Gregory G. Dess, Gerry McNamara, Alan B. Eisner,
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
We believe we have made valuable improvements throughout our many revised editions of
Strategic Management. At the same time, we stfive to be consistent and “tru e” to our original
overriding objective: a book that satisfies three Rs—rigor, relevance, and readable. And we are
pleased th a t we have received feedback (such as the comments on the previous page) th a t is
consistent with what we are trying to accomplish.
What are some of the features in Strategic Management that reinforce the three Rs? First, we
build in rigor by drawing on the latest research by management scholars and insights from management
consultants to offer a current and comprehensive view of strategic issues. We reinforce
this rigor with our Issues for Debate and Reflecting on Career Implications that require students
to develop insights on how to address complex issues and understand how strategy concepts can
enhance their career success. Second, to enhance relevance, we provide numerous examples
from management practice in the text and Strategy Spotlights (sidebars). We also increase relevance
by relating course topic and examples to current business and societal themes, including
environmental sustainability, ethics, globalization, entrepreneurship, and data analytics. Third,
we stress readability through an engaging writing style with minimal jargon to ensure an effective
learning experience. This is most clearly evident in the conversational presentations of chapter
opening Learning from Mistakes and chapter ending Issues for Debate.
