Value Creation: Strategies for the Chemical Industry

Induced by globalization and shareholder value orientation, there is in the chemical industry an increasing demand for value creation. Edited and written by an international team of experts from the management consultancy McKinsey, this handbook provides first-hand experience on strategic and operational management in the chemical industry. Today's challenges in a business world, that is changing ever more rapidly, are discussed. What are the impacts of capital markets? Which are the optimal strategic answers? How to apply these strategies successfully? This book closely examines traditional and innovative ways to create value and provides information on the required management operations. Current aspects, like the role of e-commerce, the strategic transformation of traditional chemical companies to future oriented lifescience companies, and the concept of innovation cells to enable the growth of modern businesses, such as biotechnology, complete the treatise on the topic. Although mainly directed to managers in the chemical and related industries, the knowledge presented is of such general validity that scientists, engineers, consultants, and investors as well as students will also benefit from this comprehensive introduction when dealing with management issues in the chemical and related industries.