Management Skills and Application [antikvár]

Preface It is hard to believe that this book is now in its sixth edition. Much has transpired in the field of management since the book's inception. Through each edition we have attempted to keep pace with the times and adapt to change. This edition is no exception and is even accompanied by a slight change in the title from Management: Theory and Application to Management: Skills and Application. The intent here is to emphasize the skill-building approach that was introduced in the fifth edition and is expanded in this edition. We have continued to emphasize applications and, therefore, this term is retained in the title. Since the last edition the field of management has continued to grow and mature. Interest has continued to expand particularly in the areas of international business, strategic management, and management information systems. Relying on the suggestions of other professors, reviewers, students, and our own thoughts, we have attempted to retain the strongest parts of the previous editions and strengthen the weaker parts. As a result of the extensive input received, we have updated and revised some material, added new material and eliminated some material. The major changes and features of this edition are summarized below. Major Changes and Features in This Edition Reorganization As mentioned eariier, the skill-building approach first introduced in the last edition has been expanded to this edition. While the total number of chapters has remained at twenty-two, they have been re- organized into six major sections as opposed to five in the last edition. Building on the theme of the last edition, this edition focuses on the different types of skills necessary to be a successful manager. Section 1, "Foundations" serves as an introduction to and a foundation for studying management. Included in this section are chapters covering introductory terms, management history, decision-making, and communication. The decision-making and communication chapters occur eariy in the text because these chapters cover fundamental skills that are critical to the success of all managerial activities. Section 2, "Contemporary Issues" includes chapters on ethics and social responsibility and international business. Section 3, "Planning Skills," contains chapters on the basics of planning, strategy and strategic planning, and operations planning. Section 4, "Organizing and Staffing Skills," has two chapters on organizing skills, one on work groups, one on staffing skills, and one on developing people. Section 5, "Directing Skills," contains chapters on motivation, leadership, conflict and stress, and change and culture. Section 6, "Controlling Skills," includes chapters on controlling, appraising and rewarding performance, operations control, and management information systems. Revised Chapters Chapters dealing with International Business, Ethics and Social Responsibility, and Management Information Systems have undergone major revi-