Modern Competitive Analysis

by Oster, Sharon M.

• ISBN13: 9780195119411
• ISBN10: 019511941X
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-03-25
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Why do some companies thrive while others in the same industry languish? How can a struggling firm achieve higher annual earnings? What allows new corporations to become successful in highly competitive industries? In this book, now updated and expanded, Sharon Oster shows that combining asound understanding of economic and managerial principles can make a striking difference in the quality of the strategic planning of an organization and provide guidelines for effective corporate strategies. The third edition of Modern Competitive Analysis includes new material on game theory, added value analysis, and strategic intent. Examples are drawn from modern network industries and more attention is paid to newly deregulated markets. Unusually broad in scope, with many examples from large andsmall companies, service firms, manufacturers, foreign and American organizations, as well as non-profit corporations, the book emphasizes an economic approach to strategic planning, using the most recent theories to illuminate situations faced by businesses today. Covering new and important areasin economics not treated in other management and strategic planning books, and couched in clear terms that make these concepts especially accessible, Modern Competitive Analysis is a fundamental resource to the managers of today and tomorrow.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
1. Introduction and Overview	1	(12)
Part I. The Competitive Environment	13	(104)
2. Efficient Markets	15	(14)
3. Industry Analysis	29	(22)
4. Understanding the Impediments to Entry	51	(32)
5. Groups Within Industries	83	(18)
6. Competing in Global Markets	101	(16)
Part II. Inside the Organization	117	(126)
7. Competing for Advantage	119	(22)
8. Organizational Goals: Politics and Power in the Organization	141	(24)
9. Organizational Structure and Strategic Planning	165	(18)
10. Corporate Diversification	183	(16)
11. Vertical Linkages	199	(17)
12. Mergers, Acquisitions, and Strategic Alliances	216	(27)
Part III. Rivalry	243	(104)
13. Understanding Rivalry: Game Theory	245	(16)
14. Product Positioning and Strategic Marketing	261	(17)
15. Competitive Pricing	278	(23)
16. Competitive Research and Development and Innovation	301	(25)
17. Regulatory Issues in Strategic Planning	326	(21)
Part IV. The Planning Process	347	(8)
18. The Strategic Planning Process	349	(6)
Appendix 1. Some Case Suggestions	355	(3)
Appendix 2. Financial Ratio Analysis	358	(5)
Appendix 3. Using Statistics to Determine Advantage	363	(9)
Appendix 4. A Discussion of Portfolio Techniques	372	(3)
Notes	375	(36)
Glossary	411	(10)
Index	421