Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - July 24, 2006

Houghton Mifflin Releases Principles of Management, First Title in the New Student Achievement Series

BOSTON — July 24, 2006 — Houghton Mifflin today announced the release of Principles of Management by Ricky Griffin, Ph.D. of the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. Principles of Management is the first title in Houghton Mifflin's groundbreaking Student Achievement Series, which incorporates student and instructor comments, feedback and preferences into textbook design and content. 

A skills-based textbook designed to better reflect the way students learn today, Principles of Management provides up-to-date coverage of the key functional areas of management: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. The textbook also includes the distinguishing features of Houghton Mifflin's new Student Achievement Series approach: concise copy in bulleted format; highlighted key terms with definitions in the margins; an open, user-friendly design; and a "Test Prepper" at the end of every section to promote student comprehension, recall and assessment.

"While textbooks are traditionally developed in an author-driven manner, the Student Achievement Series is unique in its instructor- and student-centric approach from the outset," said Lisé Johnson, senior sponsoring editor and market strategy manager, Houghton Mifflin College Division. "In fact, we relied on approximately 600 students and instructors from more than 40 universities during the entire process, including concept development, structure of the text, evaluation of key learning and assessment models, and even the creation of text title and cover design."

Extensive research revealed that students and instructors prefer straightforward text with fewer and shorter chapters, or sections and brief outlines rather than long paragraphs. In response, Principles of Management author Ricky Griffin tightened the wording, condensed chapter coverage and critically examined each section from their point of view.

Griffin is an executive associate dean, distinguished professor and Blocker Chair at the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. He has published six books with Houghton Mifflin, including Principles of Management. Dr. Griffin received his doctorate degree and a master's of business administration from the University of Houston, and a bachelor's of business administration from the University of North Texas.

About Houghton Mifflin
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Company is one of the leading educational publishers in the United States, with more than $1 billion in sales. Houghton Mifflin publishes textbooks, instructional technology, assessments and other educational materials for elementary and secondary schools and colleges. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers. With its origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. The Company's Web site can be found at www.hmco.com.