The student will be able to analyze real-life business situations using the principles covered in this class. If I catch you cheating I will, in all but the most minor circumstances, turn you in to the Office of Judicial Affairs. In these circumstances, my minimum penalty for cheating is a grade of 0 on that assignment. In certain circumstances, stiffer penalties may be imposed by the Office of Judicial Affairs. This being said, I do encourage you to get the book if you will actually read it.
Some students do succeed without reading the book.
But, in my experience, reading the text helps provide context, additional detail, and additional examples that can be of substantial benefit to the student. It is just a few dollars and can be found at the University Bookstore. Attendance is required and I occasionally take roll. However, each class is full so I cannot guarantee you seating. The procedure I use for making that decision is as follows.