Resource Management for Individuals and Families contains 14 well-organized chapters divided into four parts to introduce students to the best of management thinking and practice. The fifith edition offers a new, interactive approach to teaching resource management through special features that are specifically designed to reflect the themes of choice and decision making, supporting students'' interest and learning. To engage the reader, many chapters begin with a case or story from the news about families.This edition continues to pay close attention to meeting the standards and criteria for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation of the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Hallmark Features Management as a Process Approach Throughout the book, a five-step model is used to illustrate the thinking and action parts of the management process. The model begins with identifying problems, needs, wants, or goals, then progresses to clarifying values and identifying resources. Next it moves on to deciding, planning, and implementing, and ends with accomplishing goals and evaluating. The model takes place within an environmental context and is held together by feedback.

An Emphasis on Systems and Economic Theories Rather than relying on only one theory, this text applies many theories to decision-making behavior. No particular area of the field is overemphasized at the expense of others. This text is meant to be introductory yet inclusive. Pedagogy Current research and managerial implications are presented in a readable and interesting style. Examples and photos are included to stimulate student interest. Each chapter begins with two Did You Know? statements and an epigraph. Critical Thinking activities are woven into each chapter that encourage students to react to the material presented. They are asked to agree or disagree and explain their reasoning.

Critical thinking, essential for a thoughtful life, adds a values-based or an evaluation component. Many chapters contain a feature, Suggested Activities , with ideas for class or group discussion or for individual reflection, such as recording sleeping patterns for three days and comparing one''s sleeping pattern to the content in the text. The Suggested Activities are provided in response to instructors'' demand for more ideas about how to apply the text to their students'' lives. This feature can be used to stimulate class discussion or provide in-class activities. Each chapter ending has the following study aids: Summary . A brief review of the major topics discussed. Key Terms . A list of important concepts discussed in each chapter.

To help the reader locate them, the key terms appear in boldface type within the chapter text. Review Questions . A list of questions meant to provide the basis for a review of textual material and to encourage thought and discussion on the chapter''s content. References . Full details of references cited in the chapter. An additional list of relevant historic and classic books appears at the end of Chapter 2. The book concludes with a Glossary of the key terms defined in the chapters and an Index .