Why gurus should cross the bridge into business
Michael Porter’s models were based on a tool for industrial policy, not strategy. Now economists are beginning to understand the workings of firms as well as industries.
Getting to the truth behind the one-stop shop
Doctor’s surgeries, supermarkets, and travel agents are all one-stop shops - which should tell us that there are different justifications for one-stop shopping.
A world of difference
While accounting firms are “going global”, their rationale for doing so does not apply to other industries.
Value judgments
Why does water - essential to life - sell for less than diamonds? Any explanation which doesn’t look both at supply and demand will not get you far.
Frontiers of fashion
We overestimate the importance of short-term political change, and underestimate the significance of deep-seated societal difference.
Question of duty
It is not satisfactory that the Hampel Report can only offer an account of directors’ duties which is confusing and fundamentally incoherent.
The price is right
Cynics know the price of everything and the value of nothing. When is there a difference between value and price?
A mystery solved
Gordon Brown should be criticised if he does not propose a root and branch reform of corporation tax within the life of this parliament.
Know your place
Successful businesses have unique competitive advantages, but times change and they can be faced with strategic dilemmas. Sometimes, these dilemmas have no solution.