Glossary

AAT
Accountancy Audit Technician
Analyse
Perform investigation, study or explore problems
Asphalt
Name used for surfacing product made from a mixture of Bitmac and other minerals. It is used to surface our roads, pavements and driveways
Appraisal
An assessment of someone's skills and performance in their job/workplace
Bargeboard
A piece of timber fitted to the outer edge of a gable, sometimes carved for decorative effect
Bitmac
Bitmac is the shortened name for "Bitumen Macadam" used by the trade. This is made when aggregates and bitumen are mixed
BPR
Building Products and Refractories
BTEC
The Business & Technology Education Council- awarding body that develops a range of work related Certificates and Diplomas
Budgets
Business spending plans
CIMA
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants - one of the oldest professional organizations devoted to financial management and cost accounting
CIPD
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development - UK organisation providing courses and support for training and staff development
COSHH
(Control of Substances Hazardous to Health ) The CIEH "Principles of COSHH" Certificate is a stand-alone level 1 qualification, which complements the CIEH Health and Safety programme
CV
Curriculum Vitae - name used by businesses for information sheet provided by employees and interviewees, showing their previous work experience and qualifications
Dynamic
Forward thinking, energetic and able to react quickly to market changes and customer demands
Fireclay
Used in the manufacture of products that come into contact with heat. Examples include chimney pots, fire bricks and flue liners. Fireclay is a one of the many resources we extract from the ground
HNC
(Higher National Certificate) Qualification taught in colleges and Universities
HND
(Higher National Diploma) Qualification taught in colleges and Universities
Kaolin
Clay mineral used in the production of paper, it is also added to toothpaste, face cream and lip balm it is also used in ceramic tiles and refractories and as a filler or coating for textiles
ILM
Institute of Leadership and Management - organisation that provides management training and qualifications
Innovate / Innovative
Inventive - able to create new products and drive change
Intranet
Business computer system that is used by all the employees within a company to communicate information efficiently, often used to support training
ISO
International Organisation for Standardisation - this is a non government body who set business standards that often become law and are valued across the world
NCFE
NCFE is a professional body that co-ordinates further education provision. They provide awards and certificates accredited by the QCA
NEBOSH
(National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) - Raising standards of occupational health, safety and environmental management by creating certificates and other relevant awards
Pantile
Clay roofing tile with an "S"-shaped profile
Pre-cast concrete products
Products such as concrete stairs that are manufactured at a concrete plant and then delivered ready to be used by the construction industry
QCA
‘Qualifications and Curriculum Authority' this body lead developments in curriculum, assessments, examinations and qualifications
Refractory/Refractories
The term refractory refers to the quality of a material to retain its strength at high temperatures. Refractory materials are used to make crucibles and linings for furnaces, kilns and incinerators
Restructure
Major changes in the organisation of a company, can involve changing the management and/or the share ownership structure of the company
Resources
Staff /Tools and Equipment/Premises/Machinery/Money/Time are all examples of the "resources" used in business
Slate
Slate is a fine-grained rock, once extracted its uses include the manufacture of long lasting roof slates and paving stones
Strategy
Plan created by managers to help a business achieve its targets and goals
Vocational qualification
Work related qualification that provides "hands on" experience of processes and procedures. E.g. N/SVQ