The spelling of the word "business rules" is composed of two syllables. The first syllable, "busi" is pronounced as "ˈbɪzni" with a short "i" sound and a stressed "z" sound. The second syllable "ness" is pronounced as "nɛs" with a short "e" sound. Together they form the full pronunciation as "ˈbɪzni-nɛs ruːlz". The word refers to the policies, procedures or guidelines that govern the way a business operates, making it an important concept in the field of management.
Business rules are a set of statements or guidelines that organizations establish to govern their operations and decision-making processes. These rules define the procedures, policies, and regulations that employees must abide by when conducting business activities. They are designed to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance across the organization and to guide employees in making appropriate choices and actions.
Business rules can cover various aspects of an organization's operations, such as sales, marketing, finance, human resources, and customer service. They are typically specific and context-driven, tailored to the unique needs and requirements of the industry or sector in which the organization operates.
These rules often address issues such as data management, workflow processes, roles and responsibilities, security and access controls, performance standards, and legal and regulatory compliance. They may be derived from industry standards, legislation, internal policies, best practices, or a combination of these sources.
By defining business rules, organizations aim to achieve several objectives. Firstly, they seek to streamline operations, ensuring that activities are carried out consistently and efficiently. Secondly, they aim to enhance decision-making by providing guidelines and parameters for employees to make informed choices. Thirdly, they help to ensure compliance with external regulations and internal policies, reducing risks and liabilities for the organization.
Business rules can be documented in different formats, such as policy manuals, procedure documents, or digital systems called rule engines. They may also evolve over time as organizational needs change, requiring periodic review and update to stay relevant and effective.
The word "business" has its origins in the Middle English word "businesse", which comes from the Old English word "bisignes" meaning "anxiety" or "care". It further derives from the Old English words "bisig" meaning "busy" and "nes" meaning "ness" or "state of".
The word "rules" has origins in the Old English word "rul", which means "a ruler" or "a straight piece of wood", and is related to the Old Norse word "rula" meaning "a ruler" or "a measuring rod". It further comes from the Latin word "regula" meaning "a rule, pattern, or standard".
Combining these two words, "business rules" refer to the guidelines or regulations followed in the realm of business or commerce.