'Business Strategy: an introduction' is an accessible textbook that provides a straightforward guide for those with little or no knowledge of the subject. It presents complex issues and concepts in a clear and compact manner, so that readers gain a clear understanding of the topics addressed.
The following features are included:
* A comprehensive introduction to the subjects of business strategy and strategic management
* Complex issues explained in a straightforward way for students new to this topic
* Student friendly learning features throughout
* Case studies of varying lengths with questions included for assignment and seminar work
* A discussion of both traditional theory and the most recent research in the field
This second edition features new and updated case studies as well as more depth having been added to the material in the book. New chapters on business ethics, types and levels of strategy, and how to use case studies have been incorporated. A range of pedagogical features such as learning objectives, review and discussion questions, chapter summaries and further reading are included in the text resulting in it being a user-friendly, definitive guide for those new to the subject.
A web-based Tutor Resource Site accompanies the book.
Part 1 An introduction to the strategic process; Chapter 1 Strategy and strategic management; Part 2 Internal analysis; Chapter 2 The business organization: competences and activities; Chapter 3 Human resources and culture; Chapter 4 Financial analysis and performance indicators; Chapter 5 Products and markets; Part 3 External analysis; Chapter 6 Analysis of the macroenvironment; Chapter 7 Analysis of the competitive environment; Chapter 8 Competitive advantage: strategies, knowledge and core competences; Part 4 Strategic implementation and management; Chapter 9 Evaluation and selection of strategies; Chapter 10 Strategic implementation; Chapter 11 Strategic development: directions and mechanisms; Chapter 12 Quality, operations, performance and benchmarking; Chapter 13 International and global strategies; Chapter 14 Social responsibility and business ethics; Chapter 15 Strategic management: present and future trends; Part 5 Case studies; learning-outcomes-grid Learning outcomes grid; suggested-case-questions Suggested case questions; Casestudy 1 Pilkington and its float glass innovation; Casestudy 2 The UK decorative paint industry; Casestudy 3 Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream Inc.; Casestudy 4 Who owns Newcastle United?; Casestudy 5 Food retailing in the UK; Casestudy 6 Derwent Valley Foods Ltd; Casestudy 7 Kwik Save Group plc (A); Casestudy 8 Kwik Save (B): Somerfield; Casestudy 9 The UK outbound tour operations industry, Nigel Evans; Casestudy 10 MyTravel plc (formerly Airtours); Casestudy 11 Honda-Rover: how successful was it?; Casestudy 12 Amazon.com, Colin Combe; Casestudy 13 Strategic alliances in the airline industry, Nigel Evans; Casestudy 14 The Gulf War (1990-91);
