Analysis Without Paralysis: 12 Tools to Make Better Strategic Decisions, Second Edition

Analysis Without Paralysis: 12 Tools to Make Better Strategic Decisions, Second Edition

by Babette E. Bensoussan, Craig S. Fleisher
Released September 2012
Publisher(s): Pearson
ISBN: 9780133086331

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Book description

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

  1. Title Page
  2. Copyright Page
  3. Dedication Page
  4. Contents
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. About the Authors
  7. 1. The Role of Analysis in Business Management
    1. The Increasing Need for Effective Analysis
    2. Concluding Observations
  8. 2. The Analysis Process
    1. What Is Analysis?
  9. 3. BCG Growth/Share Portfolio Matrix
    1. Description and Purpose
    2. Link to the Experience Curve
    3. Link to the Product Life Cycle
    4. Combining the Experience Curve and Product Life Cycle
    5. Strengths
    6. Weaknesses
    7. How to Do It
    8. Case Study: Google as Viewed in a BCG Portfolio Planning Matrix
  10. 4. Competitor Analysis
    1. Description and Purpose
    2. Strengths
    3. Weaknesses
    4. How to Do It
    5. Case Study: Chinese Mobile Phone Market
  11. 5. Driving Forces Analysis
    1. Description and Purpose
    2. Strengths
    3. Weaknesses
    4. How to Do It
    5. Case Study: Driving Forces in the Digital Music Market
  12. 6. Financial Ratios and Statement Analysis
    1. Description and Purpose
    2. Basic Concepts Underlying Financial Ratio and Statement Analysis (FRSA)
    3. Components of Financial Statements
    4. Assessing the Appropriateness of Ratios
    5. Strengths
    6. Weaknesses
    7. How to Do It
    8. Activity or Efficiency Ratios
    9. Leverage or Solvency Analysis Ratios
    10. Liquidity Analysis Ratios
    11. Profitability Analysis Ratios
    12. Other Analysis Ratios: Capital Market or Shareholder Returns
    13. Methods of Ratio or Measure Comparison
    14. Consolidation and Segmented Analysis
    15. Case Study: FRSA of the Three Large North American Warehouse Clubs
  13. 7. Five Forces Industry Analysis
    1. Description and Purpose
    2. Threat of New Entrants
    3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    4. Bargaining Power of Buyers
    5. Threat of Substitute Products or Services
    6. Degree of Rivalry Among Existing Players
    7. Strengths
    8. Weaknesses
    9. How to Do It
    10. Case Study: Applying the Five Forces Model to the U.S. Passenger Airline Industry
    11. Case Study: Applying the Five Forces Model to the Global Pharmaceutical Industry
  14. 8. Issue Analysis
    1. Description and Purpose
    2. Strengths
    3. Weaknesses
    4. How to Do It
    5. Examples of Issue Analysis in Practice
  15. 9. Product Life Cycle Analysis
    1. Description and Purpose
    2. Strengths
    3. Weaknesses
    4. How to Do It
    5. Case Study: Apple’s Product Life Cycles and Growth Potential from the iPod to the iPad
    6. Endnotes
  16. 10. Scenario Analysis
    1. Description and Purpose
    2. Methods for Generating Scenarios
    3. Strengths
    4. Weaknesses
    5. How to Do It
    6. Case Study: Scenarios for Traditional and Emerging Forest Products Enterprises
    7. Endnotes
  17. 11. Macroenvironmental (STEEP/PEST) Analysis
    1. Description and Purpose
    2. Strengths
    3. Weaknesses
    4. How to Do It
    5. Case Study: STEEP Analysis of the Life and Death of Brands
  18. 12. SWOT Analysis
    1. Description and Purpose
    2. Strengths
    3. Weaknesses
    4. How to Do It
    5. Case Study: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    6. Endnote
  19. 13. Value Chain Analysis
    1. Description and Purpose
    2. Strengths
    3. Weaknesses
    4. How to Do It
    5. Case Study: Value Chain Analysis of Walmart Stores
  20. 14. Win/Loss Analysis
    1. Description and Purpose
    2. Strengths
    3. Weaknesses
    4. How to Do It
    5. Win/Loss Case Study: Email Marketing Solutions
  21. Index

Product information

  • Title: Analysis Without Paralysis: 12 Tools to Make Better Strategic Decisions, Second Edition
  • Author(s): Babette E. Bensoussan, Craig S. Fleisher
  • Release date: September 2012
  • Publisher(s): Pearson
  • ISBN: 9780133086331