The readings in this collection were developed for the MBA and executive programs of Harvard Business School. These programs rely heavily on the case method of instruction, in which students analyze and iscuss firsthand accounts of actual management situations. Students also learn the fundamentals of what managers do : how they measure perforamnce, make choices, and organize their activities. At Harvard Business School, the fundamentals are often taught through background notes, which describe business processes, management techniques, and insutries.



The collections in this series are not meant to be comprehensive, but to present the fundamentals of business. Each collection contains several notes, and perhaps an article or two, that provide a framework for understanding a prticular business topic or function.



The Business Fundamentals collections are designed for both individual study and facilitated training. If you want to use this collection for self-study, we've provided a summary, outline, learning objectives, and questions for each reading to help you get started.