Understanding Strategic Management (3^rd Ed.)

Understanding Strategic Management is the ideal introduction to strategy for students on one-semester courses who require an informative yet practical approach. The book's four-part structure defines the concept of strategy, before using the overarching strategic framework of analysis, formulation, and implementation to show how strategy can be used to develop a sustainable competitive advantage in business. Making use of chapter maps and learning objectives to guide students through the complexities of the subject, the author conveys the realities of strategic management through a diverse selection of international and contemporary examples. Strategy in Focus boxes use examples from popular media to show strategic management issues at work in the headlines we read every day. A longer, integrated Case Example closes every chapter tying in multiple strategic challenges that affect businesses large and small, public and private. Review and discussion questions then encourage students to be critical of the material and juxtapose alternative concepts and frameworks to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. With the book succinct and accessible by design, students may extend their learning with additional material available in the online resources. Written by the author to build seamlessly on the book, Extension Material is signposted from every chapter, providing further depth on a specific topic where required. As the tools of analysis underlie formulation and implementation, unique Working through Strategy materials give students opportunities to practice essential techniques such as PEST analysis and scenario planning themselves. The rounded approach, extensive examples, and additional resources make this book the most complete, balanced, and accessible introduction for students taking their first steps into strategic management. This book is accompanied by a suite of online resources: For students: Internet exercises Glossary Extension Material Working through Strategy Multiple-choice questions Additional recommended resources For lecturers: Test bank Further case material Answers to discussion questions PowerPoint slides Figures and tables from the book

Anthony E. Henry worked as a Market Analyst for HSBC in central London before joining the university sector. He has experience working for public and private sector organisations, including Arthur Andersen. He has also counted traffic for a firm of transport consultants, worked in a soap factory, and taught strategy in the UK and Germany to global managers working for a FTSE-100 organization. He has worked as a Senior Lecturer in Strategic Management. He recently spent seven years updating his business experience by working as a senior manager in a medical company before returning to the university sector. His appreciation of the business environment is used to enhance student understanding of the theory and practice of strategy. Anthony currently teaches strategy to undergraduate and MBA students at Aston University's Business School.