The Agility Factor

This book offers a methodical overview of the principles and practices that make it possible for organizations to develop their ability to respond successfully to shifts in their environment. The approach and style are rather academic, with ideas drawn from detailed case studies and frequent references to earlier concepts and studies. The crux of the book successively tackles the key processes of agility, i.e., clarifying strategic intent, paying attention to the environment, and testing and implementing new ideas. The introductory chapters highlight the economic issues and present a case study that gives an initial overview of the topic, while a concluding chapter cites three case studies to explain how to transform in order to acquire greater agility. The book has the merit of being relatively exhaustive in its treatment of the subject and in providing detailed illustrative references. Readers who first and foremost are seeking practical advice may find it a bit dry, however.