This is a better financial metaphor http://www.higherorderlogic.com/2010/07/bad-code-isnt-techni...
Any business manager in a position to hire programmers, ought to be able to understand options, the concept appears every day in business.
Umm, no. It does not. Maybe in finance or procurement but it is certainly not a term in general use.
/s
People have been doing this with agricultural products for at least 3000 years.
A (long) futures contract is the right AND obligation to purchase a commodity at a set price at a set time (and place).
A (call) options contract is the right BUT NOT the obligation to purchase a commodity at a set price within a set time (for the most typical American-style option).