Introduction to Business


Book Description

Introduction to Business covers the scope and sequence of most introductory business courses. The book provides detailed explanations in the context of core themes such as customer satisfaction, ethics, entrepreneurship, global business, and managing change. Introduction to Business includes hundreds of current business examples from a range of industries and geographic locations, which feature a variety of individuals. The outcome is a balanced approach to the theory and application of business concepts, with attention to the knowledge and skills necessary for student success in this course and beyond. This is an adaptation of Introduction to Business by OpenStax. You can access the textbook as pdf for free at openstax.org. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better ebook reading experience. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.




Organisations and the Business Environment


Book Description

This new edition of Organisations and the Business Environment provides a completely revised, extended and updated edition of the original successful text. It provides contemporary and comprehensive coverage of the subject matter which is highly relevant to business and management students at undergraduate, postgraduate and professional levels. The text is written in a clear and concise style, illustrated with topical examples and data. Organisations and the Business Environment (second edition) comprises four sections: * Business Organisations ¡V discusses the evolution of organisational and managerial theories and concepts with particular emphasis on their relevance in the 21st century. The different types of organisations and their missions, visions, goals and objectives are examined. * The External Business Macro-Environment ¡V describes and considers the political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, ecological and legal influences on organisations, utilizing the PESTEL framework of analysis. This section includes a review of the internationalization of businesses and examines the role of GATT and the WTO, single markets and trading blocs. * The External Business Micro-Environment ¡V provides a review of the market system and the nature of supply and demand. Market structures are examined in the light of monopolistic regimes and working for competitive advantage. The impact of government intervention is explored via regulatory bodies, privatization, and nationalization programmes. * Business Management ¡V explores the major aspects of contemporary business organisations, including corporate governance and business ethics. In particular, this section tackles the areas of structure, culture, change, quality management and the principal functions of organisations. This textbook is a user-friendly resource with end of chapter questions, activities and assignments to consolidate learning. Its strong emphasis on topical examples enables students to understand how theory is applied in business contexts, including, GlaxoSmithKline, BT, Scottish and Newcastle, Hanson plc and a number of not-for-profit organisations. There is additional Tutor Resource material, including presentation slides, data charts, chapter summaries, questions and answers. "An excellent book...good use of learning objectives, questions and potential assignments." Paul Blakely, Lecturer, University College of Warrington.




The Business Environment


Book Description

Now in a new edition, The Business Environment provides a unique and stimulating introduction to the subject. Outlining the classic "PESTLE" structure in Part One, it goes on to explore such key issues as globalization, sustainability, equal opportunities, and entrepreneurship in Part Two. Employing a highly engaging and accessible writing style, the authors integrate coherent themes throughout the text, helping students to gain a holistic understanding of the business environment. They also introduce students to critical thinking with "Stop and Think" boxes. FEATURES OF THE SECOND EDITION: * Incorporates a large percentage of updated case and illustrative content, including material on the 2008 global financial crisis and its implications for the business environment * Includes a new chapter (12) on equal business opportunities and restructures the rest of the chapters for greater consistency and accessibility * Adopts an extremely student-friendly approach that includes a wide range of pedagogical features, an accessible writing style, and an attractive layout * An extensive Companion Website includes numerous resources for students and instructors (click link at upper right)




Unlocking the Business Environment


Book Description

The business environment is a fundamental subject in any Business Studies degree course. This new, student-friendly book divides the subject into the internal and external environment and, where relevant, discusses the interface between the two. It is written with the outward-looking student in mind and, as a result, encourages readers to reflect on what they have read and to consolidate their learning through regular self-testing exercises and discussion points. The text contains highly relevant and 'household name' case studies, ensuring that it is a highly topical and engaging book. Where organisational styles differ, the authors put forward the pros and cons of different points of view, ensuring that students have the information necessary to make up their own minds and develop management strategies of their own.




The Business Environment


Book Description

By encouraging students to explore the challenges and opportunities managers face in the business environment, this text will provide students with a solid foundation from which to build upon their business knowledge.




Understanding the Business Environment


Book Description

This introductory text in strategic management presents the key theories and frameworks for the analysis, formulation and implementation of strategy in a concise and accessible format. It will be useful to undergraduate and postgraduate students on one-semester or short courses.




Business Environment in a Global Context


Book Description

Business Environment in a Global Context offers, in a readily accessible way, an in-depth analysis of the business environment at regional, national, and international levels. Incorporating case studies throughout, the key issues, concepts, and theories are supported by practical examples from the business world.




The International Business Environment


Book Description

The International Business Environment, Second Edition, prepares students for the realities of global twenty-first-century business. Building on the success of the previous edition, it employs a wide range of examples from BRIC and CIVETS economies and offers chapters on CSR, the ecological environment, and corporate social responsibility. Authors Leslie Hamilton and Philip Webster discuss the process of globalization, the global economy, and the impact of that economy on international business organizations. Using a PESTLE framework, they analyze the economic, political, legal, financial, technological, socio-cultural, and ecological environments, clearly outlining the factors that affect the everyday business of organizations. Adopting a truly international approach, this full-color, visually engaging text features a wealth of examples and case studies. Each chapter begins and ends with a one-page case study, and fifty additional mini-cases address such compelling issues as civil unrest in North Africa, the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, Wikileaks, and Google in China. Organizations including BP, Dell, Domino's Pizza, Apple, and Procter & Gamble are featured throughout the book. A Companion Website offers numerous resources for students and instructors.




The Business Environment of Europe


Book Description

The only comprehensive textbook on Europe's business environment, examining the region's economics and policies in social, political and historical contexts.




Business, Environment, and Society


Book Description

This book blends theory and practice to support courses in corporate social responsibility (CSR), business and society, and environmental management and sustainability. Based on her extensive work with companies, the author offers engaging readings and teaching cases that address key challenges for business today - measurement, supply chain management, public policy, and stakeholder pressures. Part I focuses on the macro-level and provides an overview of concepts such as the green economy, eco-industrial parks, corporate social responsibility (corporate citizenship), nanotechnology, and sustainable consumption. Part II provides specific frameworks and tools for sustainability management and measurement at the company level. Part III includes detailed teaching cases of several well-known firms. The main theme is that business is a key player in achieving a more sustainable development, yet its practices are often narrow in focus or shortsighted. The text provokes discussions around issues such as: Is business sustainability possible in a market economy focused on increasing consumption? Should a product or service be called "green" when it puts at risk the health and safety of workers? What can U.S. policymakers learn from their European counterparts when it comes to protecting human health and the environment? How can we ensure that the benefits of nanotechnology exceed its risks? How can sustainability indicators be used as a tool to advance sustainability by companies and policymakers? The book provides a flexible, up-to-date supplementary teaching tool for undergraduate and graduate students, executive education courses, and certificate programs. Intended Audience: Primarily undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in environmental management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, or business and society; as a supplementary text in professional education and certificate programs in environmental management, corporate citizenship, sustainability, and CSR.