JAMB UTME - Commerce - 2018

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The arrangement by independent firms to share the market of their products on a quota basis is called a cartel. In a cartel, companies come together and agree to limit the amount of their product that they sell, in order to reduce competition and maintain higher prices. For example, imagine there are three companies that make the same product. Normally, they would compete with each other by trying to offer the best price or quality. But if they form a cartel, they would agree to limit the amount of their product that they sell, and each company would be assigned a specific quota. This would reduce competition and allow them to charge higher prices because there would be less supply in the market. Cartels are usually illegal because they violate antitrust laws that prohibit companies from colluding to artificially control prices or limit competition. However, some cartels may operate legally in certain countries or industries with government approval.

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The internet is a system of telecommunication that allows people and devices to communicate and exchange information over long distances through digital networks. It enables us to send and receive a wide range of media, such as text, images, and videos, through various applications like email, social media, and messaging platforms. In other words, the internet is a massive global network of computers that are connected to each other and exchange information through standard protocols, allowing us to communicate with each other in real-time, regardless of our physical locations.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Consumer sovereignty means that the power is in the hands of the consumers, and that the market is driven by their wants and needs. This means that companies and producers must take into account what consumers want and need in order to be successful. Consumers have the final say in what is produced and what is not by choosing what to buy and what not to buy. This does not mean that consumers are always right or always independent, but it does mean that their choices and decisions play a major role in shaping the market.

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The direct authority of a superior over his subordinate is known as "line authority". In an organizational hierarchy, line authority refers to the chain of command that flows downward from the top level of management to the lowest levels of the organization. This means that every employee in the organization reports to a superior who is responsible for directing their work and ensuring that it is aligned with the organization's goals. Line authority is important because it helps to establish a clear structure of responsibility and accountability within the organization. It ensures that everyone understands their role and the roles of those above and below them in the organizational hierarchy. This, in turn, helps to improve communication, decision-making, and overall organizational efficiency. By contrast, staff authority refers to a type of authority that supports and advises those with line authority but does not have direct control over subordinates. Lateral authority refers to authority that is held by individuals who are at the same level in the organizational hierarchy and is used to coordinate efforts and resolve conflicts between different departments or teams. Finally, line and staff authority is a combination of both line and staff authority, where staff members advise line managers on important decisions.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

The form of money that has gone out of use is commodity money. Commodity money is a type of currency that is made of a physical commodity with intrinsic value, such as gold, silver, or salt. In the past, people would use these commodities as a medium of exchange because they were valuable in and of themselves. However, as economies grew and became more complex, commodity money became impractical and inconvenient for day-to-day transactions. In its place, bank money and paper money emerged as more convenient forms of currency that are easier to handle and transact with. Today, most countries use fiat money, which is not backed by a physical commodity but by the government's guarantee of its value.

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The two main categories under which marine losses fall into are: Total loss and partial loss. A total loss occurs when a ship or cargo is completely destroyed, damaged beyond repair, or lost at sea. In this case, the insurer pays out the full insured value of the ship or cargo. A partial loss occurs when a ship or cargo is damaged but can still be repaired or salvaged. In this case, the insurer pays only for the cost of repair or the decrease in value of the damaged item.

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The principle of insurance that I would like to explain is "proximate cause." Proximate cause is a fundamental principle of insurance that states that for a loss to be covered by insurance, it must be caused by an event that is covered by the insurance policy. In other words, the cause of the loss must be directly related to a specific peril or risk that is covered by the insurance policy. For example, if you have a car insurance policy that covers damage caused by collisions, and your car is damaged in a collision with another vehicle, the proximate cause of the damage is the collision, and the loss should be covered by your insurance policy. On the other hand, if your car is damaged by a hailstorm, which is not covered by your collision insurance, the proximate cause of the damage is the hailstorm, and the loss may not be covered by your insurance policy. In summary, the principle of proximate cause is essential to ensure that insurance policies cover only the specific risks and perils that they are designed to cover, and not unrelated losses.

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The element of marketing mix involved in the scenario you described is "place." This is because the vendor is focused on the distribution and delivery of the newspapers to the intended audience, which involves choosing the right locations and routes to reach the maximum number of customers. In marketing, "place" refers to the distribution channels and methods used to get a product or service to the customers who need it. In this case, the vendor is delivering newspapers directly to people's homes and across the streets, which is a specific distribution strategy designed to make the product easily accessible to potential buyers. The vendor may choose certain locations based on factors such as population density, customer demand, and accessibility. While other elements of the marketing mix, such as the product (newspapers), price, and promotion, may also play a role in this scenario, the primary focus is on getting the product to the customer's doorstep, which falls under the "place" element of the marketing mix.

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One of the disadvantages of rail transport is that it is not as flexible as other modes of transportation, such as road and air transport. This means that rail transport is limited in terms of the routes it can take and the places it can go to. It is also difficult to make changes to the rail network or to adjust rail schedules, which can make it less convenient for some types of shipments. Additionally, because rail transport is limited to a specific set of tracks, it is not as easy to reach remote or less accessible areas as it is with other modes of transportation.

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Services which are of absolute monopoly can best be provided by public enterprises. When a service is an absolute monopoly, it means that only one entity can provide that service due to various factors such as high barriers to entry, legal regulations, or exclusive ownership of resources. In such cases, private companies may not be able to enter the market and compete effectively, as they may lack the necessary resources or expertise to provide the service. On the other hand, public enterprises are owned and operated by the government, which can help ensure that the service is provided fairly and efficiently. Public enterprises can also prioritize the needs of the public over profit maximization, which can be especially important for services that are essential to the well-being of citizens. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of public enterprises can vary depending on the specific context and the quality of governance. In some cases, private companies or other forms of ownership may be better suited to provide certain services, especially if there is competition and proper regulation in place to prevent abuses of power.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

The three components of staffing are recruitment, selection, and placement. Recruitment involves the process of identifying and attracting qualified individuals to apply for a job vacancy. This can be done through advertising, job fairs, and networking. The goal is to create a pool of potential candidates. Selection involves the process of evaluating the pool of candidates and determining which ones have the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience to perform the job. This can involve various methods such as interviews, tests, and reference checks. Placement involves the process of assigning the selected candidate to the job for which they were hired. This can involve orientation and training to ensure that the candidate is equipped to perform the job successfully. The goal is to ensure that the candidate is a good fit for the organization and can contribute to its success. Overall, these three components are critical for ensuring that an organization has the right people in the right positions to achieve its goals.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The term used to describe taking a new product to a particular part of the country to test the reaction of consumers to the product is Sampling. Sampling involves offering a limited number of products to potential customers for free or at a reduced price, in order to gauge their interest and get feedback on the product. This allows companies to test their products in a particular market before committing to a full-scale launch. Sales promotion refers to short-term incentives that encourage customers to make a purchase, such as discounts or special offers. Merchandising refers to the process of displaying and promoting products in a retail store or other sales environment. Advertising refers to the use of various media, such as television, radio, print, and online, to promote a product or service to a large audience.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

A merchant wholesaler is a person or a company that buys goods in large quantities from manufacturers and sells them in smaller quantities to retailers or other businesses. They act as intermediaries between the manufacturers and retailers, helping to bridge the gap between the two. Out of the options given, a merchant wholesaler is not a del-credere agent, a broker, or a factor. A del-credere agent is a type of agent who guarantees payment to the seller in case the buyer defaults. A broker is a person or a firm that arranges transactions between buyers and sellers, but they do not take ownership of the goods themselves. A factor is a person or a company that buys accounts receivable from businesses at a discount and then collects the full amount owed by the customers. A rack jobber, on the other hand, is a type of merchant wholesaler who specializes in managing and merchandising inventory for retailers. They typically provide display racks, restock merchandise, and maintain inventory levels at retail locations. Rack jobbers usually earn a commission on the sales made by the retailer, and they are responsible for managing the inventory risk. In summary, a merchant wholesaler is a type of intermediary who buys goods in large quantities from manufacturers and sells them in smaller quantities to retailers or other businesses, while a rack jobber is a specific type of merchant wholesaler who specializes in managing and merchandising inventory for retailers.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

Sudden technological changes can have the effect of making a company's product obsolete because newer technologies often provide better and more efficient solutions. As a result, companies that fail to adapt to these changes risk losing their market share and becoming irrelevant. Moreover, sudden technological changes can also make a company's management style ineffective, especially if the new technology requires a different approach to managing employees or implementing processes. Similarly, the control mechanism may become difficult to implement if the new technology requires new tools or software that are not compatible with the existing infrastructure. Lastly, sudden technological changes may make it difficult to monitor the motivational factors in the company. For instance, employees may become demotivated if they feel that their skills are no longer relevant or that they cannot keep up with the pace of technological advancement. This can lead to a decline in productivity and morale, which can ultimately affect the company's bottom line.

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The person who undertakes any risk in insurance business is known as an underwriter. An underwriter is responsible for evaluating the risk associated with insuring a particular person, asset or event, and determining the appropriate premium to charge for that risk. They assess a variety of factors such as the likelihood of a claim being made, the potential cost of that claim, and the insurer's ability to cover the cost. Based on this analysis, the underwriter decides whether or not to accept the risk and issue an insurance policy, and at what price. In other words, an underwriter is like a risk manager for an insurance company. They are responsible for ensuring that the company only takes on risks that it can handle, and that the premiums charged are sufficient to cover any potential losses. Without underwriters, insurance companies would not be able to accurately assess risk, and may be more likely to experience financial difficulties or even failure.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

A group of companies is a collection of firms that are related to each other in some way, usually through ownership or control. This can include a holding company and its subsidiaries, as well as associates and their holding company. The companies within a group often have common goals and may work together to achieve them. By grouping together, companies can share resources, expertise, and expenses, which can lead to efficiencies and cost savings. Additionally, a group of companies may have a stronger market position than any of its individual members, which can be advantageous in a competitive industry.

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A debenture holder is entitled to receive interest on the amount of money they have lent to the company by purchasing a debenture. The interest rate and payment schedule will be set out in the debenture agreement. Unlike shareholders, debenture holders do not have an ownership stake in the company, so they are not entitled to receive dividends, commissions, or a share of the profits. Their return on investment is limited to the interest payments specified in the debenture agreement, and they have no say in the management of the company.

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As a sole proprietor, one of the major problems you may face is sourcing for funds. This is because you are the sole owner of your business and responsible for all its financial obligations. You have to provide the initial capital to start the business and also fund all its operations and expenses. This can be a challenge if you don't have enough personal savings or can't access external sources of funding like loans, grants or investors. Sourcing for labour, raw materials, and machineries can also be challenging, but these problems can be managed through effective planning and organization. For example, you can hire employees on a contract basis or outsource some tasks to freelancers or specialized service providers to reduce labour costs. You can also negotiate with suppliers for better prices, establish good relationships with them, and explore alternative sources of raw materials and machineries to ensure a steady supply at a reasonable cost. However, sourcing for funds can be a more difficult challenge as it determines the viability and growth of your business. Without enough funds, you may not be able to cover your expenses, pay your bills, or invest in new opportunities that can help your business expand. Therefore, it's important to have a solid financial plan and explore all available funding options to ensure the sustainability and success of your business as a sole proprietor.

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The current asset in this list is "stock". Current assets are assets that are expected to be converted into cash within one year or one operating cycle, whichever is longer. Stock, also known as inventory, is a current asset because it represents goods that a company has on hand and expects to sell within one year. Fittings, machineries, and motor vehicles are not current assets because they are long-term assets that a company expects to use for more than one year in its operations. Fittings refer to equipment used in a business, such as furniture and fixtures, that are not expected to be sold as part of the company's regular operations. Machineries and motor vehicles are fixed assets used in production or for transportation, respectively.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

A counter offer operates as a rejection. In the law of contract, a counter offer is a response to an original offer that changes the terms of the agreement. It acts as a rejection of the original offer and a new offer from the person making the counter offer. Until the new offer is accepted, there is no contract. So, if you receive a counter offer, it means that the person you made the original offer to is not accepting it as it is, but instead, they are proposing new terms for the agreement.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

The insurance principle that requires full disclosure of information on the insured is known as "uberrimae Fidel". This Latin term can be translated to "utmost good faith", and it means that both the insurance company and the insured have a duty to be honest and transparent with each other. When applying for insurance, the insured must disclose all relevant information about their situation, such as any pre-existing medical conditions or risky activities they engage in. This helps the insurance company to accurately assess the risk of insuring that individual and set the appropriate premium. In turn, the insurance company has a duty to be honest about the coverage they provide and any exclusions or limitations in the policy. This principle of utmost good faith ensures that the relationship between the insured and the insurer is based on trust and fairness.

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The Central Bank monetary policy instrument by which it buys and sells securities is called "Open market operation". Open market operation refers to the process by which the Central Bank of a country buys or sells government securities in the open market, i.e., from banks, financial institutions, or the general public. When the Central Bank buys securities, it injects money into the economy, which increases the money supply and reduces the interest rates. This is because the banks will have more money to lend out to individuals and businesses, and they will do so at a lower interest rate. On the other hand, when the Central Bank sells securities, it reduces the money supply in the economy, which increases the interest rates. This is because the banks will have less money to lend out, and they will do so at a higher interest rate to maintain their profit margins. In summary, open market operations are an important tool for the Central Bank to manage the money supply in the economy and influence the interest rates.

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Partnership can increase their capital through the admission of new partners and the sales of shares. When a new partner joins the partnership, they bring in additional capital, which increases the overall capital of the partnership. Similarly, when shares in the partnership are sold, it generates additional capital which also increases the total capital of the partnership. Discharging a mortgage or receiving grants from relatives may not directly increase the capital of the partnership, but they can improve the financial position of the partnership and make it easier for the partnership to raise capital in other ways.

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When a company needs to be liquidated, the first step is to appoint a liquidator. A liquidator is a professional who is responsible for managing the process of closing down the company, selling its assets, and distributing the proceeds to the creditors and shareholders. The liquidator's primary goal is to ensure that the assets of the company are sold for the best possible price, and that the proceeds are distributed fairly among the company's creditors and shareholders. The liquidator is typically appointed by the court, although in some cases, the company's directors or shareholders may appoint a liquidator voluntarily. Once appointed, the liquidator takes over the management of the company and has the power to sell its assets, settle its debts, and distribute any remaining funds to the shareholders. In summary, when a company needs to be liquidated, the first step is to appoint a liquidator who will manage the process of selling its assets and distributing the proceeds to its creditors and shareholders.

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The act of selling in a foreign market at a price lower than the cost price is called "dumping". This means that a company is selling its products in another country at a price that is below the cost of production, or below the price that it charges in its home market. Dumping is often used as a strategy by companies to gain a foothold in a new market or to increase their market share. However, it can be harmful to the local businesses in the foreign market because they may not be able to compete with the low prices of the dumped products. In some cases, dumping can also be illegal under international trade laws. To summarize, dumping is the act of selling products in a foreign market at a price that is lower than the cost of production, which can harm local businesses and may be illegal under international trade laws.

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One of the obstacles to achieving the objectives of ECOWAS is the issue of language differences. ECOWAS, which stands for the Economic Community of West African States, is a regional economic organization made up of fifteen West African countries. Its primary goal is to promote economic cooperation and integration among member states, with the aim of creating a unified economic market in the region. However, one major obstacle to achieving this goal is the language differences among member states. West Africa is a linguistically diverse region, with over 2,000 different languages spoken. English, French, and Portuguese are the three official languages of ECOWAS, but many other languages are also spoken in the region. This diversity in languages creates communication challenges for member states, which can make it difficult to coordinate and implement policies and initiatives. It also makes it harder to build a shared regional identity and culture, which is a key component of creating a unified economic market. In conclusion, language differences are an obstacle to achieving the objectives of ECOWAS, as they can hinder communication, coordination, and the development of a shared regional identity.

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Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Extractive industries, also known as primary industries, are industries that are involved in the extraction and production of raw materials, such as oil, gas, minerals, and other natural resources. These industries are called "primary" because they are involved in the first step of the production process and provide the raw materials that are used to create other products. The products produced by extractive industries are often called "commodities" because they are typically sold on global markets and their prices are determined by supply and demand. In contrast, indirect industries are involved in the production of goods and services that are not directly related to the extraction of raw materials. For example, the manufacturing of consumer goods, such as cars or electronics, is an indirect industry because it relies on raw materials that have been extracted and processed by primary industries. Service industries, such as finance, education, or healthcare, are also considered indirect industries because they provide services rather than physical products.

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When a public limited liability company is liquidated, its assets are sold to pay off its debts and obligations. Any money remaining after all the debts have been paid is called the residual value or the residual assets. The residual owners of a company are the owners who are entitled to this residual value. In a liquidation scenario, the residual owners of a company are the ordinary shareholders. They are the last in line to receive any payment, after the creditors, debenture shareholders, and preference shareholders have been paid. Ordinary shareholders are considered residual owners because they are the owners who have invested in the company's equity, and they only receive payment after all other obligations have been fulfilled. To put it simply, when a public limited liability company is liquidated, the residual owners who are entitled to any money left over after all debts and obligations have been paid are the ordinary shareholders.