Profit from the Core: A Return to Growth in Turbulent Times
L**D
A Blueprint for Success
These are indeed "turbulent times". Prior to the worst economic meltdown since the Great Depression, many large and successful corporations seemed to embrace the philosophy of constantly expanding their operations, to foster "increased opportunities" for their employees; a very noble mission statement, indeed.As a result, many corporations took their eye off the ball. Often, the new subsidiaries weren't nearly as profitable as their core business; they often required an inordinate amount of management time to keep them afloat, which in turn, resulted in diminished returns from the core business. It was a messy situation, at best.Then came the global economic catastrophe, fueled by a housing bubble that finally burst, along with the disasters on Wall Street. Lehman Brothers & Bear Stearns were the most notable failures. Suddenly, every sector of business seemed to be on life support.In a wonderfully crafted analysis of what businesses should do to once again foster growth, Chris Zook and James Allen have provided a fairly simple game plan: Stick to the core. Stick to what you do best while eliminating the waste.The advice is really very simple; it's time to trim the fat, corporate America.
R**L
One of my 3 favorite business books
Profit From the Core is without a doubt one of my favorite business books. I rank it alongside Winning Decisions and The Goal.This book is from the perspective of manager's wanting to achieve corporate growth, but the myriad concepts are so powerful they can be adapted to departmental strategies, evaluating corporations, mergers & acquisitions and even to designing one's own career strategy.The updated edition from 2010 includes examples that are relevant in today's post financial meltdown world. No per-requisites should be required. It is a must read for those wanting to improve their business strategy acumen, and useful if you want to exercise your strategic thinking in general.
S**A
Simple and direct management insights....
A short history about focus in business.... very simple to read, very short but a lot of value in the key messages
A**S
Interesting read, but not worth ~6 hours of time
Interesting read for both corporate managers and those interested in building business acumen. With that said, it's not worth reading through the whole book to find strategies to return to your core. I would recommend reading a Cliff Notes version first and then decide if you need to read it to get a more in-depth look at the strategies Zook and his colleagues suggest.
F**E
Fantastic!!! It is a superb Book. Every Businessman should read it at least once.
I am a Business Consultant, specialization in Strategy. I found this book a jewel.It includes the Keys for Success in taking Business Decisions, I mean, where to Look for.It brings many questions every Businessman, Executive should respond in order to drive the company in the Right Direction.Finally, it is very well Documented with a lot of studies.I love this Book!!!
L**O
Good examples, no theory or frameworks
I read this book about two years after having my MBA degree. The book provides a lot of interesting examples of how companies succeeded by focusing on its business core, however it fails in providing frameworks or any theory behind the strategy on how to have a more focused company.
K**R
Quick Read - good examples
The book provides good insight on how companies need to remain focused on core businesses. Need constant evaluation to remain relevant in the business world.
K**Y
Three Stars
It's ok -- seemed very repetitive
S**T
Influencial | Raises very pertinent questions for management
"What is the most tightly defined profitable core of our business? What is the full set of potential adjancies to our core business? Are organizational enablers and inhibitors to growth in the right balance for the needed change? What are the guiding strategic principles that should apply to all our operating decisions?" Even after 16 years, this book by Chris Zook and James Allen continues to remain influential and raises pertinent questions for management to think about while throwing their hands and money on new business opportunities.
S**I
Thought provoking, practical and useful
Every established and start up company management can find useful crystallised questions to evaluate their business position in the ever changing environment.
R**O
Profit from the CORE
Base de dados impressionante permitiu análises profundas e que fornecem direcionamento estratégico.
R**A
Four Stars
Good
A**R
Five Stars
Very good book. Must read for management professionals.
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