This practical guide to the entire business planning process from start to finish provides a framework for:

conceiving the vision of the firm

defining the purpose of the firm, its overall business mission

setting business goals and strategies for achieving them

understanding the external environment and competitive setting outside the firm

establishing operating plans for major functions

implementing control and review processes and

executing the plan, providing signposts when changes in strategy will be needed

This comprehensive approach to planning is presented in a concise, easy-to-read manner by a seasoned planning professional to help you achieve success. Entrepreneurs undertaking a start-up, owners of small businesses seeking to grow, corporate planners interested in refocusing their strategy and mission, and not-for-profit organizations or government agencies looking to improve performance will find this book useful. More than that, it provides the theoretical underpinnings for business planning, the rationale, as well as the road map.

The author has extensive experience writing and reviewing actual business plans for his clients as well as those of his students, many of whom bring their experiences as midcareer professionals to bear. This book provides the practitioner and the business student with an understanding of the importance of business planning, suggestions for how to approach the planning process and where to find resources, and a framework for business plan preparation and implementation. The three core purposes of the business plan--to identify various possible courses of action, to provide a frame of reference for making decisions that will work toward the company's goals, and to establish both short-term and long-term objectives--are useful for firms of any size or age: entrepreneurial start-ups, small businesses, major corporations, global firms, nonprofits, and government agencies.

A qualified expert provides leaders in government and business a much-needed primer for accomplishing their most vital task: transforming a purpose into policy through the appropriate acquisition and use of power. At a time when corporations are reeling from mismanagement, a large proportion of homeowners are being forced to default on mortgages and the federal government is rapidly extending its formidable reach into the private sector, it is understandable that many Americans no longer trust big business and government institutions. To get the United States back on track and to preclude the same kinds of disasters in the future, it is imperative for corporate and government leaders as well as private citizens to understand the commonality in all of these events-the use and abuse of power. This text examines these critical events within a framework of power to explain what motivated our leaders in business and government to make the policies that resulted in these outcomes, providing valuable insights on the nature and use of power. It then draws lessons today's leaders can use to improve their use of power. Examples from current affairs and modern business are discussed in a lively, compelling way. Cites examples and case studies from current affairs, modern business, and recent history Explains how and why some corporate leaders abused their power and erased the wealth of their companies and the savings of private individuals Provides tables, charts, and other figures for supporting documentation

Is NATO still in the best interest of the United States? This provocative work argues that the focus on NATO distracts the U.S. from the vital foreign policy challenges of the 21st century, most notably China's rise in power. Since its beginning in 1949, NATO-the North Atlantic Treaty Organization-has been at the center of U.S. foreign policy. The alliance was crucial during the decades of the Cold War, and the United States collaborated closely with NATO during crises in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Libya. But does the NATO alliance still serve the best interests of the U.S.? The NATO of today-one that has expanded to 30 member countries-risks involving the U.S. in unwanted military activities of the future, actions that were not intended in the original Atlantic alliance. In addition, the real challenges for foreign policy of 21st century are not in Europe, but in the expanding economic powerhouses in Asia, especially China. NATO Reconsidered argues that the changes in world politics in recent decades requires that the more than 70-year-old alliance should no longer be the principal focus of U.S. foreign policy. Makes an original and contrarian argument openly questioning U.S. participation in NATO in the 21st century Takes account of NATO's full history, putting today's international reality into context Analyzes surprising data on Germany's growing economic and political ties to Russia, questioning Germany's reliability as a NATO ally Reflects the author's unique perspective on NATO stemming from experience in the State Department, in international business, and as a professor teaching world politics with a focus on Europe Openly eschews the globalists' "party line" and offers solid analysis and conclusions needed to ensure the U.S.' future security

Today's culture is increasingly influenced-even dominated-by business; The Corporation provides readers with a basic understanding of how a corporation works and how it contributes to the wealth of its shareholders, employees, communities, and nations in which it is active. Part I addresses how and why the corporation developed historically (in legal, political, economic, and social context) and how it become the most dominant business form in the U.S. Part II covers the laws and regulations that influence the corporation's daily operations and compares it with other business entities (such as partnerships) in the U.S. and around the world. Part III explores issues related to ethical conduct and accountability, and considers the future of the corporation in an era of economic anxiety. Featuring many company examples, illustrations, charts, a glossary, timeline, and listings of resources and references, The Corporation is an essential introduction to business and its role in society. Today's culture is increasingly influenced-even dominated-by business, and the corporation is the quintessential enterprise, representing everything that is popularly considered both good and evil about business. The Corporation provides readers with a basic understanding of how a corporation works, generating wealth for its shareholders, employees, communities, and the nations in which it is active. The first part addresses the importance of the corporation in the United States-how and why this business form developed historically (in legal, political, economic, and social context), how it became the country's most dominant business form, and its vital role in the economy today, including its contributions to Gross Domestic Product and employment. The next section focuses on the nature of a corporation as a business entity, including the process of incorporating, laws and regulations that influence its daily operations, and a comparison with other business entities (such as partnerships) in the U.S. and around the world. The final chapters explore issues related to ethical conduct and accountability-governance, auditing and financial reporting, business-government relations, social responsibility, and compensation of directors and executives-and considers the future of the corporation in an era of economic anxiety. Featuring many company examples, illustrations, charts, a glossary, timeline, and listings of resources and references, The Corporation is an essential introduction to business and its role in society.