Business management refers to the administration and execution of business operations with strategic decision-making for the efficient organization of resources, to achieve business goals. Business management consists of several branches of financial management, human resource management, information technology management, marketing management, operations management and strategic management. Business management focuses on the six functions of forecasting, planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating and controlling. This book attempts to understand the multiple branches that fall under the discipline of business management. It also traces the progress of this field and highlights some of its key concepts and applications. Researchers and students actively engaged in this field will find this book full of crucial and unexplored concepts.
Strategy is a foundational aspect of management education, whilst strategic thinking is an essential business skill. This shortform textbook provides the absolute essentials of the field, focusing on how strategy works as a managed process. The author, an experienced management educator, provides a clear and concise structure that enables readers to understand and excel in the core strategic skills that are essential to contemporary business globally. This concise and coherent text is a unique alternative to bloated strategic management textbooks and will be welcomed by students and reflective practitioners around the world.
Introduces he processes of new venture creation and the critical knowledge needed to manage a business once it is formed. This text offers complete coverage and a practical hands-on approach to entrepreneurship. Supported by supplementary material for the lecturer and student in both a CD-Rom and companion website.
Discusses the major topics and strategies that relate to operations management. Covers “modern” subjects such as human resources in operations, facility location, "green" operations, and the balanced scorecard approach to operations. Includes end-of-chapter projects and exercises, plus review questions and summary points.
′This is a fantastically well written text which incorporates the latest thinking on strategic management. Striking a balance between theory and application, it is extremely readable and loaded with a wide range of case studies. An essential source for undergraduate, postgraduate and professional courses on strategic management.′ - Dr Tahir Rashid, Lecturer in Strategy and Marketing, Salford Business School, University of Salford This exciting new textbook is built on the belief that strategic management principles are more straightforward than they seem. Unlike other textbooks, it does not overcomplicate the discussion with enigmatic layers of theory or irrelevant perspectives from other disciplines. Instead you will find focused, clearly articulated coverage of the key topics of strategic management, encouraging critical reflection and deeper exploration on your own terms. Fully developed to cover the essentials of any strategic management course, this textbook not only creates understanding of the principles of strategy, but shows you how to apply them constructively in the face of real-world practicalities. Throughout the text, these principles are put into context with illustrations and examples drawn from all over the world and from all kinds of organization - from Shell, Airbus and Tesco to small and non-profit enterprises. With an emphasis on topical, distinctive and engaging features, this text offers: Over 120 short, topical case studies drawn from every type of organization across more than 20 countries Worksheets for strategy analysis that can be used to tackle real-world situations Learning outcomes, key points and summaries to focus your reading on what matters Chapter-by-chapter exercises for further study and discussion Suggestions for further reading to deepen your understanding of the theories underpinning the chapters The book is complemented by a companion website featuring a range of tools and resources for lecturers and students, including PowerPoint slides, teaching notes, links to journal articles and an interactive glossary.
Management Essentials is a simplified and synthesized version of core management principles to help readers appreciate the fundamentals of managing enterprises successfully in a competitive environment. It addresses the current dilemma in the field of management, where a strong perception exists that management theory and actual practice are increasingly disconnected from each other. The book delves into the notion of ‘value’ creation cycle in an enterprise in relation to the competition and the importance to stay ahead on this curve vis-à-vis the competition. It discusses the interrelated concepts of analysis and decision making, and then goes further to connect the popular notion of branding to good business acumen. By drawing upon the author’s extensive experience in academia and industry, the book uniquely intertwines theory with practice to join the dots across disparate business management concepts.
Does inventory management sometimes feel like a waste of time? Learn how to maximize your inventory management process to use it as a tool for making important business decisions.
This concise overview of the practice and processes of management in the African context is the first of its kind, and the introductory volume in the new Essentials of Business and Management in Africa short-form textbook series. This book covers the activities that all managers undertake regardless of their functional specialization and is organised around a model of management that consists of planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling. After introducing each topic, the authors discuss particular characteristics of Africa and African countries and how these influence the topic being covered; for example, relative levels of poverty, prevalence of small and informal businesses and the inadequacy of infrastructure will influence aspects of planning and decision-making, and motivation. Each chapter includes illustrative real-life examples and experiential exercises/short cases. The book begins with a general overview of the African continent and ends with discussions of ethical issues and corporate social responsibility including the management philosophy of Ubuntu. Undergraduate and postgraduate students in Africa and other parts of the world with an interest in the area will appreciate the focus on a region so little discussed in the business and management literature. Due to this dearth of material, this book will also appeal to current and future practicing managers in African countries.
This short textbook consolidates all the key aspects of operations management into a concise and easily accessible reference tool. Comprising the management of creating goods and delivering services to customers, operations management plays an essential role in the success of any organization. This book discusses the main areas of operations management, such as the design of the operations system, including product, process and job design. It also covers the management of operations, including lean operations and supply chain management. Breaking the subject down into its key components, this book provides a core introduction for undergraduate students studying operations management as part of business and management degrees.
