Brief Contents Chapter 1: Introducing the ConceptsChapter 2: The Context of Managing StrategicallyChapter 3: Assessing Opportunities and Threats: Doing an External AnalysisChapter 4: Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses: Doing an Internal AnalysisChapter 5: Functional and Competitive StrategiesChapter 6: Corporate StrategiesChapter 7: International Strategies

Real Managers. Real Organizations. What sets MTV, Disney, Coke, JetBlue and Netflix apart? Strategic Management in Action describes real managers and real organizations to better illustrate competitive advantage. Examples are found throughout every chapter in Strategic Management in Action boxes and Global Perspective boxes. These boxes give students the opportunity to read about the unique strategies some of the world’s best managers are using, and some of the challenges they face. Practice, Practice, Practice. Coulter believes that everyone in the organization deals with strategy, making it necessary to know what’s involved with strategic management. This text emphasizes that the best way to understand strategic management is by “practicing it” and provides several opportunities for the students to practice: Strategic Management in Action mini-case is available at the beginning of every chapter. The case describes a well-known company facing a strategic decision that allows students to check their prior understanding and introduce themselves to the upcoming material. Discussion questions at the end of every chapter present students with the opportunity to check their understanding and analyze the company from the chapter opening mini-case. The student can practice strategic management by evaluating what these companies have done. The Grey Zone, is a chapter feature that emphasizes the ethical dilemmas often faced by strategic decision makers and asks students to think about how they would handle such situations. “You As Strategic Decision Maker: Building Your Skills” is an interactive strategy exercise at the end of every chapter that wraps up the material. These exercises provide students with opportunities to practice by doing additional research, analysis and writing. Three to four additional mini-cases and discussion questions are found at the end of each chapter, giving students ample opportunity to learn the material. Turning Decision into Action. When strategic decision makers must change the strategic direction or organization, making that decision isn’t enough—the strategy must also be put into action. This text walks students through the process of formulation, implementation, and evaluation of each strategic decision. This approach makes sense to students because it succeeds in not leaving out any steps—from start to finish, they see the movement of their decision and the eventual change. An Academic Text Doesn’t Have to Boring! Coulter writes her text in a conversational and highly readable style, making learning about strategic management interesting and fun. As a 25-year veteran of the classroom, Coulter understands that learning can be fun and translates that mentality into her writing. The concepts presented are made to be clear and understandable, yet enjoyable.

NEW! Case analysis is an important part of most strategy courses, which is why this text includes a range of mini-cases. The new cases in this edition cover companies such as:   ZyngaKodakAvonCoca-ColaGapUnder ArmourNokiaNomura Holdings NEW! Expanded discussions on contemporary strategic management theories and practices including: Corporate reputationsThe ethics of profits Global corporate governanceOffshoring versus outsourcingEmployee layoff strategiesThe hourglass phenomenon Workers' rightsGlobal trade