This is a study of the analytic tools and processes involved in the formulation and implementation of strategic choices in realistic organizational settings.

Most strategic management textbooks seem to stem from the old belief that ‘more is always better’. But in this age of data deluge, many are calling for a return to the basics. If students can master the core concepts and learn how to apply these basics, they are bound to be better equipped to approach and resolve even the most complex problems. This book, unlike most textbooks, focuses on the core concepts of strategic management, aiming to help students understand the basic ideas of the field more clearly, rather than overloading them with new, peripherally-related information. With cases designed to help students apply their deeper understanding of the core concepts, this book will equip any student with the solid grounding in strategic management fundamentals needed to succeed in the academic and professional arena.

This exciting new textbook is built on the belief that strategic management principles are more straightforward than they seem. Unlike other textbooks, Essentials of Strategic Management does not overcomplicate the discussion with enigmatic layers of theory or irrelevant perspectives from other disciplines. Instead you will find focused, clearly articulated coverage of the key topics of strategic management, encouraging critical reflection and deeper exploration on your own terms. Fully developed to cover the essentials of any strategic management course, authors Martyn R. Pitt and Dimitrios Koufopoulos not only create understanding of the principles of strategy, but shows you how to apply them constructively in the face of real-world practicalities.

This book shows how strategic management can be practiced in the context of flexibility. It discusses strategic formulation and implementation perspectives and practices, including vision and mission, general environment analysis, industry analysis, competitive advantage, resource and capability view, generic strategies, business level strategy, corporate level strategy, international strategy, change and turnaround, strategic implementation, and strategic controls, as well as flexibility embedded in these concepts. It can be used as a primary textbook for managerial programs for executives, and as a supplementary case textbook for core MBA courses. Exploring “Strategic Formulation” and “Strategic Implementation” concepts from a flexibility perspective, it is also an excellent companion to leading strategic management textbooks.

Strategic Management is a book that succinctly captures the nuances of leveraging strategy in the management of corporations and businesses. Tailor-made for students majoring in business and commerce at the undergraduate as well as postgraduate levels, it will equip them with skills in strategic thinking that encompass strategy formulation, implementation and evaluation. Furthermore, the book includes the most recent developments and trends in strategic management and will help the students to apply this knowledge to become effective managers and leaders. Salient features: • Structured and lucid presentation of content • Includes the latest research outcomes in strategic management theory and practice • Contains a separate chapter on preparing a case analysis • A short opening case, closing case, ‘strategic spotlight’ and ‘a great decision’ in every chapter • Objective as well as subjective exercises at the end of each chapter

Develop the qualities of strategic leadership and become an active contributor to the short- and long-term success of your organization Today's organizations face two daunting challenges: 1. How to create new sources of competitive advantage to sustain long-term growth, and 2. How to engage leaders at every level of the organization so that they are more proactive and forward-looking in their area of responsibility. The Art of Strategic Leadership uses a unique approach to examine what it means to be a strategic leader. Instead of focusing on the skills, behaviors, and tools found in typical books on strategic leadership, the authors shed light on the attributes and qualities necessary to lead strategic change and help transform a business. Strategic leadership is what modern leadership is all about. Organizations expect leaders to anticipate and be proactive more than ever before. In this book, the authors draw on their vast experience working directly with leaders at all levels and use an intriguing narrative to explain this inside-out approach to understanding strategic leadership. The narrative follows the journey of how one manager discovered these critically important qualities. You will experience first-hand how these values and attributes manifest in the lives of realistic leaders; how they orchestrate long-term strategic change needed for the organization to compete and survive and actively shape the future while delivering short-term results. The Art of Strategic Leadership provides the content that will help you informally assess and reflect on your own strategic leadership qualities—those that are strengths and those that indicate areas you need to develop. It will guide you as you incorporate these values and qualities into your own leadership style and become a more effective catalyst for change. This book will help you in the following ways: Develop a more proactive, forward-thinking approach to leadership Approach strategy from both short- and long-term perspectives Adopt the core values and principles of a strategic leader Model the qualities exhibited by powerful leaders Strategic leaders serve as powerful examples to others in the organization. Their qualities and traits spread rapidly to those around them, empowering people at every level to take a more active role in meeting the demands of the future. The Art of Strategic Leadership will help you deepen and broaden your understanding of the core qualities of strategic leadership, leaving you better equipped to lead yourself and your team to a better place and create greater value for customers, owners, and employees.