Practical Signals Theory with MATLAB Applications is organized around applications, first introducing the actual behavior of specific signals and then using them to motivate the presentation of mathematical concepts.  Tervo sequences the presentation of the major transforms by their complexity:  first Fourier, then Laplace, and finally the z-transform.  The goal is to help students who cant visualize phenomena from an equation to develop their intuition and learn to analyze signals by inspection.  Finally, most examples and problems are designed to use MATLAB, making the presentation more in line with modern engineering practice.