Business Strategy

'This is an extremely well-conceived book. It is concise, clear and straightforward, yet is rigorous in its coverage of the key areas of strategic management. It is well-balanced across strategic analysis, formulation and implementation and makes very good use of case studies and exercises questions. This book really is a breath of fresh air.' - Dr Emanuel Gomes, Principal Lecturer in Corporate Strategy, Coventry University, UK 'An innovative and practical approach to analysing the many elements that together form business strategy. There is no doubt that this text will engage the reader, as it offers many contemporary and practical examples that provide clarity and make sense of the many theoretical concepts, allowing the reader to develop a progressive and embedded understanding of the process.' - Kevin Burt, Lecturer in Strategy, Lincoln Business School, University of Lincoln, UK 'This book is a helpful addition to the library of core textbooks on business strategy. It covers all the main topic areas in a well written and thoughtful manner and is cleverly constructed in order to allow students to take their study further. The book not only offers case studies but identifies areas for debate and research which are important for students engaged at this level. Another pleasing feature is the brief biographies for some of the main management gurus which allow students to know something about the scholar as well as his or her ideas. This book will be useful for any final year undergraduate or postgraduate student studying business strategy.' - Dr Jim Martin Keane, Director of Studies, Business Management Course Group, University of Gloucestershire, UK

DAVID CAMPBELL is Professor of Accounting and Business Ethics at Newcastle University Business School, UK DAVID EDGAR is Professor of Strategy and Business Transformation in the Department of Management at Glasgow Caledonian University, UK GEORGE STONEHOUSE is Professor of Strategic Management and Dean of Edinburgh Napier University Business School, UK

PART I: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STRATEGIC PROCESS Strategy and strategic management Perspectives on strategy PART II: INTERNAL ANALYSIS The business context, products and services Business competences, activities and processes Knowledge, talent, culture and innovation Financial analysis, audit and performance Information systems and technology Strengths, weaknesses and strategic competence PART III: EXTERNAL ANALYSIS Analysis of the macroenvironment Markets, and analysis of the competitive environment The international and global context Opportunities, threats and strategic position PART IV: THE BUSINESS STRATEGY Competitive advantage and strategy Evaluation and selection of strategies Strategic development: direction and mechanisms PART V: STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT Strategic implementation Change management and leadership PART VI: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN BUSINESS STRATEGY The web, new technology and new organisational forms Quality Social responsibility and business ethics Emerging markets and industry superpowers Index.