Competitive Strategy for Dummies - Paperback

by Richard Pettinger (Author)

Fundamental to management thinking and economic theory, Competitive Strategy offers a framework for understanding the underlying forces of competition in industry and business.

This book explains the ideas, theories and principles of Competitive Strategy in simple, straightforward terms. It shows readers how to use competitive tools and strategies to understand the underlying forces of competition in industry and business and apply them to assess industries, understand competitors, choose competitive positions and gain - and maintain competitive advantage.

Chapters include:

• What Competitive Strategy actually is
• The foundations of strategy and the five forces of competition
• Assessing the competition and strategic management in action
• Developing a competitive strategy
• Looking to the future and mergers and acquisitions

Back Jacket

Understand the fundamental forces of competition and gain a competitive edge

Whether you're studying the subject, an experienced manager in need of a knowledge top-up or want to make your business more competitive, this book offers an accessible guide to the ideas, theories and principles of competitive strategy. Inside you'll find expert advice and practical real-life examples to help you assess the competitive environment, establish a competitive position and develop your strategy, enabling you to move quickly to spot and make the most of business opportunities and stay one step ahead.

• Understand the foundations and framework of competitive strategy - get to grips with the basics, understand the competitive environment and give yourself the best possible chance of becoming and remaining competitive

• Get competitive - understand how the forces of competition work in practice, how markets, customers and clients behave, assess finances and investments and learn how to spot the best opportunities and set yourself up to compete effectively

• Develop a competitive strategy - develop an appropriate organisational structure, assess and manage risk effectively, allocate resources and monitor, review and evaluate your strategy to remain competitive

• Plan for the future of your business - be aware of all the things you need to be a successful strategic business leader in today's competitive world and take advantage of outsourcing, project work, new markets and globalisation opportunities to build and maintain success

Open the book and find:

• Clear definitions of competition and strategy

• Coverage of the work and research of Michael Porter

• Real-life examples to show how competition works in practice

• Practical explanations of the forces of competition

• Tips for becoming an effective leader or manager in today's business environment

• Expert guidance on establishing a clear competitive position in challenging times

• Advice on planning strategic management

Author Biography

Richard Pettinger is a lecturer in Business Management at University College London where he teaches undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA and international courses. Richard is the adapting author of Managing For Dummies and Weekend MBA For Dummies.