One of the most comprehensive -- yet readable -- surveys of all major facets of business operations and management, this best-selling book moves from broad, general perspectives to focused coverage of specific business functions. A carefully orchestrated variety of boxes, cases, vignettes, illustrations, quotes, interactive questions, and an informal first-person narrative all work together to draw readers dynamically into the real world of contemporary business. Covers the business of managing; people in organizations; principles of marketing; managing operations and information; and financial issues. Features extended cases that provide in-depth looks at recent situations faced by real business firms and how the problems were faced; "Connecting to the Web sections, with lists of web sites for many of the companies and organizations mentioned; and "Building Your Business Skills" challenges that give readers an opportunity to apply both knowledge and their critical thinking skills to extended problems drawn from a wide range of realistic business experiences. For anyone wanting a solid introduction to all facets of business operations and management.