Kathryn Best is a designer, consultant, educator and author. She runs courses in design, strategy and innovation for academia and industry, specialising in interdisciplinary and collaborative working methods. Kathryn previously worked in architecture, interiors and brand consultancy, both in the US and UK, where she specialised in retail design and narrative environments. Kathryn's current research interest is in the potential of design and design thinking as a tool for innovation and change in the context of business, society, culture and the environment.

The Fundamentals of Design Management is a dynamic publication that delivers exactly what it says on the tin. The second of two books by Kathryn Best, [this book] is a critical addition to any aspiring design manager's library. It would also serve as a valuable reference tool for any business leader who wishes to successfully harness the power of design.

• How to get the most out of this book. Introduction. Design in context: Design and business cultures; Finance, technology and law; Society, politics and environment; Market demands and user needs; Design audits, briefs and proposals; People; Projects; Products and services. Design overview: The power of design; Design and society; Design projects; The design process; Design skills; Design planning; Project management; Design success. Case study: Legible London: a new way of walking in the UK's capital city. Contextual perspectives: Sorena Veerman; Wen-Long Chen; Dr Miles Park. Management overview: Economics; Business and enterprise; The management process; Business and enterprise planning; Management practice; Business administration; Business success. Case study: MAS Holdings: enterprising ethical retailing. Contextual perspectives: Ruedi Alexander Muller-Beyeler; Joshua L.Cohen; Kevin McCullagh. Accounting and finance: The financial organisation; Financial accounting; Financial reporting; Management accounting; Measuring performance; Measuring value in design. Case study: Phelophepa Healthcare Train: delivering value. Contextual perspectives: Philip Goad; Thomas Lockwood; Krzyzstof Bielski. Marketing and brand communication: Users, customers and markets; Understanding production and consumption; Marketing; Marketing communications; Branding; Brand communications; Vision, values and brands. Case study: Zipcar: the vision driving the world's largest car sharing club. Contextual perspectives: Robert Malcolm; Naoko Iida; Audrey Arbeeny. Design and Innovation: Design, Management and innovation; Design-driven innovation; Brand-driven innovation; Design management for corporations; Design management for small to medium enterprises. Case study: Philips Design: design for a sustainable society. Contextual perspectives: Matt Barthelemy; Sonja Dahl; Simon May. Conclusion. Glossary. Bibliography and resources. Picture credits. Acknowledgements. Working with ethics.