Global Strategy (with World Map and InfoTrac )
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Teach Our Students How to Fish
  • Great book for International Business/Strategy class
  • Avoid this textbook
  • Very engaging book
Global Strategy (with World Map and InfoTrac )
Mike W. Peng
Manufacturer: South-Western College Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0324288522

Book Description

Discover both sides of international business and how to prepare for the future. GLOBAL STRATEGY doesn't just show you what it's like for foreign businesses entering a new market; it also reveals what domestic companies must do to survive foreign competition. Written to be easy-to-read and full of study tools, GLOBAL STRATEGY is the resource that helps out on the test and gets you ready for your next job. Your purchase includes a World Map and access to InfoTrac College Edition, an online university library of full-length articles from more than 5,000 academic and popular magazines, newspapers, and journals.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Teach Our Students How to Fish.......2007-07-30

As a PhD student teaching global strategy and international business, I like this book, not only for its comprehensive theoretical framework, but also for its openness for a series of debates on globalization. The theoretical framework can help students analyze the complex global business environment. More importantly, a series of debates can open their eyes, and can help them build more skills to deal with challenges in a globalizing world (think about the current buzz on offshoring and outsourcing).

Many textbooks attempted to teach students how to arrive at "correct" answers. They just tell students what is already known, and do not describe the sorts of problems that the professional may be asked to solve and the variety of techniques available for their solution. This textbook deviates from the rest of pack, because the author tries to integrate many new fronts (and yes, even debates!) in the academic and practitioner world (see the long list of references) and cultivates a "global mental set" based on his rich experience in many countries. What is most refreshing is that the author does not give a single answer or simple evaluation for many questions, but provides many possible approaches to widen the reader's mindset. In fact, every chapter has a beefy section devoted to "Debates and Extensions," with no given conclusions.

Even vivid business cases will fade quickly and be forgotten in this dramatically changing world. So a set of "divergent thinking skills" will play a more important role in helping students develop long-term capabilities in their career success. Through this book, students will learn how to recognize and evaluate many problems to which no unequivocal solution has yet been given, find an arsenal of techniques (industry-based view, resource-based view, and institution-based view) for approaching these problems, and develop "global mental sets" to judge the relevance of these techniques and to evaluate the possible solutions.

The ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi once said: "Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; but teach him how to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime." Truly, this exciting book may teach our students how to fish!

5 out of 5 stars Great book for International Business/Strategy class.......2007-03-07

As a professor, I have used several books for International Business classes and I have to say there are Global Business books that should have been titled as International Politics or American Business. This book has a good balance between country analyses such as EU regulation, privatization in emerging economies, and company perspectives such as entering into foreign countries, creating synergy between divisions. The cases cover companies from a lot of countries; they provide enough information to complement the chapters but are not too long so that it's easy to read through. My students and I enjoyed this book very much!

1 out of 5 stars Avoid this textbook.......2006-12-25

I'm presently a student studying International Business and Marketing at a local university. This review is based on the copyright 2006 edition.

The real-world examples are extremely out of date for a global business book. For example, the interactive case 1.1 states 2000 annual report figures for GN Netcom. Another example, mentioning Yahoo! back in 2001. We all know how this competitive marketplace has changed dramatically over the past few years, and in fact changes every 6 months. When I am paying $113 for a textbook that publishers push out a new edition every year or two, I expect my money to go towards updates in the examples that are used. I realize that strategic principles don't change and can be applied towards any case in time- but this author charges a premium on a book that should be at least half the price.

Second, the structure and layout of this book is horrible. It does not break out the key points or core concepts from this rather blandly written book. The end of chapter questions are not intuitive enough, and lack the depth that a textbook should require. There is also not enough use of diagrams to illustrate the points in the text.

Third, this book is printed in black and white- another cost savings that should not justify the high price. It reminds me of reading textbooks from 15 years ago. This book will definitely be sold back at the end of the class.

So, if you are a teacher- please seriously evaluate this book before you require students to purchase it. I'm fortunate that I am taking another strategy class and there is enough overlap that I can just skim over Global Strategy by Mike Peng to fill in the gaps that I miss in the other book. A far better recommendation- Crafting and Executing Strategy by Arthur Thomson Jr., etc. Fellow students, I feel your pain if you have to read this book.

5 out of 5 stars Very engaging book.......2005-04-26

This is by far the best written business textbook I read in college. The book offers a very wide variety of real-world examples of the different strategies and actions explained in the book. These examples span all kinds of companies, from large MNE's to small businesses based in developing nations. The text is written very straightforward and the book seems to flow well from chapter to chapter. I was lucky to have Mike Peng as my professor in international business, because he devoted as much attention to his students as he did to his textbook.
The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid: Eradicating Poverty Through Profits (Wharton School Publishing Paperbacks)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Saving the World
  • Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and anecdotal evidence is not proof
  • Hardcover and tradepaperback are different!!!
  • at last a pragmatic approach to develpment
  • Magical
The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid: Eradicating Poverty Through Profits (Wharton School Publishing Paperbacks)
CK Prahalad
Manufacturer: Wharton School Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0131877291

Book Description

The world's most exciting, fastest-growing new market? It's where you least expect it: at the bottom of the pyramid. Collectively, the world's billions of poor people have immense entrepreneurial capabilities and buying power. You can learn how to serve them and help millions of the world's poorest people escape poverty.

It is being done-profitably. Whether you're a business leader or an anti-poverty activist, business guru Prahalad shows why you can't afford to ignore "Bottom of the Pyramid" (BOP) markets.

In the book and accompanying CD videos, Prahalad presents...

Why what you know about BOP markets is wrong A world of surprises-from spending patterns to distribution and marketing

Unlocking the "poverty penalty"

The most enduring contributions your company can make Delivering dignity, empowerment, and choice-not just products

Corporations and BOP entrepreneurs Profiting together from an inclusive new capitalism

"C. K. Prahalad argues that companies must revolutionize how they dobusiness in developing countries if both sides of that economic equation areto prosper. Drawing on a wealth of case studies, his compelling new bookoffers an intriguing blueprint for how to fight poverty with profitability." Bill Gates, Chairman and Chief Software Architect,Microsoft

"The Bottom of the Pyramid belongs at the top of the reading list forbusiness people, academics, and experts pursuing the elusive goal ofsustainable growth in the developing world. C. K. Prahalad writes withuncommon insight about consumer needs in poor societies andopportunities for the private sector to serve important public purposes whileenhancing its own bottom line. If you are looking for fresh thinking aboutemerging markets, your search is ended. This is the book for you." Madeleine K. Albright, Former U.S. Secretary of State

"Prahalad challenges readers to re-evaluate their pre-conceived notionsabout the commercial opportunities in serving the relatively poor nations ofthe world. The Bottom of the Pyramid highlights the way to commercialsuccess and societal improvement--but only if the developed worldreconceives the way it delivers products and services to the developingworld." Christopher Rodrigues, CEO, Visa International

"An important and insightful work showing persuasively how the privatesector can be put at the center of development, not just as a rhetoricalflourish but as a real engine of jobs and services for the poor." Mark Malloch Brown, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Saving the World.......2007-10-02

The author loves his TLA's (3 letter acronyms)! I wish someone had told me how technical this book was; those with an MBA will get the most out of it. But I love Prahalad's outlook and creativity. Perhaps with a little advice I can take my ideas and come up with a formal business plan.

3 out of 5 stars Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and anecdotal evidence is not proof.......2007-06-24

Last year this book became a best seller hit among the developmental community at Washington, D.C., to the point that all bookstores at Metro DC run out of it. With notorious and well publicized praising comments from Madeleine Albright, Bill Gates and the like, I bought it too, but just to discover all the frenzy was undeserved from the viewpoint of poverty eradication.

Undoubtedly Mr. Pralhad's research demonstrates there are plenty of opportunities to do good business among the poor at the BOP (bottom of the pyramid), for them to benefit from the products and services not available now, and for some of them to go out of poverty by becoming entrepreneurs (market penetration is always limited). I agree on these conclusions, as commented extensively by the previous reviewers, and without a doubt this book will become a reference in many Business Schools. But to assert that this strategy will eradicate poverty and bring development is plain sophistry. As Carl Sagan said "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence".

Why sophistry? Regarding the poverty eradication claimed by Mr. Prahalad I will try to highlight some of the main flaws in his rationale and lack of sufficient evidence:

1. Despite the consideration of several cases from around the Third-World, most of the discussion and arguments to build the framework are related to India, excessively. The conditions of the poor in Latin America are quite different, and often, they have better public services available to them. On the other hand, many African countries have worst conditions. So you can not reach valid conclusions based solely on a country with such unique cultural and ethnical conditions. For doing business the cases are fine, especially for India or China because they are such huge markets at the BOP.

2. Wealth creation is hugely overestimated. Poor entrepreneurs and their immediate family will undoubtedly benefit from these new economic activities, but the framework lacks an explanation about how these oases of welcomed capitalism will trickle-down to the rest of their neighbors and poor villages. The implicit assumption is that everybody at the BOP has to become an entrepreneur for this strategy to work, because by just having access to affordable consumer products it seems very unlikely that poverty will be eradicated. The proposed framework is just good for doing business and for the poor to have access to new services and products, but where is the sustainable "fishing industry" for the rest of the poor population? The cases are very unique, islands of excellence, and with limited potential for a population the huge size of the BOT to bail out of poverty in significant numbers.

3. The analysis lacks the historical, cultural, legal and socio-economical background for a given country or region, and this consideration is fundamental for a proper analysis on sustainable development. Even when Mr. Pralhalad correctly identifies lack of education, corruption and the size of the informal sector as barriers for development and doing business, he then oversimplifies a lot on how to overcome these key issues, and again, an isolated Indian case is used as the magic formula to solve the problem through information technology. In fact, at the end of Chapter 6, within the conclusions, he recognizes that the illustrations he provides "are but islands of excellence in a sea of deprivation and helplessness". As the development community knows well, these successful stories are very hard to replicate. In Latin America we have the outstanding cases of Chile, Uruguay and Costa Rica. In Brazil, we have the cases of the Southern states of Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul. All of them very developed as compared to their neighbors (in terms of income, education, health, etc.), but despite all efforts, no one has successfully reproduced these islands of excellence at a scale that makes a difference.

4. An example will help to understand how superficial the cases are from a point of view of development and poverty eradication. The Brazilian case of "Casas Bahia" lacks the consideration of the socio-economic environment of the country, especially the case omits to mention key characteristics of the financial and credit markets (for those interested in this particular case from the point of view of business, I recommend you read "Samuel Klein e Casas Bahia: Uma trajetoria de Sucesso", Novo Seculo, 2005, this is a real and really impressive business success story). Mr. Klein successfully, by trusting the poor, built an empire that today is still one of the few option many mid- and low-income families have to buy the first computer for their children going to college in Brazil. But, let's see why the market share for credit cards is only 4%, and why it is not a real threat for Casas Bahia own financial system as stated in the book, as well as why there is not much in here to help eradicat poverty in Brazil. Annual inflation today in Brazil is in the order of 3-4%, and the Brazilian currency, the "Real" have been steadily revaluating against the dollar for the last 3 years. However, interest rates in Brazil are sky-high, a legacy of the hyper-inflation times of twenty years ago. Interest rates for well-known international credit cards are 9-11% per month, which compounded translates to an annual rate close to 180%, regardless of whether you're poor or rich. Today retail chain stores of this type charge around 3% per month, embedded in the price of the consumer products, so the consumer doesn't know up-front the real price. This translates to a compounded rate of 43% per year. Often if you try to pay upfront, there is no discount. So where is the real benefit for the poor? Or are they just getting every day more indebted, and spending money on fat interests that they could have used to buy more or better food or better health services for their kids. I do not see where poverty eradication fits in this case. Obviously Brazil has a problem of lack of real competition in the capitalist sense; even the branches of American Banks doing business in Brazil charge these exorbitant rates. As a reference for the readers, you can buy a 30Gb iPod in Brazil for the "reasonable" amount of US$1,000, payable in 12 installments, and for the high price we also have to thank the federal government high taxes on almost everything. Coming back to the case, as an additional "benefit", you only can make the payments in person at stores of the retail chain, just to make sure the poor are tempted every month and come back for more when they are close to payback that debt. That's why there is a 77% of clients who make reapeat purchases as the book reports. Not surprisingly the case description mentions the criticism "that Casas Bahia simply exploits the poor and charges them exorbitant interest rates", but neglects to present a due explanation of why this is not truth, and simply disregards the cristicism.

5. Finally, Mr. Prahalad is extremely optimistic. At he end of Chapter 6 and in his own words: "I have no doubt that the elimination of poverty and deprivation is possible by 2020". This prophecy speaks by itself about the reliability of the analysis. And again, let's remember that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. All the book presents is anecdotal evidence, which is not proof as any scientist knows, and the framework presented has no predictive power, much less to assert that poverty will end by 2020.

Unquestionably an excellent business book, and a very innovative one, but just for that, business. That's why to me it only deserves 3 stars. On the other hand, not much value-added in there for doing real sustainable development across the board, as the author insinuates and some of the readers think, and certainly not much for real poverty eradication. For that outrageous addition to the book's title I took the other 2 stars. The "Erradicating poverty through profits" part of the book's title should be erased, so the book really deserves the 5 stars most reviewers gave to it (and as the previous reviewer rightly complained, the cases were really awfully edited for the paperback edition, even with repeated sentences). Definitely this book is not recommended if you are serious about new ideas for sustainable development. For a real book on that subject, read the recently publicated "The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can Be Done About It" by Paul Collier, though its scope refers mainly to very poor African countries, it is an example of a serious and proper approach to the problem of eradicating poverty. To understand the complexities of promoting development, you may also read "Making Globalization Work" by Joseph Stiglitz. These two books will clearly ilustrate why "The Fortune at the BOP" is not a book on development, and absolutely, no Nobel Prize is deserved.

1 out of 5 stars Hardcover and tradepaperback are different!!!.......2007-04-13

Here is a note I sent to the editor after buying the tradepaperback version.

Your editorial staff has done something so dumb I am astounded! (Also really $%^& mad.) The hardcover and trade paperback versions of CK Prahalad - The fortune at the bottom of the pyramid, are NOT the same. I assigned readings from this book to my class of 100 students. They went and bought the book and found that the case studies aren't there. On closer investigation I see that you shortened the case studies and renamed the chapters. Unfortunately the editing on the shortening is terrible and I simply can't ask my students to read such badly written material.

You did several things wrong
1) You sell two books with identical titles and covers, which have different content
2) You edited very very badly
3) You did this on an award winning book with high visibility

As far as I can tell there is no way for anyone to figure out that the content is different except in the very rare case that they own both versions.

This is a black mark on the Wharton name. What were you thinking?

-james

5 out of 5 stars at last a pragmatic approach to develpment.......2007-01-09

Prahalad'book "the fortune at the bottom of the pyramid" demonstrates the importance to get the people we are "supposed" to help to get involved. The bottom up approach is in line with William Shaffeerly and David Bornstein books where the people are key to any lasting development. The top down approach a la Jeffrey Sacks are fine for the politicians but did not bring much results after all these years. It is time for a change in approach and the Nobel Price to Dr. M.Yunus is very encouraging.

3 out of 5 stars Magical .......2006-08-29

FBP is an intriguing concept and the model can be scaled up or down in size in all parts of the world. The book serves as a wake up call to businessmen across the world.
Capitalism at the Crossroads: The Unlimited Business Opportunities in Solving the World's Most Difficult Problems
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Capitalism and the New World Economy
  • A Classic
  • What Capitalism Could Accomplish
  • Partner with Prahalad, Valuable Distinct Contribution
  • Much Assailed Capitalism Is Probably the Only Answer
Capitalism at the Crossroads: The Unlimited Business Opportunities in Solving the World's Most Difficult Problems
Stuart L. Hart
Manufacturer: Wharton School Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0131439871

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Capitalism and the New World Economy.......2006-06-05

Stuart Hart is an author, instructor, researcher, and lecturer who has written many books and essays on strategic management and the problems/challenges of globalism in the world economy. His consulting services have been utilized by many large companies including DuPont, Hewlett- Packard, and Proctor and Gamble and he has helped these and other companies like them to develop a more Earth- friendly, poverty- reducing approach to solving the world's problems while still maintaining enough economic momentum to stabilize or even improve the bottom line.

The primary focus of this book is the important task that businesses face in the twenty- first century; namely, the task of expanding the world economy, helping third world nations emerge from poverty, and improving the environment. To many, this idea of companies helping other nations, promoting recycling and environmentally sound business practices, and making a profit seems to be one big contradiction. When most people think of business, we think of the bottom- line goal of earning a profit by whatever means necessary; everything else be damned. But like Hart points out, the reality of environmental issues is too important and too critical for business to ignore. And if the right steps are taken, businesses can not only improve the world and its people, they can also reap profits and other rewards in the process. Thus, not only is it the right direction to take morally, it is also the right direction to take financially and if companies move quickly they can establish themselves as leaders in the global marketplace and enjoy the many benefits that their initiative will bring.

Globalism has been one of the most heated topics in economic discussion groups in the past ten to fifteen years. Proponents of globalism feel that it is the best way to spread prosperity all over the world and eradicate a large number of the world's poor. Opponents, however, have been very vocal in their opposition to globalism, citing many key areas where they feel the earth and its people are worse off when large companies expand to other nations. These activists feel that globalism depletes the world's resources at a faster rate; leads to deployment of "sweatshops" and other inhumane treatment of workers; and does little if anything to alleviate the problems of economic distress, inadequate health care, and the like. But like Hart demonstrates in this book, the pro- globalists and the anti- globalists can and must work together to solve these problems. And he feels that private businesses can make this happen by utilizing present technologies that will produce more abundant goods and services, improve standards of living, and leave the environment unaffected and possibly even better than it was before. Hart is a strong believer that much good can be accomplished if companies will simply change their strategy and embrace the idea of global environmentalism and responsibility. New growth areas exist all over the planet and by integrating some of the new technologies with profitable solutions, companies can make money and make a name for themselves as corporate citizens on a world- wide scale.

Much of what this book talks about seems reasonable now that I have finished it, but I admit that I was a little skeptical at first. How, I wondered, could a company implement all of these changes, pay good wages to foreign workers, protect the environment, and still make a profit? It seems like a very expensive proposition but like the author demonstrates, it really isn't a far fetched idea at all. We have to remember that much of the population of the world lives in conditions that are almost completely devoid of any use of modern technologies. Introducing these technologies can improve productivity drastically- so much so, in fact, that it will easily negate the initial expense of establishing the technology in the first place. One example stated in the book is that of Grameen Phone and Grameen Telecom- two businesses that helped establish a cellular phone network in Bangladesh. Money was loaned to women living in the poverty- stricken rural villages so that they could become private entrepreneurs to sell mobile phone service. The loan money was used to purchase a cell phone and a solar recharging unit and the women were then trained and sent out to sell this service. This business venture has proven to be a great success, profitable in many ways. It has raised many people out of poverty, extended modern technology to people who don't normally have this luxury, and protected the environment through the inclusion of solar charging units. All of this was possible simply because a company was willing to take a chance, grant loans, and extend a useful service to a class of people who would never be able to afford cellular phone service using existing business models.

Most of the information presented in this book deals with spreading economic success to the billions of people in the world who occupy the bottom levels of the economic pyramid but what the author talks about can easily apply to other situations as well. Corporate stewardship and environmental responsibility are admirable goals for a company of any size regardless of whether its customers are economically well- off or financially strapped. Hart concentrates mostly on the problems of the third world because it is here that most opportunity exists and where most of the challenges lie. But much of what he talks about could be applied to anyone, including those at the top of the economic pyramid who consume a large amount of resources with little regard for economic or environmental consequences.

I like the way Hart writes this book. It is well- organized with boldface text to break up different topics/subtopics and with notes at the end of each chapter. I also admire the sense of optimism. Hart is convinced that this approach is not only the right thing to do, it is imperative that corporations take action immediately and if they do so and do it right, they will easily reap the benefits. The old ideas that profit is the number one priority, that humans are disposable components of any business, and that the environment is the concern of governments have all become outdated in the modern world economy.

Overall, Capitalism at the Crossroads is a very good book about business and its critical role in shaping the world economy. Conventional wisdom about what works and what doesn't needs to be tossed aside in favor of (as the author refers to them) "disruptive technologies"- business models that go completely against the established way of doing things and present a fresh perspective tailored to the needs of specific people and cultures that protects the environment and still earns a profit. All of this is possible, and Hart feels it is very important that these large, multi- national corporations wake up and adapt to the new world economy. It is not only economically profitable, it is a necessary part of economic sustainability and world stability.

The bottom line of this book could be summed up as follows: Companies that help other people and protect the environment will be rewarded in many ways, including bottom- line profit, improved living conditions, and a better environment for all. Capitalism is at an important crossroad and the path taken needs to be the one that promotes responsible corporate growth for the good of all.

5 out of 5 stars A Classic.......2006-01-31

The book starts with a overview of the dominant position that is occupied by multinationals in today's global economy. Going by the definition of the term, 60000 multinationals produce a quarter of the global output of products and services. Yet they are owned by less that 1 percent of the worlds population and employ about 1 percent of the world's employable workforce. Meanwhile many of these companies in their race for short term earnings have sacrificed sustainable methods of production. In other words they have done irreparable damage to the earth's environment and created social tensions in many countries. In other words, the pursuit of economic gains is at loggerheads with local cultures and environmental interests.

Then comes the interesting hypothesis termed "The Great trade-off illusion". Earlier companies believed that a certain amount of pollution for example was inevitable and any efforts for its reduction will incur expenses for treatment. This is called "end of the pipeline approach" for treating pollutants. Similarly, large companies serving the top 800 million population of the earth's population adopted similar business models and products across countries and cultures. Two thirds of the population was ignored since it was perceived that this huge segment just cannot afford the goods and services offered by the multinationals.

The author offers a radical approach and introduces the concept of "Triple Bottom-line". How can companies win by offering goods and services that are culturally appropriate, environmentally sustainable and economically profitable. This is not wish or ivory tower theory, but a necessity and practically feasible path argues the author.

To serve the base of the pyramid (BOP) population, companies need to adopt disruptive technologies, incubate them in the BOP markets with appropriate functionality and price points. This also needs innovative business models. One should not look at what is bad ( corruption) or what is missing ( western style institutions) in the BOP segment, but understand and serve their needs through innovative products and services through appropriate business processes.

This is essentially a combination of Prof. Clayton Christensen's disruptive innovations ( The Innovator's Dilemma) and the concept of BOP ( The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid - C.K. Prahalad ).

In my opinion the main take away in terms of an excellent framework for business strategy is the concept of "Sustainable Value Portfolio". Defining the Organization's internal capabilities and external constituencies on the horizontal axis, and managing today's business and tomorrow's business opportunity on the vertical axis, we get four quadrants on which companies can operate. Companies typically operate only on the quadrant of internal capabilities and today's business. This is an approach of incremental improvements and greening. The other quadrant below the horizontal axis is the concept of "extended supplier responsibility" or Product Stewardship taking full responsibility for the product including its recycling, in close interaction with existing customers.

To win in tomorrows world, companies need to operate in and fully leverage on internal capabilities to introduce successful disruptive technologies that can cater to the needs of the un-served four billion population( that will grow to about 8 billion by 2050), or B24B, in a manner that is environmentally sustainable. Companies that understand all the four quadrants well and progressively plan their product portfolio are the winners of tomorrow.

Take the automobile industry for example. The author clearly brings out that till the 1970's this industry produced vehicles that polluted the planet with total disregard to fuel efficiencies. Then the focus shifted to emission norms and recycling of used automobiles. A huge opportunity awaits this sector in exploiting disruptive technologies like hydrogen fuel cells and simultaneously use such technologies to offer low cost transportation in countries like India and China.

The book then gets into a detailed discussion on the BOP realities and the right business models to serve this huge market.

A classic by any account, I personally rate it as one amongst the top 10 business books on my bookshelf. One can feel the author's sense of commitment, deep understanding of and a passion for the topic in every page of the book.

5 out of 5 stars What Capitalism Could Accomplish.......2006-01-16

This interesting and provocative book synthesizes several of the most influential ideas in modern business and distills a new idea: that disruptive innovation at the bottom of the pyramid will solve the crises of environmental pollution, business stagnation and international terrorism at the top. No one can accuse author Stuart L. Hart of thinking small or of lacking imagination. His big ideas are all in place. The only missing element, as he freely admits, is one small detail: how. Capitalism must take a new course, and it's pretty clear what the new course must be, but Hart presents only a vague notion of how businesspeople are to go about turning his vision into reality. We recommend that business leaders read this book anyway, because it will stimulate your thinking about what might be possible. Maybe you'll be the one to figure out how to make the difference.

5 out of 5 stars Partner with Prahalad, Valuable Distinct Contribution.......2005-12-09

Edited to respect new information I did not have before, and thank the person making the comment. Also adding hot links.

The author, who gives full credit to C.K. Prahalad, has been a co-author with Prahalad and they are both credited with this brilliant vision for a new kind of moral capitalism that addresses the needs of the five billion poor.

This book should be viewed as a valuable distinct contribution in its own right, read read with Prahalad's book as well as a third book from Wharton, The Next Global Stage: The Challenges and Opportunities in Our Borderless World As I edit this, I am also remined of Paul Hawkin's Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming, and the forthcoming book by Medard Gabel, Seven Billion Billionaires, with a preview here at Where to find 4 billion new customers: expanding the world's marketplace; Smart companies looking for new growth opportunities should consider broadening ... consultant.: An article from: The Futurist

It also complements Yale Dean Garten's book, The Politics of Fortune: A New Agenda For Business Leaders which calls on business to be more responsible about the state of the world. All of these books contrast remarkably with William Greider's The Soul of Capitalism: Opening Paths to a Moral Economy, Clyde Prestowitz's Rogue Nation: American Unilateralism and the Failure of Good Intentions and and John Perkins' Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

The math is quite clear. Business had been focused on high profit margins from the top one billion, with disposable incomes on the order of $20K or so. The bottom of the pyramid, five billion people, with disposable incomes on average of no more than $10 a year, represent a four trillion dollar marketplace.

Where business has gone wrong is in being bureaucratic, immoral, corrupt, and focused on outputs for profit rather than listening for solutions that can be profitable (with low profit margins, very high volume, and transformative effect).

I believe that these two individuals could one day win the Nobel Peace Prize for their work, which could literally save the world. As Jonathan Schell tells us in The Unconquerable World: Power, Nonviolence, and the Will of the People there are not enough guns on the planet to keep these four billion dispossesed from impacting on us negatively. We can help them create indigenous stabilizing wealth in their home countries, or we can die with them as we all suffer the end of cheap oil, the end of free water, and the rise of pandemic disease.

This author is an extraordinary talent, equal to Prahalad. It merits comment that Wharton appears to have displaced Yale as a phenomenal publishing house. For me to find three world-class books on this topic, and for all of them to be from Wharton, is noteworthy.

5 out of 5 stars Much Assailed Capitalism Is Probably the Only Answer.......2005-11-22

We live in a time when the very concept of Capitalism has come under attack from nearly every corner: the religious zeelots who think that only the study of God (THEIR God) should be done, the far left who believe that the Government should do everything, and on and on. Each can present stories of things that Government/Charity/Education or whatever has done better on some task. And they have - developing the Internet, wiping out smallpox - to name just two.

What capitalism brings is innovation into areas where Government would get all kinds of opposition from the various wings. Of one thing you can be sure, the future will not be like the past. We can't say just what problems the future holds, but innovation funded by people who have this idea about how they can get rich will be the answer. Yes, as this author says, it must be sustainable, it must be eco-sensitive.

We are running out of oil, to be sustainable will require a lot of innovation. We must be eco-sensitive, otherwise we all live in a cess pool. No one but capitalism can pull this off.
Strategic Planning for Public Relations
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • One of my favorite campaign textbooks
Strategic Planning for Public Relations
Ronald D. Smith
Manufacturer: Lawrence Erlbaum
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  4. Advertising and Public Relations Law (Lea's Communication Series) Advertising and Public Relations Law (Lea's Communication Series)
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ASIN: 0805852395

Book Description

This innovative text offers a new way of understanding public relations and other types of strategic communication. Following the pragmatic, in-depth approach of the first edition, this text presents a step-by-step unfolding of the planning process most often used in public relations practice. Drawing from his experience in professional practice and in the classroom, author Ronald D. Smith walks readers through the critical steps for the formative research, strategic and tactical planning, and plan evaluation phases of the process.

Complete with clear explanations, relevant examples, and practical exercises, this text identifies and discusses the various decision points and options in the development of a communication program. Both classic public relations situations and current, timely events are presented in cases and examples throughout. This second edition offers new examples and updates on research, and provides new discussions on critical topics, including stereotyping and statistics.

As a classroom text or a resource for professional practice, this volume provides a model that can be adapted to fit specific circumstances and used to improve effectiveness and creativity in communication planning. It serves as an accessible and understandable guide to field-tested procedures, offering practical insights that apply to public relations campaigns and case studies coursework.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars One of my favorite campaign textbooks.......2006-01-04

It is a comprehensive textbook with a nice blend of theory and practice. Right now, it's one of my favorites. I find the sections on strategy and evaluation weak, but the parts on formative research and tactics are really good. I use it for my campaigns class along with "Strategic Public Relations Management" by Weintraub Austin and Pinkleton. I recommend it as an appopriate textbook for an undergraduate PR campaigns class, but I don't think it can stand alone.
The McKinsey Way
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Not very interesting
  • Basic info
  • Good overview.
  • Simple but good advice combined with great short stories
  • Made Me Want To Be A Consultant
The McKinsey Way
Ethan M. Rasiel
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0070534489

Amazon.com

The McKinsey Way, by former McKinsey & Company associate Ethan M. Rasiel, provides a through-the-keyhole perspective on the way this worldwide consulting institution approaches--and solves--the myriad professional problems encountered by its high-powered clientele. His goal, Rasiel writes, is simple: to communicate "new and useful skills to everyone who wants to be more useful in their business." He then does so by explaining the highly structured, fact-based proprietary methodology that McKinseyites are taught to employ with their Fortune 100 clients, complete with details on the entire process from first considering the basic situation at hand through finally selling a solution to the appropriate powers that be.

All of the critical steps (assembling a team, managing a hierarchy, doing research, conducting interviews, brainstorming) are broken down into specific actions and fleshed out with applicable examples that Rasiel has gathered through interviews with dozens of other former McKinsey employees. The concluding sections on surviving the mythically grueling pace at the organization, known simply to insiders as "the Firm," are designed to help readers successfully tackle the similar challenges and obstacles they regularly face in their own work environments. --Howard Rothman

Book Description

"If more business books were as useful, concise, and just plain fun to read as THE MCKINSEY WAY, the business world would be a better place." --Julie Bick, best-selling author of ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW IN BUSINESS I LEARNED AT MICROSOFT.

"Enlivened by witty anecdotes, THE MCKINSEY WAY contains valuable lessons on widely diverse topics such as marketing, interviewing, team-building, and brainstorming." --Paul H. Zipkin, Vice-Dean, The Fuqua School of Business

It's been called "a breeding ground for gurus." McKinsey & Company is the gold-standard consulting firm whose alumni include titans such as "In Search of Excellence" author Tom Peters, Harvey Golub of American Express, and Japan's Kenichi Ohmae.

When Fortune 100 corporations are stymied, it's the "McKinsey-ites" whom they call for help. In THE MCKINSEY WAY, former McKinsey associate Ethan Rasiel lifts the veil to show you how the secretive McKinsey works its magic, and helps you emulate the firm's well-honed practices in problem solving, communication, and management.

He shows you how McKinsey-ites think about business problems and how they work at solving them, explaining the way McKinsey approaches every aspect of a task:
How McKinsey recruits and molds its elite consultants;
How to "sell without selling";
How to use facts, not fear them;
Techniques to jump-start research and make brainstorming more productive;
How to build and keep a team at the top its game;
Powerful presentation methods, including the famous waterfall chart, rarely seen outside McKinsey;
How to get ultimate "buy-in" to your findings;
Survival tips for working in high-pressure organizations.

Both a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most admired and secretive companies in the business world and a toolkit of problem-solving techniques without peer, THE MCKINSEY WAY is fascinating reading that empowers every business decision maker to become a better strategic player in any organization.

Download Description

Penetrate the mysteriously powerful problem-solving methods and learn the secret techniques of the world+s most prestigious business consulting firm, in this insightful how-they-do-it guide by a former McKinsey & Company analyst.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Not very interesting.......2007-07-26

I was expecting much more insight about what it's like to work at McKinsey. For the most part, I thought this book was a waste of time.

3 out of 5 stars Basic info.......2007-06-23

This is an okay book. It tells you a few tips about how Mckinsey works and the tools they use to get answers. It is simple stuff but you can see why it works. If you were thinking about working at McKinsey this book would be of great help. They work new staff to the bones (80 hr work weeks are the rule) and staff are away from home all the time. The plus of this is you learn an enormous amount about business. It would be like being in the Marines. You can do it when you are young and then it is great when you get out.

4 out of 5 stars Good overview........2007-05-14

The book gives a good overview on the strategies that are often used at the Firm. But it dont go much futher then the basic concept.

5 out of 5 stars Simple but good advice combined with great short stories.......2007-03-25

I'm making the transition from contractor (IT field) to consultant and I was looking for books to help me make this change. This book caught my attention and once I started reading I couldn't stop. I started Saturday afternoon and finished Sunday afternoon.

The book gives simple yet very good advice. It's probably not advice you couldn't get elsewhere, but the writing style of the author makes it very enjoyable to read and I think even simple messages deserve repeating. I particularly enjoyed the stories from actual experiences at the firm. I found them fascinating.

Quite a few people have nitpicked the book with negative reviews. My opinion is that they either don't have a sense of humor (and missed the jokes) or they are probably already above average consultants and therefore weren't the target audience.

If you're not an experienced consultant, or if you're an average one, then this book could teach you a few things that make it well worth the price of the book.

In summary, if I learned one thing from the book it is this: any problem can be solved with a good approach based on hypothesis, facts, and asking the right questions.

5 out of 5 stars Made Me Want To Be A Consultant.......2007-02-06

As an undergraduate economics major, I've been looking into various business careers for the past few years and have thought about doing everything from investment banking to fashion buying, but it wasn't until I read "The McKinsey Way" that I figured out what career I really wanted. Ethan Rasiel gives you the good and the bad aspects of the consulting industry, as well as numerous tips that everyone can and should use (i.e. make your boss look good, the elevator test, and just say "I don't know", to name a few.) And the book does not need to be read in sequential order; you can jump around to whatever section interests you without any problems. If you are considering a career in any type of consulting, I would definitely recommend you read this book, you'll gain a lot of insights and laugh at the same time. I have gone on to read the book twice, and still plan on reading it again.
The Next Global Stage: The Challenges and Opportunities in Our Borderless World
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Provides both businesses and governments with a game plan for handling new challenges.
  • Good Analysis of Intl Trade by Regions
  • Visionary Views of the Evolving Region-State Consistent with Friedman's Flattened World
  • read 'the world is flat' instead
  • The Next Stage Is Here Now
The Next Global Stage: The Challenges and Opportunities in Our Borderless World
Kenichi Ohmae
Manufacturer: Wharton School Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 013147944X

Download Description

"Globalization is a fact. You can't stop it; it has already happened; it is here to stay. And we are moving into a new global stage.

A radically new world is taking shape from the ashes of yesterday's nation-based economic world. To succeed, you must act on the global stage, leveraging radically new drivers of economic power and growth. Legendary business strategist Kenichi Ohmae¿who in The Borderless World, published in 1990, predicted the rise and success of globalization, coining the very word¿synthesizes today's emerging trends into the first coherent view of tomorrow's global economy¿and its implications for politics, business, and personal success.

Ohmae explores the dynamics of the new ""region state,"" tomorrow's most potent economic institution, and demonstrates how China is rapidly becoming the exemplar of this new economic paradigm. The Next Global Stage offers a practical blueprint for businesses, governments, and individuals who intend to thrive in this new environment. Ohmae concludes with a detailed look at strategy in an era where it's tougher to define competitors, companies, and customers than ever before.

As important as Huntington's The Clash of Civilizations, as fascinating as Friedman's The Lexus and the Olive Tree, this book doesn't just explain what's already happened: It offers a roadmap for action in the world that's beginning to emerge.

"

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Provides both businesses and governments with a game plan for handling new challenges........2007-01-07

Both business and political science college-level readers seeking to understand the new opportunities and challenges of a closely-knit global community will find THE NEXT GLOBAL STAGE: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR BORDERLESS WORLD outlines a radical new worldview evolving from the nation-based economic picture of the past. Kenichi Ohmae is a business strategist who published THE BORDERLESS WORLD in 1990, which predicted the rise of globalization: here he explores the new players of this world stage, and provides both businesses and governments with a game plan for handling new challenges.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

4 out of 5 stars Good Analysis of Intl Trade by Regions.......2006-06-04

This is a well-written analysis of international trade. The title would be more accurate if changed from "Next" to "Present" Global Stage. Ohmae brings today's trade into clear focus, and (like a geographic economist) helps us understand that "global" trade is indeed limited by regional characteristics such as location, infrastructure, etc. Although nothing dramatically new is found, I would recommend it to students of business or economics to help understand global trade and economics as they "really" occur.

But the actual "Next" global stage will probably not resemble Ohmae's suggestions for less government and more freedom of international exchange rates. It will more likely include such characteristics as John Maynard Keynes' 1944 call for the establishment of a central world bank and a universal currency, the Bancor. Ohmae's suggestion that we adapt English as a universal language is really nothing new either. And his proposed causal relationship between "less government" and . . . "prosperity" in successful regions of the world grossly missed the fact that more powerful "world" governance structures and international compacts and trade agreements in fact have dramatically helped buttress trade and commerce in these very same regions.

But do read it ... it is worth your time and very informative.

4 out of 5 stars Visionary Views of the Evolving Region-State Consistent with Friedman's Flattened World.......2006-06-03

Although globalization is a rich topic worthy of several volumes, it's a bit of a shame that corporate strategist Kenichi Ohmae's book duplicates much of the same thesis of New York Times foreign affairs columnist Thomas Friedman's huge best seller, "The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century", a book I admired last year. Both authors deal with the phenomenon of a flattened world, a macro-level regrouping of economic forces which occur periodically on a global basis. Friedman explains that the burgeoning global fiber-optic network has transcended national borders and corporate entities to the point of starting a new structure for the economy, specifically the outsourcing of the U.S. economy's service and information-technology work to India and other developing nations. Based in Asia, Ohmae is obviously not as keen on outsourcing but more on the factors that have made outsourcing so attractive to the U.S., i.e., why has such hubs of cost-effective productivity sprouted in Asia. This is how his orientation differs from Friedman's.

The author's personal observations come from his work with individual companies in India, China, and Japan. From this perspective, he believes strongly that one of the most important developments for the future is the emergence of "region-states". The antiquated concept of "nation-states", along with the accompanying protectionism related to such political sovereignty, is being rendered obsolete in the global economic marketplace. As borderless centers of economic activity, "region-states" have all the practical building blocks for growth, such as a sizable population and an efficient transportation infrastructure. Ohmae points out that such entities can be seen forming in the Shuto-ken (Greater Tokyo) metropolitan area of Japan and Guangzhou (Canton) in China. They exhibit viable socio-economical units that create what Ohmae calls a "virtuous circle", i.e., an openness to outside ideas and people with various backgrounds and skills. This is the cultural characteristic the author considers vital in order for companies to thrive.

On a broader plain, there are a number of defining features to "region-states", chief among them the expeditious flow of communications and capital, which obviously attracts corporations and consumers. What Ohmae does well is paint a picture of the global economy not only driven by new technologies but also where knowledge has become the new currency. He is particularly insightful into how the future may look if the transference to the "region-state" fully occurs. Corporate leaders will need to be visionaries rather than just bottom-line-oriented consensus-builders, and strategy has to be mapped out to make greater sense of the chaotic new world. The author rather idealistically states that what will have greater value for leaders is sharpening their predictive skills in ascertaining upcoming trends, innovating quickly without all the data normally expected, and creating an environment where the norm is changing circumstances and extracting relevant information out of the clutter. I think Ohmae would have somewhat more credence if he could have given more practical advice on how to do this other than encouraging them to walk into the light. Nonetheless, his book makes for stimulating reading on the dynamic transformation in progress.

1 out of 5 stars read 'the world is flat' instead.......2006-05-24

this book is very similar in scope and theme with the world is flat, you may almost think one copied from the other, but this book's info and presentation are much inferior, the world is flat is a much more enjoyable and informative read

5 out of 5 stars The Next Stage Is Here Now.......2006-04-30

Yes, this is a borderless world in many respects and these boundaries will continue to thin. Author Keniche Ohmae has
been around, writing "The Borderless World" in 1990, among
other books. He's studied and researched economic global interdependence and its ramifications for many years, having written his first piece of work in the early 1970s. Some of
his point from his book "The Next Global Stage" are:

Concept of the Region State:

This trend had been in the making for a long time. Author
Ohmae has devoted a sizeable portion of "The Next Global Stage" to this topic. Economic interests of a region have been, are now, and will continue to supersede governmental nation-state interests. Mr. Ohmae listed several regions (cities and geographical areas) that are currently experience and will continue to see tremendous growth and prosperity. This growth is happening literally right in front of us. Everyday I see
the changes. I live in one of these cities noted by Ohmae and see the physical, attitudinal, and economic changes, first-hand. It's an education to observe and experience this
rapidity of transformation.

Although I do believe in a rising tide lifting all the boats, this rapidly expanding pie isn't all-inclusive, as it can't realistically be in the real world. I personally see major outsourcing, 100% Foreign and Joint Venture investing, Capital Flight, and FDI to build infrastructure and provide training
for local employees and feed a local tax base. I do believe this is a win-win situation for most. Not every case is however, win-win. Currently in Vietnam for example, certain foreign companies negotiated with the government to build factories and pay local workers below minimum wage. Two governments were competing for these companies, and the
cheapest labor costs attracted them to come. The result: strikes because of bare-subsistence wages and long working
hours to the point of exhaustion. This book, like most,
focuses on only certain portions of the pie.

The Post National Era:

The diminishing significance of national governments and the lessening role of the nation-state has become abundantly clear as of 2006. This phenomenon is still evolving from its incipient stages. As global economic interdependence and international economics and trade become the primary issues
and concerns in the relationship between two or more countries (nation-states), one question to consider is: what will be the role of the political governments?

It's not a simple question, but the answers are practical. Governments will facilitate trade relations, protect the
general interests of the nation-state with issues such as currency valuations, protect its population (workers) and *certain* industries. This is the role of a Fiduciary. Governments will increasingly utilize economic policy and
trade more and more as leverage, when necessary. And much moreso than in the past.

We should ask, as the world flattens, "Whose interests are
being served?" Industries and corporations? Or individuals? The answers should be both, and the symbiotic ratio should be scrutinized. Is the individual a participant, or a voyeur?
Are these two mutually exclusive? No.

There are many positives to the next global stage we are entering. One benefit, is mobility. Fortunate in some circumstances are the industries that are much more mobile
and have the ability to relocate and operate, produce, and manage, elsewhere. An example noted by Ohmae was the current U.S. administration's stance on stem cell research. Stem cell research is highly restricted to placate the far-right-wing Christian conservative base. However, the U.S. is not the
only option for these companies, and some have relocated
outside of the U.S. to do R & D. These domestic as well as
other foreign companies are making gains in their research. Pacifying a domestic political base had not only local and domestic consequences, but also allowed for a global
alternative and consequences. Decades ago, it wouldn't
have been so easy. There is choice, with more transparent borders. Ohmae discusses what we are latently aware of, and
the beauty of this book is that he gets deeper into the mechanics, and more importantly to where we are headed in the near and long-term future. Ending agricultural subsidies
seems prudent. Many still resist in this. In the future,
they may or may not. A good point the author reminded us of
was the the fear of Japan by the U.S., not so long ago. "Look out. The Japanese are buying everything." Not so, today.
The world has changed, and nations and industries that adapt will survive and prosper. Those that don't constantly adapt, will die out. Now, after years of dismal circumstances, Japan is on the rebound, according to most. What is the number one reason: Japan changed. They had to. We all have to. The
Post National Era = Less Influence of Keynesian Economic Policy. As the world has evolved this makes sense. "The
Next Global Stage" is a highly recommended, informative,
great read.
Paths of Change: Strategic Choices for Organizations and Society
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A briljant meta-model
  • "...profoundly influenced my professional practice..."
Paths of Change: Strategic Choices for Organizations and Society
Will McWhinney
Manufacturer: Sage Publications, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
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ASIN: 0761910174

Book Description

The same elements that are necessary in any great adventure--a deep appreciation of the terrain, an intuitive sense of direction, and the courage to carry through--are also essential to the resolution of complex issues in organization and society, says McWhinney. In Paths of Change, Will McWhinney outlines a new foundation for theories of change, initiating a discipline of praxis using concepts from psychology, sociology, anthropology and new methods of working with ontological and narrative concepts to produce intentional changes in society. The components of his theory include: a map of four alternative realities, a guidance theory based on two great myths that have been used in many cultures over the past millennia, and the qualities required to deal courageously with the paradoxes of change and resolution efforts. He indicates the critical role of leaders and followers, and of the coevolution of cultures that must accompany efforts to resolve major issues. McWhinney builds on the proposition that the most frequently encountered sources of conflict are the very changes we make in attempts to resolve related issues. The illustrative cases used are mostly derived from organizational life--a rich variety of examples drawn from history, politics, and technology indicate the broad relevance and practicality of the ideas. The theoretical developments provide a base for exploring topics as different as selection of tools for problem solving, formation of cultures, and new logics of transformative processes. As the theory emerges, it incorporates elements of action research, management and community development work, future studies, and aspects of system thinking that borrow from the human sciences. This synthesis is a new vessel within which to develop a positive human science of action for the 21st century.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A briljant meta-model.......2006-02-25

This book contains a meta-model that is applicable to almost everything. It gives the reader an opportunity to check if he has looked at all points of view that are possible.

5 out of 5 stars "...profoundly influenced my professional practice...".......1999-11-29

This book breaks new ground and will impact many organization development theory and practice areas, such as cognitive styles, change management, and leadership for many years to come. McWhinney begins by introducing the reader to a model of "reality archetypes" that he claims underlie all individual and collective thinking processes in Western society. The four realities remind one of Jungian types, but differ in that these are more like worldviews than personalities.

On one level, by using an instrument called "The Reality Inventory," one can learn how his/her personal worldview maps over McWhinney's model. This is useful for understanding how interpersonal conflicts are often, in essence, not as much fueled by divergent issues and interests, but by different mental models that influence how people define issues and communicate their interests. How often have we intervened in a conflict, only to discover that what appears to be a "real" difference over a substantive issues, turns out to be a battle over semantics? However, lest we be tempted to jump to "Men are from Mars..." pop psychological conclusions, it's important to note that McWhinney's approach goes any beyond any static "styles" theory.

The reality model serves as a basis for new insight into the dynamic nature of change. Most of us know that when a major organizational change conflicts with existing organizational culture, the culture most often prevails and the change effort dies. This happens when change agents and their sponsors fail to understand that most planned change interventions require an organization to move into a new collective reality (or mental model, worldview, frame of reference, etc.). The symptom we call "resistance" develops as underlying conflicts between old and new worldviews surface. McWhinney describes six modes of change to help organizations traverse the "territory" of the reality map. Interestingly, these also connote six leadership styles.

A short review doesn't do McWhinney's ideas justice. Repeated readings will yield new insights. I also highly recommend the companion volume, "Creating Paths of Change," especially for practitioners. Suffice it to say that this material has profoundly influenced my professional practice, as well as my personal life.
Multinational Management: A Strategic Approach
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Multinational Management: A Strategic Approach
    John B. Cullen , and K. Praveen Parboteeah
    Manufacturer: South-Western College Pub
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    Strategy & CompetitionStrategy & Competition | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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    International LawInternational Law | Law | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | International Law | Law | Subjects | Books
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    Business & InvestingBusiness & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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    ASIN: 0324259905

    Book Description

    Master management strategies with MULTINATIONAL MANAGEMENT: A STRATEGIC APPROACH! With coverage of the global economy and the impact of managerial decisions, this management text shows you how to assess the strengths and weaknesses of competitors and how to adapt organizational practices. Features such as Case in Point and Management Challenge give you a realistic look into decision making and allow you to follow real discussions as managers make difficult decisions. Develop and perfect your management skills with the Multinational Management Skills Builder found at the end of each chapter.
    Corporation: A Global Business Simulation (4th Edition)
    Average customer rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    • Drop your class!!
    • DOS based simulation
    • A top selling business strategy simulation for academia
    • Student book without necessary simulation software.
    Corporation: A Global Business Simulation (4th Edition)
    Jerald R. Smith , and Peggy A. Golden
    Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Loose Leaf

    GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: 0131001434

    Book Description

    Easy to start-up and use—even for learners with no computer experience—this multi-business unit computer simulation provides players with real-world experience in managing strategic choices and in engaging in negotiations. The simulation involves the takeover and continuing operation of a multi-divisional, multinational corporation. In playing the simulation, players acting as management teams make a variety of decisions that will have an impact on the future of their company, e.g.: the type and size of strategic business units (SBUs); the quality of product/service that will be delivered to the marketplace; the prices for all products in the portfolio; and the size of the sales force. For individuals who need to employ efficient market strategy and decision-making in a variety of industries.

    Customer Reviews:

    1 out of 5 stars Drop your class!!.......2007-01-09

    If you're taking a course that uses this book and program, drop it now and look for one that doesn't. It is a DOS based program and the book is basically a dry manual that supports it.

    1 out of 5 stars DOS based simulation.......2000-03-28

    The simulation appears to be available only in a DOS version. This makes it very cumbersome to install and use.

    5 out of 5 stars A top selling business strategy simulation for academia.......1999-09-28

    This is one of the best selling simulations for use in senior level business strategy and global strategy courses. The book that is listed is the STUDENT MANUAL for the course. The instructor will have the software for the simulation. This is not a stand-alone product but must be administered by the insturctor in the course. This book would be the same book as purchased in the college bookstore.

    1 out of 5 stars Student book without necessary simulation software........1999-05-20

    Although it's not obvious from the book's contents, "Corporation, A Global Business Simulation" is a course consisting of simulation software, an instructor's manual, and the student book -- what is sold here is just the student book. Contrary to what is claimed, you can do the exercises but have no idea what outcome results from the values you choose. The course sounds like it would be very interesting, but there is no information anywhere in the student book on how to obtain the remaining materials. Don't buy this book unless you either have access to the other course materials or are planning on taking the course somewhere.
    The Strategy Process: Concepts, Contexts, Cases : Global
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The Strategy Process: Concepts, Contexts, Cases : Global
      Henry Mintzberg , Joseph Lampel , James Brian Quinn , and Sumantra Ghoshal
      Manufacturer: Financial Times Management
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

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