External Risks
There may be factors outside the business which may bring risks. These factors or causes are generally beyond the control of the management.
I. Natural Calamities:
There may be natural calamities like earthquake, storm, floods etc. These causes cannot be precisely predicted and a business is always exposed to such risks.
II. Competition:
A business may suffer due to competition from other business undertakings. Some concerns might have introduced better methods of production and are able to reduce costs of production. The business will suffer if prices are reduced due to competition and in case the prices are kept the same, then goods will not be sold in the market because the customer will prefer to buy cheap goods.
III. Price Fluctuations:
The price fluctuations may adversely affect cost of materials, cost of materials, costs of other inputs, budget forecasts etc. Price fluctuations are generally influenced by the factors which are not in the hand of the businessman but he has to bear the risks arising out of such causes.
IV. Change in Demand:
There may be a change in demand for the products. Consumer tastes may change, new fashions may come in, likings or disliking for certain goods may cause a change in demand. A sudden change in demand may create a problem for disposing of the stocks. New methods of productions may be required to cope with the changing situation. This will cause unnecessary financial burden on the business.
V. Government Policy:
Risks may arise due to change in government policies. The rates of taxes may be increased, changes in imports and exports regulations may cause additional burden, some restrictions may be imposed on stocking of certain items, the production of certain goods may be taken by the government itself etc. The changes in policies may not only cause losses but may compel the business, in certain cases, to close down its production. So the causes mentioned above create uncertainties and bring risks to the business.