Product Description

In this revision of his classic book Richard Whittington challenges the basic assumptions of management orthodoxy. By applying four basic theoretical approaches of strategy-making to a series of key strategic issues, Whittington demonstrates the practical implications of different theories with many examples. Students are then challenged to critically evaluate their own personal approach to strategy-making in practice. The new edition is fully updated to cover the latest issues in strategy including expanded coverage of the resource-based and knowledge-based views of the firm, and utilises new examples from the international, service and ebusiness' sectors.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #137906 in Books
• Published on: 2000-12-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 168 pages

Customer Reviews

Strategy matters - but you need a map
The book is only 150 pages long but allocate twice as much time as you would expect to read it. The first reason is that it's been written by an academic and they have their own writing style which some of us take time to adjust to. The second reason is that its easy to get confused and you have to read it slowly. It starts with four different perspectives on strategy and refers to them throughout the book as consistent reference points. Once I had written down the four perspectives and added notes to each as I read the book it became a whole lot easier.

Thoughout the book the author tried to take an independent view of the four different perspectives but occasionally his preferences showed though. I think that he was right to take this viewpoint and hence avoided coming up with the type of generalised "fit all" solutions that are found in some business books.

The biggest value that I got from this book is that it enabled me to better understand how and why particular marketing strategies that I had been part of turned out as they did. No book has even helped me do this before. The other benefit is that it will give me more things to consider when I'm work on strategies in the future and isn't that why most of us buy books like this?

Overall an excellent book that works at many different levels. If it had been just a bit easier to read I'd have given it the top number of stars.

A Refreshing Approach to Looking at Strategy
Whittington's review of the many different strategy writers' views on the subject will allow someone new to the topic to gain an overview of what can be a very difficult and confusing management topic. Readers familiar with the concepts of strategic management would also benefit from having their views and beliefs questioned. This book will do just that.

Whittington begins by packaging the different theories and approaches to strategy into a nice 2X2 framework that managers will find easy to follow. Don't be put off by the long-winded explanations given in the first two chapters and some of the jargon used; your efforts will be rewarded by the acquisition of a clearer insight into Strategy.

His deconstruction of the many strictly held management beliefs is masterful. Thus, Internationalisation & Globalisation are questioned, the wisdom of Joint Ventures and Acquisitions is also quizzed, as is the value of Leadership.

This book will give the any manager an important perspective on Strategy.

NOT RECIEVED
I can not review this product as I have not yet recieved it 5 weeks later although you have recieved my money. I am most unhappy as I needed this book for an assignment. Please advise.