Reviews

Overview

Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors by Michael Porter is often considered to be the gold standard when it comes to business strategy. It's a bit of a toolkit that can be used when determining strategy. While not terribly exciting, it's interesting, and covers the foundation of business strategy.

The Good

• It provides a solid foundation of competitive strategy
• It's a timeless toolkit that can be referred to over and over
  

The Bad

• It's long and somewhat dry at times
  

Final Opinion

If you're involved in creating and implementing strategy, Competitive Strategy is a must. It may not be invigorating throughout, but it's a great toolkit.

Labels: Business strategy, Competitive Strategy, Michael Porter

Overview

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't by Jim Collins is an examination of what allows some companies to become great, and what blocks others from ever doing so. He picked eleven cases to examine, including Walgreens and Wells Fargo. Ulimately, he is able to isolate the common characteristics of "great" companies and present them in the book.

The Good

• The book provides a good foundation, as it clearly illustrates what companies need to do to become "great"
• The cases are interesting, which allows theory to be more easily understood

The Bad

• I wouldn't say there is a ton of depth here--but it's a good starting point with interesting cases that makes for a quick read
  

Final Opinion

It's a good read for anyone in business. It's not necessarily something I'd read over and over. However, Good to Great may give you some ideas to implement in your business.

Labels: Business strategy, Good to Great, Jim Collins