Understanding Strategic Management is the ideal introduction to strategy for students in one-semester courses who require an informative yet practical approach. The book's four-part structure defines the concept of strategy before using the overarching strategic framework of analysis, formulation, and implementation to show how strategy can be used to develop a sustainable competitive advantage in business.

Making use of chapter maps and learning objectives to guide students through the complexities of the subject, the author conveys the realities of strategic management through a diverse selection of international and contemporary examples. "Strategy in Focus" boxes use examples from popular media to show how strategic management issues appear in the headlines we read every day. A longer, integrated "Case Example" closes every chapter, tying in multiple strategic challenges that affect businesses of all kinds. Review and discussion questions then encourage students to be critical of the material and to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.

Students may extend their learning with additional material available in the online resources. Written by the author, Extension Material is broken up by chapter. Unique "Working through Strategy" materials give students opportunities to practice essential techniques such as PEST analysis and scenario planning.