• Level. Because Maurice-Thomas assumes no previous training in microeconomics and only basic algebra and graph-reading skills, it is appropriate for a wide-range of schools and courses. For those instructors who wish to teach in a more mathematically rigorous manner, calculus is part of many of the chapter appendixes.
• Two different kinds of problem sets for each chapter--Technical Problems and Applied Problems. The Technical Problems help students build and reinforce a particular skill, and Applied Problems serve to build both critical thinking and business decision-making skills by applying the principles covered in the chapter to real-life dilemmas.
• Answers to Technical Problems are provided at the end of the book. As in previous editions, these answers are fully worked out so that the students can see how to calculate the answers.
• A Marginal Arrow next to the discussion of a new analytical idea directs students to the relevant technical problem at the end of the chapter.
• Numerous new and revised Illustrations in each chapter provide students with real-world examples of company behavior and managerial decision making (e.g., "1.6: Internet Spurs Globalization of Services" and "12.2: Terminating Discounts: Rise of the Machines").. Some popular Illustrations from past editions have been replaced in the book, but will continue to be accessible on the book website (such as "14.2: Sugar Wars: Strategic Decisions about Sugar Content" and "15.2: Will Cheating Shoot Down World Oil Prices (Again)?").
• Mathematical Appendixes provide self-contained mathematical treatment of key topics for students with some calculus background.
• Mathematical Exercises are provided at the end of the Mathematical Appendixes, with answers in the Instructor's Manual.

Christopher Thomas has continued the text's tradition of continual improvement edition to edition. The Eighth Edition boasts several improvements, including:

• Text Reorganized and Streamlined: the 8th Edition is significantly reorganized and streamlined to cover the necessary material in just 15 chapters instead of 18 in the previous edition. No critical topic has been omitted and students are now freer to focus on the most important topics and discussions.
• Chapters 14 and 15 Combined: Former Chapters 14 and 15 are now combined into one chapter (13) so it is now possible to cover oligopoly in one chapter. This condensed coverage allows instructors to cover the material more completely in a shorter amount of time.
• New and Expanded Topic Coverage: In response to reviewer feedback, the Eighth Edition offers new and enhanced topic coverage: facilitating practices in oligopoly, long-run and short-run expansion path analysis, cost-plus pricing techniques, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
• Many All-New Illustrations and Problems: The Eighth Edition has 25 percent new Illustrations and a number of new or revised Technical and Applied Problems to match new coverage and reorganization. These help reinforce concepts in the text and prepare students for exam day.