When we set out on this project, we had several goals in mind—and one guiding philosophy. We wanted to have a conversation with our students, not merely to write a text that we hoped they would read. We wanted to change the expectation that students will come to class unprepared. Why can’t they come ready for class, with a desire to know about business? Why can’t we have a little fun with the course while teaching students about the lighter side of business? We think we can.

To that end, we worked tirelessly on selecting our topics and our resources to help you, the student. We incorporated a question-and-answer format throughout to get you to want to know the answer and see more—and not simply because it will be on the test. We paid more attention to the details because that is where the course often comes together for you.

In each chapter, the “On Target” and “Off the Mark” features illustrate positive and negative outcomes of business ventures related to the chapter material. These features, along with “The List” found in each chapter, can fuel in-class dialogue.

Mini chapters are five special sections in the book that give you additional information on key topics in business: Business Law, Constructing an Effective Business Plan, Business Communications, Finding a Job, and Personal Finance.

Better Business, 5th edition, offers the content you need for a solid overview of business—but in a better way. By presenting the material in a stimulating way, Better Business encourages you to come to class prepared to have better conversations and a truly engaging classroom experience.