Prepared as part of Platte Technical Community College's project to help managers and supervisors develop practical, up-to-date managerial skills in a relatively short time, this instructional workbook provides information and exercises applicable to on-the-job situations encountered by independent business owner/managers. Unit I provides information about the personal characteristics of successful business people, helps the manager increase his/her knowledge of self and the chosen field, and discusses business ethics and the problem-solving process. Unit II focuses on time management, office organization, governmental regulations, employee benefits, and insurance, while Unit III stresses skills related to personnel management, communications with employees and other businesses, public relations, and conducting meetings. Five topics are covered in Unit IV: accounting, budgeting, computers, market analysis, and advertising. Unit V concludes with discussions of goal setting, risk taking, use of consultants, research development, and incorporating. Each unit includes: (1) unit objectives; (2) specific objectives; (3) suggested instructor and participant activities; (4) an instructional materials list; (5) references; (6) information sheets which define terms, present topics, and recommend activities and techniques; (7) transparency masters; (8) assignment sheets; and (9) a review test. (AYC)