Issue 69, Winter 2012

In this issue
Cover story
- The early stages of innovation can be challenging. But Booz & Company’s annual study of R&D spending reveals that successful innovators bring clarity to a process often described as fuzzy and vague.
Best Business Books 2012
Our annual review: Alice Schroeder on Biography, Phil Rosenzweig on Strategy, Shaun Holliday on Marketing, Krisztina “Z” Holly on Innovation, J. Philip Lathrop on Healthcare, Sally Helgesen on Organizational Culture, and James O’Toole on Capitalism.A Strategist’s Guide to Personalized Medicine
Breakthroughs in pharmaceutical innovation are poised to change the prevailing business model of the industry — with dramatic effects on healthcare costs and practice.The Thought Leader Interview: William J. O’Rourke
The former head of Alcoa Russia teaches executives that in international business practice, ethics and competitive advantage go hand in hand.
Leading Ideas
Overcoming the Global Innovation Trade-Off
How to maintain creative complexity without the limitations of co-location.The Lesson of Lost Value
A new study finds that underestimating strategic risk is the number one cause of shareholder value destruction. But it doesn’t have to be.The Offline Executive
A manager’s effectiveness depends not only on using e-mail and other electronic communication, but also on learning to shut it down.Kicking the Sales Promotion Habit
Addiction to discounts is costly for retailers, but in moderation, promotions can boost profits and brand value.s+b Trend Watch: Grocery Shoppers Plan to Stay Frugal
According to a recent survey, many of the frugal habits that grocery shoppers adopted during the recession are here to stay.
Essays
Talent Is a Strategic Asset: A Virtual Roundtable
At Devon Energy, building the most critical capabilities requires a high-touch approach to human capital and the HR function.The University’s Dilemma
In the face of disruptive change, higher education needs a new, more innovative business model.
Recent Research
Walking the Talk on Foreign Experience
To stem the loss of repatriated employees, multinationals must show them more respect.