Following careers in the military and in industry, Robert Grattan has devoted himself to the subject of strategy and its related theory through his research into the strategy implementation employed by business, governments and the military. Strategy process is widely studied and taught but, argues Robert Grattan, comprehensive prescriptive theories have yet to be developed. This book is based on analysis of the strategic defence review (SDR) conducted by the UK Ministry of Defence, the methodology for which has been employed in other countries. The study focuses on how the review was managed through the twin lenses of strategic business management theory and the 'Essence of Decision' theory of governmental decision-making closely associated with the John F. Kennedy School of Government in the USA. The author has been fortunate in being granted interviews with the leading figures in Government, the Civil Service and the Military who participated in the SDR process and in having gained access to information in Ministry of Defence files under Freedom of Information legislation. The result is Strategic Review, a book that provides vivid insights into what happened in a large complex organisation during a major strategic review and highlights the problems likely to be encountered during the process of formulating strategy in business, in government, in sport and any other human endeavour. It will appeal to many in business intrigued by the similarities between the issues facing business and military strategists; to those involved in public policy-making; to the defence community; and to academics and higher level students with an interest in this rich field of study.

Air power has come to be seen as a country's first line of defense; in the First World War views were vastly different. Aircraft were a novelty not always welcomed by the traditionalist military, and there were no tactics, doctrine or strategies available for the deployment of air power. Yet, within four years, proponents of the new force were making claims, often extravagant, of what aircraft could achieve. Here Robert Grattan traces the remarkable history of the emergence of air power as a force to reckon with, and its dramatic impact on military strategy. He discusses the details of aircrafts, their engines and manufacture--including the Fokker, Bristol Fighter, the Zeppelin and the DH2--the weaponry and prominent figures, such as Albert Ball and Werner Voss. "The Origins of Air War" is indispensable for military historians, aviation and military enthusiasts as well as those interested in strategy.

Air power has come to be seen as a country's first line of defence, but in the First World War views were vastly different. Aircraft was a novelty not always welcomed by the traditionalist military and there were no tactics, doctrine or strategies available for the deployment of air power. Yet, within four years, proponents of the new force were making claims, often extravagant ones, about what aircraft could achieve. In this book, Robert Grattan traces the remarkable history of the emergence of air power as a force to reckoned with and discusses its dramatic impact on military strategy in the First World War. Discussing the details of aircrafts, their engines and manufacture, including the Fokker, Bristol Fighter, the Zeppelin and the DH2, the weaponry and prominent figures, such as Albert Ball and Werner Voss, The Origins of Air War is indispensable for military historians, aviation and military enthusiasts as well as those interested in strategy.