"The Future of Business" prepares students for a successful career in business by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to prepare for tomorrow's competitive workplace. Each chapter offers a thorough presentation of business principles and also highlights emerging business trends in fields such as management, leadership, production, marketing and finance. Trends include shifts in economic policies in Europe, the global marketplace, the boom in the service sector, managing workforce diversity, new technology, and more. The text also helps students envision themselves in a business career, revealing possibilities that exist when they select business as a major through new Exploring Business Careers opening vignettes and videos.Advanced learning tools such as online learning resources (ThomsonNOW) and the Integrated Learning System help build business competencies.

To help students develop high-performance workplace skills, the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) recommends students develop five workplace competencies: using and allocating resources, working with others, acquiring and using information, understanding systems, and working with technology. The Preparing for Tomorrow's Workplace activities are designed to develop these workplace skills in students. SCANS competencies and workplace skill-building are key features included in the homework section of each chapter.