money Market Reforms:

  • Clearing Corporation of India set up.
  • Introduction of Negotiated Dealing System.
  • Floating rate Government bonds re-introduced.
  • Trading in index options, and stock futures introduced.

5. External Sector Reforms:

  • Removal of import restrictions.
  • Liberalised Exchange Rate Management System (LERMS)
  • Liberalisation of NRI remittances.
  • Encouraging foreign tie-ups.
  • Automatic approval of foreign investment and foreign technology agreements to specified extent.

6. Banking Sector Reforms:

  • Reduction in CRR and SLR.
  • Introduction of capital adequacy norms.
  • Setting up of Debt Recovery Tribunals.
  • Issue of guidelines for entry to new private banks.
  • Setting up of IRDA.

Impact of Liberalization of Indian Economy

Liberalization has considerably expanded the scope of private sector in India. Private enterprises can now enter most of the industries. The competitive strength and industrial efficiency have improved. Business opportunities have increased and many Indian companies have established subsidiaries and joint ventures abroad. Liberalisation has also boosted foreign investment in India. Thus, liberalisation has led to radical changes in India’s business environment.

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF LIBERALIZATION IN INDIA

Positive Effects

  • Increase in foreign investment
  • Decline in external debt
  • Rise in foreign exchange reserves
  • Increase in tax receipts
  • Increase in production
  • Technological advancement

Negative Effects

  • Decline in small scale sector
  • Increase in unemployment
  • Decrease in GDP rate

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material Chapter 3 Business Organizations – Test Questions

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material Chapter 3 Business Organizations – Test Questions

1. Who is the Chairman of Asian Paints Ltd. ?
(a) KBS Anand
(b) Ashwin Choksi
(c) Chimanlal Choksi
(d) Champaklal Choksey

2. Axis Bank was founded in:
(a) 1991
(b) 1992
(c) 1993
(d) 1994

3. Who is the Chief Executive of Axis Bank ?
(a) Sanjiv Misra
(b) Jairam Sridharam
(c) Chanda Cochar
(d) Shikha Sharma

4. Bajaj Auto was founded at
(a) Mumbai
(b) Kolkata
(c) Pune
(d) Bengaluru

5. Who is the Chairman of Bajaj Auto
(a) Sanjiv Bajaj
(b) Rajiv Bajaj
(c) Jamnalal Bajaj
(d) Rahul Bajaj

6. In which year Bharti Airtel was founded ?
(a) 1991
(b) 1992
(c) 1994
(d) 1995

7. Who is the Chairman of Bharti Airtel ?
(a) Deepak Mittal
(b) Navin Mittal
(c) Sunil Mittal
(d) Anil Mittal

8. Cipla operates in which industry
(a) Food
(b) Pharma
(c) Hotels
(d) All the above

9. Dr. Reddy’s laboratories was set up in
(a) 1980
(b) 1983
(c) 1984
(d) 1989

10. HDFC Bank was set up in
(a) 1991
(b) 1992
(c) 1993
(d) 1994

11. Which is India’s largest private sector hank
(a) Axis Bank
(b) SBI
(c) ICICI Bank
(d) HDFC Bank

12. Which company was formed by seven engineers with a capital of ? 10000
(a) Asian Paints
(b) Bharti Airtel
(c) Infosys
(d) None of the above

13. ITC was originally named as:
(a) Imperial Tobacco company
(b) Indian Tobacco company
(c) Indian Tea company
(d) None of the above

14. Larsen & Toubro Ltd. was founded by
(a) Indians
(b) Americans
(c) Danish
(d) Europeans

15. Reliance Industries Ltd. was founded by
(a) Anil Ambani
(b) Mukesh Ambani
(c) Akash Ambani
(d) Dhirubhai Ambani

16. State Bank of India was originally known as
(a) Centurion Bank
(b) United Bank of India
(c) Imperial Bank
(d) None of the Above

17. Which is the largest Commercial bank of India
(a) SBI
(b) ICICI Bank
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) Axis Bank

18. Which Company is the holding company of 100 independent companies of the Tata Group ?
(a) Tata Sons Ltd.
(b) TCS Ltd.
(c) Tata Steel Ltd.
(d) Tata Motors Ltd.

19. Which of the following are conglomerates
(a) Tata Sons Ltd.
(b) L&T Ltd.
(c) Reliance Industries Ltd.
(d) All of these

20. Which information technology company began as an edible oil firm
(a) Infosys
(b) Microsoft
(c) IBM
(d) Wipro

21. Wipro was founded in:
(a) 1948
(b) 1958
(c) 1945
(d) 1968

22. Which banking company is known worldwide for its credit cards
(a) Axis Bank
(b) ICICI Bank
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) American Express

23. Which company was set up in a garage
(a) Infosys
(b) HP
(c) Nestle
(d) Microsoft

24. Apple’s main business is
(a) Fruits
(b) Computers
(c) Retailing
(d) None of the above

25. IBM Corporation was founded in
(a) 1895
(b) 1911
(c) 1921
(d) 1931

26. Which global firm has an Indian as its chief executive
(a) HP
(b) IBM
(c) Microsoft
(d) None of the above

27. Good Food, Good Life is the Slogan of which company
(a) Walmart
(b) Britannia
(c) Parle
(d) Nestle

28. Which company is world’s largest retailer
(a) Shoppers Stop
(b) Smart
(c) Spencer
(d) Walmart

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material – An overview of Selected Global Companies

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material Chapter 3 Business Organizations – An overview of Selected Global Companies

1. AMERICAN EXPRESS

ca-foundation-business-commercial-knowledge-study-material-overview-selected-global-companies-1

  • Year of Incorporation : 1850
  • Head office : New York, USA
  • Chairman and CEO : Kenneth I. Chenault
  • Website : www.americanexpress.com

History : American express was founded in 1850 as an express mail business.
Philosophy : Vision : To be a leading provider of payment solutions worldwide.
Mission : To leverage our local and global expertise to be a leading provider of payment solutions by delivering high quality, innovative and world class products and services, while maintaining the highest standards of governance and ethics.
Business portfolio : American Express operates in both card and non-card segments.
Operations : American Express has 2300 offices in 175 countries across the world. It has several subsidiaries and employs over 56000 people. Its revenue in 2015-16 was US $ 32.119 billion. American Express set up its first office in India in 1921 at Kolkata. Since then it has become the leading banking and travel related services. It is considered a pioneer in’off-shoring processes to captive centres in India.
Developments : In 2016, American Express was ranked the 25th most valuable brand in the World. In 2017 it was ranked as the 17th most admired company worldwide.

2. APPLE

ca-foundation-business-commercial-knowledge-study-material-overview-selected-global-companies-2

  • Year of Incorporation : 1976
  • Head office : California, USA
  • Chief Executive : Tim Cook
  • Website : www.apple.com

History: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne founded Apple Computer Inc. in January 1977 to develop and sell personal computers. In January 2007 it was renamed as Apple Inc. to reflect its shifted focus towards consumer electronics.
Philosophy: Vision: To produce high quality, low cost, easy to use products that incorporate high technology for the individuals.
Mission: To bring the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through innovative hardware, software and internet offerings.
Business portfolio: Apple operates in Mac, iPad, iPhone, Watch, TV and Music segments. It operates the online Apple Store. Its iTunes store is the world’s largest online music retailer.
Operations: Apple is the world’s largest information technology multinational. It is the world’s second largest mobile phone manufacturer. It maintains 478 retail stores in 17 countries. It has more than 120,000 employees and its revenue in 2015-16 was US $ 215.369 billion.
Developments: In August 2014 Apple acquired Beats Electronics. It was ranked 8th among Forbes World’s Biggest Public Companies in 2016. It ranked 9th in Fortune 500 Global Companies same year.

3. HP

ca-foundation-business-commercial-knowledge-study-material-overview-selected-global-companies-3

  • Year of Incorporation : 1939
  • Head office : California, USA
  • Chairman : Dion Weisler
  • Chief Executive : Dion Weisler
  • Website : www.hp.com

History: William Redington Hewlett and David Packard founded HP in 1939 in a car garage in Palo Alto to produce electronic test equipment.
Philosophy: To create technology that makes life better for everyone, every where every person, every organization and every community around the globe.
Business portfolio: Major product lines of HP include personal computing devices, enterprise and industry services, related storage devices, networking products. Software, Printers imaging products. It sells to households as well as to-organizations.
Operations: HP is a global information technology company. It develops and sells a wide variety of hardware, software and related products.
Developments: In 2015 HP split its PC and printers business from enterprise products and services business. It resulted into two companies. HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

4. IBM CORPORATION

ca-foundation-business-commercial-knowledge-study-material-overview-selected-global-companies-4

  • Year of Incorporation : 1911
  • Head office : New York, USA
  • Chairman : Ginni Rometty
  • Chief Executive : Ginni Rometty
  • Website : www.ibm.com

History: On June 16, 1911 four Companies were amalgamated to form the Computing Tabulating Recording Company. It was renamed International Business Machines in 1924. Later on the name was changed as IBM corporation.
Philosophy: Vision: To be the first and foremost on any new enterprise data centre migration short-list.
Mission: To be the leader in innovation, development and manufacture of the industry’s most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software storage systems and micro-electronics.
Business portfolio: IBM operates in both products (analytics, cloud, commerce, Internet of things, security mobile, security, industry solutions, etc.,) and services business consulting, technology, financing, training etc.,/segments.
Operations: IBM is a global technology company with operations in more than 170 countries. It is a major research organization holding the record for most patents. It has more than 380000 employees and its revenue in 2015-16 was US $ 79.20 billion. It has a subsidiary IBM India Pvt. Ltd. in India since 1992.
Development: IBM acquired Lombard in 2009, Sanovi Technology in 2016 and Agile 3 Solutions and Ravy Technologies in 2017. It is ranked 82nd in Fortune 500 global companies.

5. MICROSOFT CORPORATION

ca-foundation-business-commercial-knowledge-study-material-overview-selected-global-companies-5

  • Year of Incorporation : 1911
  • Head office : Washington, USA
  • Chairman : John Thompson
  • Chief Executive : Satya Nadella
  • Website : www.microsoft.com

History: Paul Allen and Bill Gates founded Microsoft on April 4,1975. It entered OS business in 1980. It rose to dominate the personal computing with MS-DOS. Since 1990 it has diversified.
Philosophy: Vision: To help individuals and businesses realize their full potential.
Mission: To be a global organization by providing products/services of value for the target market.
Business portfolio: Software and services, devices and Xbox, business developers and IT, for students and educations are the major segments for which Microsoft has products.
Operations: Microsoft is a multinational technology company. It is best known for its software products like Windows, Office, Internet Explorers and Edge Web browsers. It is the largest software maker in the world. It has more than 115000 employees and its revenue in 2015-16 was US $ 85.32 billion. Microsoft Corporation of India was set up 1990. It has six major business units.
Developments: Microsoft acquired Skype Technologies in 2011, mobile hardware division of Nokia in 2014 and Linked in 2016.

6. NESTLE

ca-foundation-business-commercial-knowledge-study-material-overview-selected-global-companies-6

  • Year of Incorporation : 1866
  • Head office : Vevey, Switzerland
  • Chairman : Peter Brabeck Letmathe
  • Chief Executive : Mark Schneider
  • Website : www.nestle.com

History: Henri Nestle founded Angloswiss Condensed Milk Company in 1866. In 1879, it merged with milk chocolate inventor Daniel Peter. In 1905 the company was renamed Nestle. It entered India in 1923.
Philosophy: To provide consumers with the best tasting, most nutritious choices in a wide range of food and beverage categories and eating occasions from morning to night.
Business portfolio: Nestle has popular brands in bottled water, cereals, health, skincare, pet care, coffee, etc.
Operations: Nestle is a global food and drink company. It is the world’s largest food, nutrition, health and wellness company. It has 2000 plus brands across the globe. It operates 418 plants in 86 countries. Its products are available in 191 countries. It employs 3,35,000 people and its revenue was 89.8 billion Swiss Frank in 2015-16.
Developments: Nestle acquired San Pellegrino, Spillers Pet Foods, Ralston Purina, Chief America, Delta Ice cream, Hsu Fachi, Vitablo and Prometheus Laboratories. It ranked 66th in Fortune 500 and 33rd in Forbes 2000 companies in 2016. It has joint ventures with General Mills, Coca Cola Company, Lactalis and Colgat Palmolive.

7. WALMART

ca-foundation-business-commercial-knowledge-study-material-overview-selected-global-companies-7

  • Year of Incorporation : 1962
  • Head office : Arkansas, USA
  • Chairman : Greg Penner
  • Chief Executive : Dough Mcmillion
  • Website : www.walmartstores.com

History: Sam Walton founded Walmart in 1962. It was incorporated on October 31, 1969.
Philosophy: Vision: To be the best retailer in the hearts and minds of consumers and employees.
Mission: Saving people money so that they can live better, Tagline: Save money Live better.
Business portfolio: Walmart sells a wide range of products such as groceries, foods, fruits and vegetables, personal and house care, clothing’s, office supplies and general merchandise. It is organized into four divisions.
Operations: Walmart is a multinational that operates a chain of hyper markets, discount stores, grocery stores and online stores. It is world’s largest retailer. It has 11695 stores in 28 countries. It has more than 23,00,000 employees and its revenue was $ 485.87 billion in 2015-16. Walmart India has 21 stores which sell 5000 items in 9 States. It launched B2B e-commerce platform on July 1,2014.
Developments: Walmart acquired Moose Jaw and Bonobos, and jet.com. It is number 1 company in Fortune 500 list and was ranked 15th on Forbes Global list 2000.

CA Foundation Business and Commercial Knowledge Study Material Chapter 2 Business Environment – Test Questions

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material Chapter 2 Business Environment – Test Questions

CA Foundation Business and Commercial Knowledge Study Material Chapter 2 Business Environment – Test Questions

1. Which of the following is a characteristic of business environment?
(a) Aggregative
(b) Dynamic
(c) Uncertain
(d) All of them.

2. Which of the following is an element of micro environment:
(a) Customers
(b) Competitors
(c) Suppliers
(d) All of them.

3. Which of following relates to population?
(a) Demographic environment
(b) Social environment
(c) Cultural environment
(d) Natural environment

4. Understanding of environment enables a business enterprise to
(a) focus on customers
(b) gain the first mover advantage
(c) become aware of impending threat
(d) All of them.

5. Demonetization and GST are examples of changes in
(a) Political environment
(b) Social environment
(c) Technological environment
(d) Global environment

6. Merger of associate banks of SBI into SBI is an example of changes in
(a) Economic environment
(b) Technological environment
(c) Social environment
(d) Demographic environment

7. Tick (✓) the correct alternative.
Demographic trends are a part of:
(a) economic environment III
(b) social environment
(c) political environment
(d) legal environment

8. State whether the following statements are True or False:
Wait and watch is a response of least resistance.
Big and powerful firms adopt the response of gaining command over the environment.
Innovative approach requires no feedback system.
Adaptation response involves anticipation of changes in business environment.

9. State whether the following statements are true or false.
Privatisation and globalisation are components of economic liberalisation.
Pressures for structural adjustments are a reason for globalisation.
Denationalisation is a form of privatisation.
Closure of small scale firms is a positive effect of economic liberalisation.

10. Fill in the blanks:

  1. Business environment is the totality of …………… forces
  2. Different elements of business environment are ……………
  3. When business environment changes rapidly and suddenly …………… increases.
  4. Industrial policy, monetary policy and fiscal policy are elements of …………… environment of business.
  5. Business gets …………… from the environment and supplies …………… to the environment.

11. Match the items in column A with those in column B

ca-foundation-business-commercial-knowledge-study-material-meaning-and-elements-of-macro-environment-2

12. Age, family size, sex composition and other people related elements are part of
(a) political environment
(b) economic environment
(c) demographic environment
(d) natural environment.

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material – Meaning and Elements of Macro Environment

CA Foundation Business & Commercial Knowledge Study Material Chapter 2 Business Environment – Meaning and Elements of Macro Environment

Meaning and Elements of Macro Environment

Macro environment refers to the general environment or remote environment within which a business firm and forces in its micro environment operate. A company does not directly or regularly interact with the macro environment. Therefore, macro environment is also known as Indirect Action Environment. Forces in the macro environment, however, create opportunities for and pose threats to the company. The macro environment forces are less controllable than the micro forces. Therefore, success of an enterprise depends on its ability to adapt to the macro environment. For example, when there is a substantial increase in the cost of imported raw materials due to depreciation of the Rupee, production of such materials within the country may become necessary.

Macro environment consists of the following components:

  1. Demographic environment
  2. Political and legal environment
  3. Social and cultural environment
  4. Economic environment
  5. Technological environment
  6. Natural environment
  7. Global environment.

1. Demographic Environment: Demographic environment means various dimensions of country’s population. The demographic environment is important to business because people constitute the market for a business. Moreover, business management involves management of people and the efficiency of business depends largely on the competence and motivation of its people. Business firms often use demographic factors (e.g., age, sex, family size, occupation, family life cycle, education, social class, income distribution) as the basis of market segmentation. The demographic environment differs from country to country and from one place to another within a country. The demographic factors which have very significant implications for business are as follows:

  • Size and growth rate of population,
  • Age and sex composition of population,
  • Life expectancy,
  • Rate of employment,
  • Density of population,
  • Rural urban distribution,
  • Family size,
  • Ethnic composition,
  • Literacy levels, and
  • Income levels.

2. Economic Environment – The economic environment comprises all those economic forces which influence the functioning of business enterprises, e.g., the nature and structure of the economy, the stage of economic development, economic resources, the level of income, economic policies, distribution of income, etc. The main components of economic environment are as follows:

  • The nature of economic system-capitalist, socialist or mixed economy.
  • Economic structure-occupational distribution of labour force, structure of national output, capital formation, investment pattern, composition of trade, balance/imbalance between different sectors, five year plans.
  • Economic policies-industrial policy, export-import policy, monetary policy, fiscal policy, foreign investment and technology policy.
  • Organisation and development of the capital market-banking system, securities markets, etc.
  • Economic indices-gross national product, per capita income, rate of savings and investment, price level, balance of payments position, interest rates, etc.
  • Economic infrastructure and stage of development of the economy.
  • Product markets and factor markets-degree of competition, market size, etc.

3. Political and Legal Environment – Political environment comprises the elements relating to Government affairs. It serves as the regulatory framework of business. The main constituents of a country’s political and legal environment are as follows:

  • The constitution of the country.
  • Political organisation-organisation and philosophy of political parties, ideology of the Government, nature and extent of bureaucracy, influence of primary groups, business donations to political parties, political consciousness, etc.
  • Political stability-structure of military and police force, election system, law and order situation, President’s Rule, foreign infiltrations, secessionist activities, etc.
  • Image of the country and its leaders.
  • Foreign policy-alignment or non-alignment, relations with neighbouring countries.
  • Defence and military policy.
  • Laws governing business, and legal system.
  • Flexibility and adaptability of laws-constitutional amendments and direction of public policies.
  • The judicial system-implementation and effectiveness of laws.

4. Social and Cultural Environment – Social environment refers to the characteristics of the society in which a business firm exists. Social and cultural environment consists of the following:

  • Social institutions and groups.
  • Caste structure and family organisation.
  • Educational system and literacy rates.
  • Customs, attitudes, beliefs, values and life styles.
  • Tastes, preferences of people, and their buying behaviour.
  • Religions, etc.

Family, marriage, education, religion, attitudes to work and wealth and ethics are some examples of socio-cultural factors.

ca-foundation-business-commercial-knowledge-study-material-meaning-and-elements-of-macro-environment-1
Fig: Elements of Macro Environment

5. Technological and Physical Environment – The main elements of technological and physical environment are the following:

  • Sources and types of technology.
  • Rate of technological change.
  • Approaches to production of goods and services.
  • New processes and equipment.
  • Research and Development (R&D) systems.

6. Natural Environment – The main natural forces are as follows:

  • Climatic and geographical conditions.
  • Agricultural, commercial and other natural resources.
  • Ecological system.
  • Levels of pollution.

7. Global Environment – International agencies (World Bank, IMF, WTO, EEC, etc.), international conventions, treaties and agreements, economic and business conditions in other countries, etc. Certain developments such as a hike in the crude oil price have global impact. Developments in information and communication technologies facilitate rapid spread of culture across countries. Economic conditions abroad affect Indian firms. For example, exports increase when markets expand abroad. International political factors can also affect business. For example, improvements in relations between India and Pakistan has led to higher trade between the two countries. WTO regulations have far reaching impact on business in India. Import and investment liberalisation by WTO has led to greater competition in India. The main determinants of international environment are as follows:

  • The state of the world economy and distribution of world output.
  • International economic cooperation.
  • International market structure and competition.
  • Barriers to international trade and investment.
  • National economic policies of different countries.
  • Role of multilateral economic institutions.
  • International economic laws, treaties, agreements, codes and practices.
  • Political system and conditions in different countries.
  • Cultural factors in different countries.
  • Growth and transfer of technology.
  • Growth and spread of multinationals.