Author Description

The Eighth Edition of this bestselling introductory text features a comprehensive, updated survey of all key business functions: management, marketing, accounting, finance, and information technology. Core topics highlighted within these functional areas include ethics and social responsibility, small business concerns, different forms of business ownership, and international business concepts. In light of current business conditions, this edition also addresses the nation\'s economic problems, corporate credibility and efforts to improve accounting standards, the dot-com meltdown, entrepreneurial businesses, diversity, globalization, e-business, and other timely issues. Likewise, the authors have integrated more information on employment trends to help students choose a career and compete in a fickle job market. Updated and enhanced coverage of e-Business--in boxed features, examples, illustrations, and discussions throughout the text--reflects this sector\'s growing importance. In addition, Navigating the World of E-Business (Chapter 4) has been completely revamped to cover key concepts, as well as the strategies and challenges facing current businesses. Pedagogical tools have also been revised, including all new Inside Business cases at the beginning of each chapter and closing Return to Inside Business features. These sections follow up on the opening case with additional information, posing questions that stress the practical application of chapter concepts. All boxed features that focus on real business or workplace issues have been replaced. These boxes cover major themes, including Adapting to Change, Talking Technology, Examining Ethics (with Issues to Consider that stimulate critical thinking and facilitate discussion), Going Global, and Exploring Business. Using the Internet boxes continue to point students to relevant web sites for more information on concepts, companies, or issues covered in each chapter--prompting them to conduct independent research.