This essential addition to the acclaimed Portable MBA Series contains an important group of concepts and skills in order to understand the business environment along with a framework for making business decisions. Demonstrates how to assess economic news and apply this information to business forecasting and such problems as pricing product and whether to initiate a marketing campaign. Features an economic tool kit which explains economic indicators, the Federal Reserve's role, foreign trade and exchange rates, how to analyze demand for a product and pricing cost benefit evaluation. Includes numerous examples and case studies.