Description
Pearson Analysis Without Paralysis 12 Tools to Make Better Strategic Decisions 2012 Edition by Babette E. Bensoussan, Craig S. Fleisher
Since the publication of the original edition, the importance of interpreting business data has become mission critical for professionals in all types of businesses. These professionals have discovered the benefits of business analysis to address their organizations most crucial strategic and tactical challenges. The Second Edition of this successful guide to business analysis, shows readers how to apply analytical tools without having to mire themselves in advanced math or arcane theory. Analysis Without Paralysis teaches readers the fundamentals of business analysis through the use of 12 core tools. Each tool will make the way readers assess and interpret their business' data more effective, accurate, and actionable. Accessibly written, the authors walk readers through the entire business analysis process and then explain each of today's most valuable analysis tools so business professionals will be able to make better decisions about their company's strategy and operations--and achieve better results. The Second Edition includes three new analytical tools and updates all of the prior edition's data and examples. For each tool, the authors present clear descriptions, context, rationales, strengths, weaknesses, step-by-step instructions, and case study examples. "This title should be on any business manager's shelf wanting to make better decisions using analysis." --UK Competitive Intelligence Forum (UK CIF) Table of contents :- Acknowledgments ixAbout the Authors xiChapter 1 The Role of Analysis in Business Management 1The Increasing Need for Effective Analysis 7Concluding Observations 9Chapter 2 The Analysis Process 13What Is Analysis? 16Chapter 3 BCG Growth/Share Portfolio Matrix 23Description and Purpose 23Link to the Experience Curve 24Link to the Product Life Cycle 25Combining the Experience Curve and Product Life Cycle 26Strengths 29Weaknesses 30How to Do It 32Case Study: Google as Viewed in a BCG Portfolio Planning Matrix 39Chapter 4 Competitor Analysis 45Description and Purpose 45Strengths 47Weaknesses 47How to Do It 48Case Study: Chinese Mobile Phone Market 59Chapter 5 Driving Forces Analysis 63Description and Purpose 63Strengths 64Weaknesses 65How to Do It 66Case Study: Driving Forces in the Digital Music Market 75Chapter 6 Financial Ratios and Statement Analysis 81Description and Purpose 81Basic Concepts Underlying Financial Ratio and Statement Analysis (FRSA) 81Components of Financial Statements 82Assessing the Appropriateness of Ratios 83Strengths 84Weaknesses 84How to Do It 86Activity or Efficiency Ratios 87Leverage or Solvency Analysis Ratios 90Liquidity Analysis Ratios 91Profitability Analysis Ratios 93Other Analysis Ratios: Capital Market or Shareholder Returns 95Methods of Ratio or Measure Comparison 98Consolidation and Segmented Analysis 102Case Study: FRSA of the Three Large North American Warehouse Clubs 104Chapter 7 Five Forces Industry Analysis 109Description and Purpose 109Threat of New Entrants 111Bargaining Power of Suppliers 112Bargaining Power of Buyers 113Threat of Substitute Products or Services 114Degree of Rivalry Among Existing Players 115Strengths 116Weaknesses 117How to Do It 118Case Study: Applying the Five Forces Model to the U.S. Passenger Airline Industry 120Case Study: Applying the Five Forces Model to the Global Pharmaceutical Industry 123Chapter 8 Issue Analysis 127Description and Purpose 127Strengths 129Weaknesses 130How to Do It 131Examples of Issue Analysis in Practice 144Chapter 9 Product Life Cycle Analysis 147Description and Purpose 147Strengths 156Weaknesses 157How to Do It 158Case Study: Apple's Product Life Cycles and Growth Potential from the iPod to the iPad 163Endnotes 165Chapter 10 Scenario Analysis 167Description and Purpose 167Methods for Generating Scenarios 168Strengths 172Weaknesses 173How to Do It 174Case Study: Scenarios for Traditional and Emerging Forest Products Enterprises 179Endnotes 184Chapter 11 Macroenvironmental (STEEP/PEST) Analysis 187Description and Purpose 187Strengths 191Weaknesses 192How to Do It 193Case Study: STEEP Analysis of the Life and Death of Brands 197Chapter 12 SWOT Analysis 199Description and Purpose 199Strengths 202Weaknesses 202How to Do It 204Case Study: Lockheed Martin Corporation 213Endnote 222Chapter 13 Value Chain Analysis 223Description and Purpose 223Strengths 229Weaknesses 230How to Do It 231Case Study: Value Chain Analysis of Walmart Stores 242Chapter 14 Win/Loss Analysis 249Description and Purpose 249Strengths 250Weaknesses 252How to Do It 254Win/Loss Case Study: Email Marketing Solutions 260Index 263