In this text the authors balance the presentation of both corporate strategy and analytical tools by presenting decision-making within the context of a firm's competitive priorities. A technology focus is new to this edition, with Internet research exercises, expanded PowerPoint slides for the teacher and support student software. Real-world examples demonstrate how manufacturing and service organizations meet operations challenges and Internet activities direct students to evaluate real-world software. This edition features a cross-functional perspective that demonstrates how operations is linked to other functional areas such as IT, marketing, finance and HR.