Basic Strategy in Context: European Text and Cases Contributor(s): Thomson, Neil (Author), Baden-Fuller, Charles (Author) |
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ISBN: 1405161086 ISBN-13: 9781405161084 Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell OUR PRICE: $56.95 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: June 2010 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Business & Economics | Strategic Planning - Business & Economics | Decision Making & Problem Solving |
Dewey: 658.401 |
LCCN: 2010007991 |
Physical Information: 1" H x 7.4" W x 9.5" (1.76 lbs) 422 pages |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: Basic Strategy in Context centres on real-world firms and managers by giving each chapter's cases a higher weighting in importance and explanation than is normal. Given this emphasis on real-world as opposed to theoretical treatment the book enables the solving of practical business problems like those below. This emphasis on reality is cemented by the book's treatment of diversity as being the norm highlighted through European business cases from different countries. Giving example answers and links from case to theory rams home further the expected usefulness of the book to students about to enter industry. Often theory and cases are treated as different and separated topics; we believe that our integrated didactic treatment is quite unique. Finally we use the basic theories of strategy and then show how these mainly simple concepts can be extended to solve tricky business problems anywhere in any industry. Here is a sample of specific practical problems to which this book can show solutions: Why are resources important and how are they leveraged? Using the case of a British failure (Railtrack) we show the fatal consequences of neglecting existing resources, and then in a completely different country and industry (Carlo Gavazzi Space in Italy) how resources can be utilised from outside the firm to achieve leverage. Given our emphasis on diversity we highlight successful change in a foreign and inflexible environment (Japan and Carlos Ghosn). But can change be planned? Sometimes events or luck sabotage the best intentions as shown in the Samsung case. The book differentiates itself from the competition in four ways:
Thomson and Baden-Fuller have crafted a highly original and practical strategy textbook covering a wide range of strategic issues, debates, and frameworks. Their work contains a thorough overview of the strategy field, appealing cases of European firms such as Abrakebabra and Your cup of tea, as well as insightful treatises on the Brent Spar ignominy and the weapon industry. The clever combination of mini-cases, theory, questions and full-fledged cases, and a clear overall structure ensure that students obtain a representative image of strategy as it plays out in the 21st century. |