This book enters its fifth edition, it is important to acknowledge who started it all. The first edition of this book would not have been possible if not for the entrepreneurial spirit of two individuals. Bill school, president of Austen Press, gave us the resources and had the confidence that four unproven textbook writers could provide a new perspective for teaching human resource management. John Weimeister, our edition, provide us with valuable marketing information, helped us in making major decisions regarding the book, and made writing this book an enjoyable process. We continue to enjoy John's friendship and hospitality at national meetings. We were fortunate to have the opportunity in the fifth edition to work with John again. Sarah Reed continued in our team as developmental editor. Sarah's suggestions, patience, gentle prodding, and organizational ability kept the author team focused and allowed us to meet publication deadlines. Many thanks to Marlena Pechan, project manager, for her careful review of the revised manuscript. Amit Shah of Frostburg State University wrote a first-class Instructor's Manual. PowerPoint presentation, and Test Bank, and he developed important content and study material for the OLC.Also many thanks go to Interactive Learning LLC for their help with content for the OLC.

Part 1 The Human Resource Environment
Part 2 Acquisition and Preparation of Human Resources
Part 3 Assessment and Development of HRM
Part 4 Compensation of Human Resources
Part 5 Special Topic in Human Resource Management