Unless you know where your company is going, chances are it won't get very far in today's global marketplace. That's why every business needs the strong vision and keen sense of direction that come from the development, evaluation, and implementation of business strategies-and why every business owner or manager should have Developing Business Strategies, David A. Aaker's classic and comprehensive guide to strategic planning, now in its fifth edition. Using vivid case studies, Developing Business Strategies helps you to move beyond reactive problem solving toward the development and realization of sound strategic objectives for your company. Providing both the framework and the tools necessary to make strategy development and strategy review efforts effective, this book shows you how to: * Conduct a structured external and internal analysis of a business with confidence * Develop sustainable competitive advantages by creating assets, competencies, and strategies * Make strategic investment decisions to generate growth * Organize to support strategies * Compete strategically in hostile, growth, and global contexts. As compact and easy to use as ever, this new Fifth Edition offers new or revised sections on current topics such as strategic uncertainty, buyer hot buttons, shifting customer priorities, strategy as options, paradigm shifts, organizational stubbornness, and brand equity. You'll also find up-to-date research and fresh examples on economic value analysis, competitor image, total quality management, reengineering, the virtual corporation, and more-plus a set of useful sample planning forms to help guide you through the strategy development process. Whether you're a business owner, manager, or planning executive, the key to your company's success is in Developing Business Strategies. Praise for the Fourth Edition of Developing Business Strategies "A delight to read-sound strategic advice that is also very well illustrated with helpful, practical examples. The book helped our management team to thoroughly understand our business environment and chart new growth directions." -Daniel G. Simpson Director of Strategy and Planning The Clorox Company. "An excellent work. Unlike other books that are either too theoretical or are merely recompilations of existing planning principles, this book finds fruitful ground with fundamental planning principles, credible examples, and superb references, all enhanced by a flowing narrative." -P. Timothy Carroll Manager, Strategy and Innovation Xerox Corporation. "Unquestionably the most comprehensive treatment available on the subject. I found the book unique in its capacity to benefit executives, planning staff, and students of strategy alike." -Robert L. Joss. Managing Director and CEO Westpac Banking Corporation. "An exceptional tool for the challenges facing today's corporate planner. It should be read by every manager involved in planning and strategy." -Robert L. Lindberg Vice President and Treasurer Transamerica Corporation. "David Aaker provides a clearly written how-to guide to help managers identify, select, and implement strategies. He does this without pedantry, encouraging flexibility and creativity in approaching decisions." -Sandra L. Kurtzig Founder and former CEO The ASK Companies.