Abraham (strategy and entrepreneurship, California State Polytechnic U.) outlines the process of strategic planning for managers and executives, consultants, owners of small to medium sized-businesses, students in MBA and executive-education programs, and undergraduates. He details what it is and how to do a strategic analysis using a specific model for making decisions and recommendations, with a focus on business-level or competitive strategies and single-business companies that are established and for-profit. The model addresses deciding the direction and strategy for the company, setting short and long-term objectives, and coming up with principal programs. He defines key terms, discusses strategic thinking, external and internal analyses, coming up with strategic alternatives, how and how fast to implement the strategy, managing the strategic planning process, and aspects of operational planning and implementation, ending with 10 benefits. The book updates his previous volume, Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide for Competitive Success (2006). Online access to case studies, analytical tools, quizzes, presentations, companion software for strategic analysis, and other resources is included. Distributed in North America by Turpin Distribution. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)