The Value Growers: Achieving Competitive Advantage Through Long-Term Growth and Profits

Based on a study of more than 1,100 companies worldwide and conducted by the experts at one of the world's largest and most dynamic consulting firms, A.T. Kearney, this book focuses on one of the hottest issues in business today--growth. The authors explain the pivotal role of growth in corporate success and the various forms it takes, and they outline proven strategies for achieving value-building growth, the strategically most advantageous form of growth. With the help of fascinating and instructive growth success (and failure) stories--including Intel, Microsoft, 3Com, Bayer, BASF, Hyundai, Nissan, and other top global companies--The Value Growers: *Identifies the 5 fundamentals of value-building growth that companies in every industry sector can use for increased shareholder value *Provides managers with diagnostic tools identifying their organizations' growth categories *Describes proven strategies and techniques for achieving sustained, value-building growth James McGrath (Chicago, IL), Fritz Kroeger (Chicago, IL), Michael Traem (Chicago, IL), and Joerg Rockenhaeuser (Chicago, IL) are senior consultants and specialists in growth and strategic development at A.T. Kearney, the management consulting subsidiary of EDS.

Value-building growth does not happen accidentally. It is the product of a conscious, constantly monitored process in which success breeds success and in which value builders make their own luck. --The Value Growers

In today's economy growth is essential to the success--and longevity--of any business. Growth, by its very nature requires some sacrifice of bottom-line profits. But how much is too much? And how do companies expand without negatively impacting shareholder value in the long-term? An orientation toward pure profit can be just as damaging as an orientation that espouses growth at all costs. According to the experts at A.T. Kearney, one of the world's leading and most dynamic consulting firms, the secret to success can be found in strategic balance. Based on a 10-year study of over 1,100 companies worldwide conducted by the firm, The Value Growers explores and explains the importance of business growth.

This book provides the sound business theory and strategy necessary to create long-term success above and beyond what conventional, bottom-oriented companies generate. The true paragon of excellence is strong and lean; neither virtue can sufficiently bring success on its own, explain the authors. Companies need to achieve a strategic balance between top-line and bottom-line growth in order to flourish and enjoy staying power. The strongest companies are those that recognize and understand the importance of both innovation and improvement. These companies never stop growing--even if they must temporarily sacrifice their bottom-line profits. These companies are value growers. Drawing from actual growth success and failure stories from top global companies such as Intel, Microsoft, Nissan, BASF, Hyundai, 3Com, Bayer, and others, this book reveals that value-building growth is a constant, conscious process. It also proves that successful growth is possible in any industry, at all phases of the business cycle. Organized into three authoritative sections, The Value Growers:

*Equips managers and business leaders with the diagnostic tools to identify their organizations' growth categories
*Outlines the five fundamentals of value-building growth that companies in any industry sector can follow
*Delivers proven strategies and techniques for achieving sustained, value-building growth

The Value Growers is a timely and important resource for anyone looking to build a strong, successful, ever-expanding, and prosperous organization.

"The bigger and better we get, the higher the hurdles become. It is incumbent upon us to challenge and continuously improve the way we run our businesses." --Bernie Marcus, Chairman, The Home Depot

What is the proper balance between top-line and bottom-line growth? How much impact does profitability have on shareholder value? Can companies truly pursue both profitability and growth as co-objectives? The Value Growers addresses these crucial issues and explores fully the pivotal role of strategic growth in corporate success. Drawing from a comprehensive, international study conducted by the experts at the world's fastest growing consulting firm, A.T. Kearney, this important book:

*Provides a solid foundation in the nature and necessity of corporate growth
*Shows how leaders can tap into their organizations' hidden potential
*Features real-life case studies of top global companies
*Addresses the current and future challenges to successful value-building growth

Chock full of case studies and priceless lessons, The Value Growers presents a much-needed blueprint for achieving value-building growth in today's economy.