Anatomy of a Business

From the birth of international trade along such exotic trails as the Silk Road to the economics of running a lemonade stand to a day in the life of a CEO, Anatomy of a Business traces the evolution of modern business practices and how they are applied today, in enterprises of all shapes and sizes. Through dozens of examples and illustrations, Anatomy of a Business defines the major types of business (including corporation, partnership, privately-held company, and non-profit) and then metaphorically takes the roof off an office building to peer inside, explaining how each business function, department, and unit—from marketing to finance, executive to human resource management—works. Clearly explaining popular theories and approaches to management; highlighting contemporary issues (such as executive pay and corporate ethics); and featuring such elements as charts and diagrams, interviews, sidebars, illustrations, a glossary, references, career resources, and index, Anatomy of a Business is a colorful introduction to business life for anyone researching or considering a career in business. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary contains no less than a dozen definitions for business, including commercial or mercantile activity, dealings and transactions, and an immediate task or objective. Anatomy of a Business considers these and many other dimensions of business as it takes the reader on a tour of the corporate world. From the birth of international trade along such exotic trails as the Silk Road to the economics of running a lemonade stand to a day in the life of a CEO, Anatomy of a Business traces the evolution of modern business practices and how they are applied today, in enterprises of every shape and size, from the one-person garage operation to the multi-national conglomerate. Through dozens of examples and illustrations, Anatomy of a Business first defines the major types of business (including corporation, partnership, privately-held company, and non-profit) and then metaphorically takes the roof off an office building to peer inside, explaining how each business function, department, and unit—from marketing to finance, executive to human resource management—works, asking such questions as: What does this department do? Why is it vital to the business? What positions and roles do people play? What type of education, knowledge, or experience do they need to succeed? Clearly explaining popular theories and approaches to management; highlighting contemporary issues (such as executive pay and corporate ethics); and featuring such elements as charts and diagrams, interviews, sidebars, illustrations, a glossary, references, career resources, and index, Anatomy of a Business is a colorful introduction to business life for anyone researching or considering a career in business.

Sasha Galbraith is a Partner in Jay R. Galbraith Management Consultants, Ltd., managing a variety of functions, including marketing, information technology, contract negotiations, human resources, and accounting, and with research specialties in joint venture management and women in business. She has served as an Adjunct Research Associate at IMD, the International Institute for Management Development, conducting educational seminars for senior executives, and in management positions at Karsten Realty Advisors and Wells Fargo Bank.