Focus on Management Principles A generic approach presents management principles that are needed in the workplace today to ensure the sustainability of an organisation.

The following topics are discussed:

• How management theory has evolved and the environment in which management operates
• The tasks of management
• Leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Organisational culture, diversity management, business ethics, corporate social responsibility, organisational politics, change management and HIV/Aids in the workplace.

Focus on Operational Management: A generic approach provides a general overview of management principles and the general management activities encountered by the operational and first-time manager in the workplace today. These principles are important for the sustainability of an organisation.

The following topics are discussed:

• The new workplace environment
• The changing role of the operational and first-time manager
• Operational planning, operational decision-making and problem-solving, organising operational resources, operational control, and leadership
• Employment relations in the workplace
• Organisational culture, diversity management, business ethics, corporate social responsibility, organisational politics and change management in the workplace

Focus on Operational Management: A Generic Approach gives a general overview of management principles and the general management activities needed by the operational and first-time manager in the workplace today. These principles are important for the sustainability of an organisation.

The following topics are discussed:

• The new workplace environment
• The changing role of the operational and first-time manager
• Operational planning, operational decision-making and problem-solving, organizing operational resources, operational control and leadership
• Employment relations in the workplace
• Organisational culture, diversity management, business ethics, corporate social responsibility, organisational politics and change management in the workplace.

No business exists in a vacuum – it is impacted on by a constantly evolving world, which presents new challenges and opportunities every day. To cope with these, a business should be proactive and adaptive, not just at an operational level, but at a functional and strategic level as well. There are 12 chapters in Business Management: A Contemporary Approach focuses specifically on the functions of the business organisation and how to respond to changes in the micro-, and macro-environment, and in the market.

An introduction to the field of business management orients the reader, followed by general management principles applicable to any business manager. The book goes on to cover the various functions of the business organisation: financial management; credit management; information management; public relations; operations management; marketing management; human resource management; and purchasing management in supply chain management. It also covers contemporary issues like corporate citizenship and trends and changes in internationalisation.

The fourth edition of Business Management: A Contemporary Approach includes new features and updated content, such as:

• New case studies applying theory to practical situations
• Experiential exercises and multiple-choice questions
• Up-to-date theory on the functions of the business organization
• In-depth analysis of the relevant issues of corporate citizenship, globalisation and international trade

This book will equip readers with a general understanding of the divergent internal functions of the business organisation and the interrelationships between and among these functions. The readers will also be equipped with the necessary competencies (knowledge, skills and values) to perform the tasks and roles of a manager in any functional area of a business. At the end of each chapter, there are questions for self-assessment. By answering these questions, you will get an idea of whether you have mastered the chapters.

Principles of business management is a foundational text that provides a solid theoretical grounding in general management principles such as leadership, motivation and control. Emphasis is placed on management functions such as marketing, finance, operations management and purchasing and supply chain management. Features such as information boxes, case studies, critical thinking boxes and glossaries engage the student and facilitate the application of learning.

What tasks do business managers have to fulfill? What are the plans which you need to put in place to ensure success? How important is financial management? How can you lead and motivate your staff? Principles of Business Management third edition is a foundational text that provides a solid theoretical grounding in general management principles such as leadership, motivation, and control. It emphasizes management functions such as marketing, finance, operations management, and purchasing and supply chain management, and gives attention to the entrepreneurial process. The textbook also provides guidance on writing a business plan. Features such as Readers, Critical thinking boxes, case studies and revision questions engage the student and facilitate the application of learning. Principles of Business Management third edition provides an excellent introduction for entry-level Business Management students. It is suitable for students at universities and universities of technology who plan to go into management in the private or NGO sectors or intend to become entrepreneurs.