Coverage of improving competitiveness is now embedded in the chronological organization of the text, allowing students to follow the progression of the individuals into, through and out of the organization. Chapter-opening HR perspectives are preliminary cases that introduce chapter concepts through real-world scenarios. The book covers the current theoretical approaches to strategic HRM, impact of bottom-line practices, a streamlined discussion of HRIS and how HR activities fit into a company s overall business strategy. Updated end-of-chapter exercises and cases challenge students to put concepts into action and to make decisions like those faced to today s human resource managers