Academy / Glossary-V-Z / Article

Z

Eric Fung Admin

Zero Balance Account (ZBA)

A Zero Balance Account (ZBA) is a type of business bank account that maintains a zero balance. Funds are automatically transferred to and from a master account to cover daily transactions, optimizing cash management.

For example, a company might use a ZBA to streamline its cash flow, transferring funds from a central account to cover payments as needed.

Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB)

Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) is a budgeting approach where all expenses must be justified for each new period, starting from a “zero base.” It requires managers to build their budgets from scratch, rather than adjusting previous budgets.

For example, a department head might need to justify every line item in their budget, ensuring no automatic carryover of past expenses.

Zero-Based Financing

Zero-Based Financing is a method where funding decisions start from zero, requiring justification for all expenditures before allocating funds. It ensures that only essential and justified projects receive funding.

For example, a company implementing zero-based financing would evaluate all proposed projects on their merit, starting from a zero base to allocate funds appropriately.

Zero-Based Marketing

Zero-Based Marketing is a strategy where marketing activities and budgets are evaluated from scratch each period, rather than based on previous spending. It ensures that all marketing efforts are aligned with current goals and market conditions.

For example, a marketing team might start with a zero base each quarter, justifying every campaign and expense based on its potential ROI.

Zero-Cost Collar

A Zero-Cost Collar is an options strategy that involves holding a long position in a stock while simultaneously selling a call option and buying a put option to protect against significant losses. The premiums offset each other, resulting in no net cost.

For example, an investor might use a zero-cost collar to protect their gains in a volatile stock without incurring additional costs.

Zero Coupon Bond

A Zero Coupon Bond is a type of bond that does not pay periodic interest. Instead, it is issued at a discount to its face value and pays the full face value at maturity. The difference between the purchase price and the face value represents the investor’s return.

For example, an investor might buy a zero-coupon bond for $800, and at maturity, receive $1,000, realizing a $200 profit.

Zero Defects

Zero Defects is a quality management philosophy that aims to reduce and eliminate defects in products and processes. It emphasizes doing things right the first time and continuous improvement.

For example, a manufacturing company might implement a zero defects program to ensure all products meet strict quality standards, reducing waste and rework.

Zero Emission

Zero Emission refers to processes or products that produce no direct emissions of pollutants or greenhouse gases. It is often associated with renewable energy sources and sustainable practices.

For example, electric vehicles are considered zero-emission vehicles because they do not produce exhaust emissions.

Zero Floor Pricing

Zero Floor Pricing is a pricing strategy where the price of a product or service is set to cover all variable costs, ensuring that the business does not incur a loss on sales. It is often used during competitive pricing situations.

For example, a retailer might use zero floor pricing during a clearance sale to ensure that all products are sold at prices that at least cover their costs.

Zero-Growth Strategy

Zero-Growth Strategy is a business approach that focuses on maintaining current levels of output and market share, without seeking significant expansion. It can be used in mature industries where growth opportunities are limited.

For example, a company in a saturated market might adopt a zero-growth strategy to focus on efficiency and profitability rather than expansion.

Zero Hedge Fund

A Zero Hedge Fund is a type of hedge fund that aims to have zero net exposure to market movements by balancing long and short positions. It seeks to generate returns regardless of market conditions.

For example, a zero hedge fund might hold equal amounts of long and short positions in different stocks to minimize the impact of market fluctuations.

Zero Interest Financing

Zero Interest Financing is a financing option where the borrower does not have to pay any interest on the borrowed amount. It is often used as a promotional tool by retailers and lenders.

For example, a car dealership might offer zero interest financing to attract buyers, allowing them to finance a vehicle without paying interest.

Zero Inventory

Zero Inventory is a supply chain management strategy that aims to minimize inventory levels by aligning production closely with demand. It reduces storage costs and increases efficiency.

For example, a just-in-time manufacturing system might implement zero inventory principles to ensure that parts are delivered exactly when needed for production.

Zero Liability

Zero Liability is a policy that protects consumers from being held responsible for unauthorized transactions on their accounts. It is commonly offered by credit card companies and financial institutions.

For example, a credit cardholder with zero liability protection would not be responsible for fraudulent charges made on their card.

Zero Liability Protection

Zero Liability Protection is a feature that ensures consumers are not held responsible for unauthorized transactions on their financial accounts. It provides peace of mind and security for account holders.

For example, a bank might offer zero liability protection to its customers, ensuring they are not liable for unauthorized withdrawals or purchases.

Zero Lot Line

Zero Lot Line is a term used in real estate to describe a property that is built right up to the edge of the lot, with no setback from the property boundary. It maximizes the use of available land.

For example, an urban townhouse might be constructed with a zero lot line to fully utilize the small lot size.

Zero Margin

Zero Margin refers to a situation where the selling price of a product is equal to its cost, resulting in no profit. It is often used as a pricing strategy to attract customers or during competitive situations.

For example, a retailer might sell certain products at zero margin to draw in customers and increase overall sales volume.

Zero Overhead

Zero Overhead is a business model that aims to minimize or eliminate indirect costs associated with operations. It focuses on lean practices and maximizing efficiency.

For example, a virtual company with no physical office space and minimal administrative staff might operate with zero overhead.

Zero Revenue

Zero Revenue refers to a situation where a company or project generates no income. It can occur during the startup phase, in non-profit ventures, or when a business is temporarily shut down.

For example, a new startup might experience zero revenue during its initial development phase before launching its product.

Zero Risk Investment

Zero Risk Investment is an investment that theoretically carries no risk of financial loss. It typically includes government-backed securities or insured deposits.

For example, U.S. Treasury bonds are often considered zero risk investments because they are backed by the federal government.

Zero-Sum Game

A Zero-Sum Game is a situation in which one participant’s gain is exactly balanced by another participant’s loss. It is often used in game theory and economic contexts.

For example, in a poker game, the total amount of money won by some players is equal to the total amount lost by others, making it a zero-sum game.

Zero Tolerance Policy

A Zero Tolerance Policy is a strict enforcement policy that imposes severe penalties for specific offenses without exception. It is often used in workplaces, schools, and law enforcement.

For example, a company might implement a zero tolerance policy for workplace harassment, resulting in immediate termination for any violations.

Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP)

Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) refers to the system of postal codes used by the United States Postal Service to ensure efficient mail delivery. ZIP codes help to identify specific geographic regions.

For example, the ZIP code 90210 identifies a specific area in Beverly Hills, California, for mail delivery purposes.

Zoning Compliance

Zoning Compliance refers to adherence to local zoning laws and regulations that dictate land use, building types, and other property-related standards. It ensures that developments are in line with municipal planning.

For example, a developer must ensure zoning compliance before constructing a new residential building in a commercial zone.

Zoning Laws

Zoning Laws are regulations set by local governments that dictate how land can be used within certain areas. They control the types of buildings allowed, their purposes, and their densities.

For example, zoning laws might restrict an area to residential use only, prohibiting commercial or industrial developments.

Zoning Regulations

Zoning Regulations are specific rules within zoning laws that govern land use and development. They include guidelines on building heights, setbacks, density, and permissible activities.

For example, a city’s zoning regulations might specify the maximum height for buildings in a downtown area to maintain a certain aesthetic and scale.

Zero Capital Gains

Zero Capital Gains refers to investments that are structured to avoid or minimize capital gains tax. This can be achieved through specific financial instruments or strategies.

For example, certain municipal bonds might offer zero capital gains tax to attract investors seeking tax-efficient investments.

Zero Hedge Fund

A Zero Hedge Fund is a type of hedge fund that aims to have zero net exposure to market movements by balancing long and short positions. It seeks to generate returns regardless of market conditions.

For example, a zero hedge fund might hold equal amounts of long and short positions in different stocks to minimize the impact of market fluctuations.

Zero Interest Financing

Zero Interest Financing is a financing option where the borrower does not have to pay any interest on the borrowed amount. It is often used as a promotional tool by retailers and lenders.

For example, a car dealership might offer zero interest financing to attract buyers, allowing them to finance a vehicle without paying interest.

Zero Inventory

Zero Inventory is a supply chain management strategy that aims to minimize inventory levels by aligning production closely with demand. It reduces storage costs and increases efficiency.

For example, a just-in-time manufacturing system might implement zero inventory principles to ensure that parts are delivered exactly when needed for production.

Zero Liability

Zero Liability is a policy that protects consumers from being held responsible for unauthorized transactions on their accounts. It is commonly offered by credit card companies and financial institutions.

For example, a credit cardholder with zero liability protection would not be responsible for fraudulent charges made on their card.

Zero Liability Protection

Zero Liability Protection is a feature that ensures consumers are not held responsible for unauthorized transactions on their financial accounts. It provides peace of mind and security for account holders.

For example, a bank might offer zero liability protection to its customers, ensuring they are not liable for unauthorized withdrawals or purchases.

Zero Lot Line

Zero Lot Line is a term used in real estate to describe a property that is built right up to the edge of the lot, with no setback from the property boundary. It maximizes the use of available land.

For example, an urban townhouse might be constructed with a zero lot line to fully utilize the small lot size.

Zero Margin

Zero Margin refers to a situation where the selling price of a product is equal to its cost, resulting in no profit. It is often used as a pricing strategy to attract customers or during competitive situations.

For example, a retailer might sell certain products at zero margin to draw in customers and increase overall sales volume.

Zero Overhead

Zero Overhead is a business model that aims to minimize or eliminate indirect costs associated with operations. It focuses on lean practices and maximizing efficiency.

For example, a virtual company with no physical office space and minimal administrative staff might operate with zero overhead.

Zero Revenue

Zero Revenue refers to a situation where a company or project generates no income. It can occur during the startup phase, in non-profit ventures, or when a business is temporarily shut down.

For example, a new startup might experience zero revenue during its initial development phase before launching its product.

Zero Risk Investment

Zero Risk Investment is an investment that theoretically carries no risk of financial loss. It typically includes government-backed securities or insured deposits.

For example, U.S. Treasury bonds are often considered zero risk investments because they are backed by the federal government.

Zero-Sum Game

A Zero-Sum Game is a situation in which one participant’s gain is exactly balanced by another participant’s loss. It is often used in game theory and economic contexts.

For example, in a poker game, the total amount of money won by some players is equal to the total amount lost by others, making it a zero-sum game.

Zero Tolerance Policy

A Zero Tolerance Policy is a strict enforcement policy that imposes severe penalties for specific offenses without exception. It is often used in workplaces, schools, and law enforcement.

For example, a company might implement a zero tolerance policy for workplace harassment, resulting in immediate termination for any violations.