This open-access book provides basic management knowledge in a concise and structured way. Fundamental aspects of management are described, based on which a model of the enterprise is outlined. This allows readers to find their way around easily, reflect, set new approaches in context, and examine them critically. The practical examples, the interpretation questions, and the short case studies at the end of each chapter facilitate the transition from theory to practice. Sustainability, corporate responsibility, and circular business have been extended for this second edition. Current practical examples have been included (e.g., UBS merger, Rolex, Nestlé, Logitech, Netflix, Ferrero), and company examples have been updated or replaced. In addition, the company model has been adapted, media have been added as stakeholders, and the environmental spheres, according to PESTEL, have been included. The chapter on corporate culture has been extended with additional models which rely on concepts of leadership style.

This textbook has been recommended and developed for university courses in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In addition, novice and experienced managers will find new inspiration and practical guidance supported by compelling examples.

The Author

Prof. PhD Rico J. Baldegger is a Research Professor at the Sawyer Business School, Suffolk University in Boston (USA), and an Honorary Professor at the School of Management Fribourg, HES-SO (Switzerland). His broad professional experience in entrepreneurship and management includes the fields of leadership, human resources, and branding. Professor Baldegger has created several start-ups in Europe and the US and was the founder and CEO of a management consultant company. Today, he is on the board of several companies, acts as a business angel, and supports entrepreneurial ecosystems in different countries. Furthermore, he is the president of the board of trustees of a sustainability foundation.