This text delivers clear and understandable explanations of business statistics concepts through the use of case studies and examples that reflect real applications of statistics relevant to business students. The richness and relevance of the data sets used to demonstrate statistical concepts sets this book apart from its competitors. Bowerman/ O'Connell/ Hand (BOH) also provides a fresh technology perspective. Excel and minitab output is included in the text to help students visualize concepts, and the coverage of the Internet included in the book is second to none. New to This Edition ? Improved technology offerings, including a new, comprehensive web site integrated with our Business Statistics Center Supersite, new animated walk-through of solutions for students, and improved assets for our Instructor's CD-ROM. ? New Excel and Minitab appendices in virtually every chapter. These illuminate chapter content through comprehensive, visual walk-throughs complete with screen captures and step by step examples. ? Significantly improved teaching and learning pedagogy. These step by step examples and summary boxes will clearly aid student understanding of what often can be overwhelming content. ? Streamlined yet comprehensive coverage (960 pages, 340 pages less than the previous edition). this allows for maximum flexibility in course design (one vs. two semester) and improves student understanding. ? Internet tutorials and exercises highlight real work applications and give students practice in gathering and using real data. Features ? Consistent theme of business improvement through statistical analysis. Since this is the ultimate goal for statistical analysis in business (to improve business processes), this is BOH's motto in the book. This theme is the foundation for the many case studies and examples found in the text. ? Unique use of case studies that integrates different statistical areas. Many of BOH's unique case studies span not only within chapters, but also groups of chapters. This leads to additional student relevance, as they become familiar with the real decisions businesses face. ? A real emphasis on the importance of variation. This starts in Chapter 1 and continues throughout the book. The argument here is that since businesses must satisfy individual customers, the analysis of individual population variation is as important as analyzing the population mean. Practical case studies are consistently used to highlight this reality. ? Utilization of a flexible topic flow that facilitates different topic choices and encourages different teaching approaches. Instructors want flexibility, and through the use of optional sections, appendices, and self-learning exercises, this is accomplished. ? Modern use of Minitab, Excel, and SAS. Management Consulting Firms want business graduates that have been exposed to these popular packages, and that can identify the proper package for the business problem at hand. BOH uses Excel for what Excel can do, and uses Minitab and SAS for the much more rigorous statistical analysis.