ABSTRACT
Business performance may be analysed by the degree to which a transformation process fulfils five essential performance criteria: quality, speed, dependability, flexibility, and cost, with each of these criteria being an amalgamation of smaller measures of performance. The inter-relationships between business transformation processes form not only a continuous and interlinked cycle but are also just one part of a complex and integrated group of influences known as the business environment. Policies influencing business activity are made by politicians and government employees. Macroeconomics is concerned with the wider economic environment in which business must operate. A business might, where practicable, acquire resources overseas and this might, in turn, provide it with a competitive strength. Competition is an important part of the business environment. Competition then is equally applicable to the input and output sides of the transformation processes undertaken by any businesses.
