ABSTRACT

Regularly considered to be the cap-stone course on any business or management degree, strategy has developed into a wide-ranging and sometimes overwhelming field of study. However, in recent years the theory of strategy has come under increasing scrutiny for its perceived failures and detachment from real world practice.

With an engaging and conversational tone, this new concise textbook offers an accessible and timely review of the theory and practice of strategic management, explored from a more critical perspective. In a refreshing change from much of the literature, Richard Godfrey takes a wider view of strategy, incorporating insights from the worlds of sociology, psychology and history to highlight the complexity and plurality at the heart of the discipline. The book also incorporates a number of extensive case studies on contemporary business strategy from the likes of Apple, Nike, Zara and IKEA.

Written for both an undergraduate and postgraduate audience, the book challenges a number of underlying assumption and beliefs about strategy and seeks to add clarity and context to the field.

chapter 1|11 pages

What is strategy?

chapter 2|15 pages

Strategy

A brief history

chapter 5|19 pages

Strategy and the multi-business firm

chapter 6|28 pages

Creating strategy from the outside-in

chapter 7|20 pages

Creating strategy from the inside-out

chapter 8|24 pages

Creating strategy through value innovation

chapter |3 pages

Concluding discussion

chapter |6 pages

Case 1

IKEA: daring to be different

chapter |4 pages

Case 2

Fast fashion at Zara

chapter |5 pages

Case 3

Innovation and change at Nike

chapter |9 pages

Case 4

Apple Inc. in 2014