Fundamental to management thinking and economic theory, "Competitive Strategy" offers a framework for understanding the underlying forces of competition in industry and business. This book explains the ideas, theories and principles of Competitive Strategy in simple, straightforward terms. It shows readers how to use competitive tools and strategies to understand the underlying forces of competition in industry and business and apply them to assess industries, understand competitors, choose competitive positions and gain - and maintain competitive advantage. Chapters of this title include: what Competitive Strategy actually is; the foundations of strategy and the five forces of competition; assessing the competition and strategic management in action; developing a competitive strategy; and, looking to the future and mergers and acquisitions. About the author: Richard Pettinger is a lecturer in Business Management at University College London where he teaches a wide range of courses including foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and international courses. Richard has written over thirty business and management books and textbooks.