Income|Outcome® Blog

Developing Corporate Finance Skills in Non-Financial Managers

Business Acumen: Disruptive Technologies and Innovations

Disruption isn’t just about technology—it’s about business acumen. Companies that understand financial realities, decision-making, and operational execution don’t just survive disruption—they lead it. Here’s why strong business fundamentals are the real competitive advantage.

Memorization vs. Experiencing the Big Picture: What Sticks?

Memorization fades—real understanding lasts. A study on cognitive ability suggests conceptual learning leads to better long-term retention. The same applies to business acumen training—here’s why experiential learning beats rote memorization.

Semi-Variable Costs: When Costs Don’t Fit Neatly

Not all costs are purely fixed or variable—some have elements of both. Learn about semi-variable costs, including stepwise (Type A) and base-plus-variable (Type B) costs, and why they matter for budgeting, pricing, and financial planning.

How to Choose a Business Simulation – Part 2: Inside or Outside the Box?

Business simulations fall into two categories: structured, predefined models or open-ended, strategic decision-making experiences. AI adds another layer to the debate—but does it help or hinder business acumen? Here’s why transparency and decision ownership matter.

How to Choose a Business Simulation – Part 1: Computer or Board-game?

When choosing a business simulation, should you go board game or computer-based? Each has pros and cons—but the best approach is big-picture clarity first, then deeper modeling. Here’s how to make the right choice—and where our online version fits.

Understanding the Cash Conversion Cycle

The Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) is a key financial metric that measures how long it takes a company to turn investments in inventory into cash. This post breaks down the components of the CCC—inventory turnover, accounts receivable, and accounts payable—and explains why optimizing it is crucial for business success.

Unlocking Organizational Potential: A Finance Director's Journey with Business Acumen Training

A Finance Director shares their journey through business acumen training and how it transformed their approach to strategic decision-making. This post explores the impact of financial literacy on cross-functional collaboration, leadership effectiveness, and unlocking an organization’s full potential.

4 Things All Employees Should Know About the Company Where They Work

Every employee contributes to a company’s financial health—whether they realize it or not. Zingerman’s 10 rules for engaging employees in finance align with Income|Outcome’s philosophy: business acumen should extend beyond leadership. From understanding financial reports to differentiating profit from cash, this post highlights four key financial concepts every employee should know.

What is Gross Margin?

Gross margin is a key financial metric that measures the percentage of revenue left after direct costs. Many companies define it differently, leading to confusion. This post explains what gross margin is, how to calculate it, and why it’s essential for business viability. With clear examples and practical insights, this guide helps employees understand how their actions impact a company’s financial health.

What is an Income Statement?

Learn the basics of an income statement, its components, and why it’s essential for understanding a business's financial health.

What is Days Sales Outstanding?

DSO measures how long it takes customers to pay after being invoiced. Learn how to calculate it, why it impacts cash flow, and how reducing it can improve your business.

Nikolai Usack Answers 3 Common Questions about Income|Outcome’s Approach to Financial Training

Nikolai Usack answers three frequently asked questions about Income|Outcome’s unique approach to financial training. Learn how the simulation-based methodology enhances business acumen, engages participants, and delivers lasting insights into financial decision-making.

The New Logo for Income-Outcome

We’re transitioning to a new Income|Outcome logo—one that reinforces the core financial concepts embedded in the game board and Visual Finance app. See how this design shift strengthens financial learning, and check out the new facilitator videos as they become available.

Infographics to Develop Business Acumen

Great infographics combine data and design to engage both the eye and the mind. From Napoleon’s retreat from Russia to General Motors’ pre-bankruptcy financials, visual storytelling can reveal insights that numbers alone cannot.

Business Acumen - fearless with finance

Decision-making - Choosing between conflicting forecasts (4 of 4)

What do you do when your team has conflicting forecasts? A study by Lobo and Yao analyzed 20,000 predictions and found a formula for accuracy. Learn how to make better, data-driven business decisions using business literacy, acumen, and structured processes.

Keep Up Employee Training Programs in a Down Economy

Cutting costs in a downturn is necessary—but cutting training may cost more in the long run. High performers leave when they feel stuck, and undertrained employees can’t drive profitability. Here’s why investing in training is a strategic move, even when budgets are tight.