Accelerating out of the Great Recession delivers valuable, need-to-know information, including comprehensive, big-picture analysis of the global economic downturn, and practical guidance for how to take advantage during recovery phases. Topics covered include cost management—reducing operating overhead while optimizing working capital; knowing when to “cut the cord” with underperforming businesses; pursuing opportunistic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions; coping with additional government regulation and shifts in consumer behavior; accurately determining signs of recovery; and more. David Rhodes and Daniel Stelter, senior BCG partners, use case studies of businesses that have that have mastered past economic downturns and emerged as leaders in their respective markets and sectors. The authors also analyze present-day trends and what they say about the shape, size, and prospects of the next recovery. Key Selling Features BCG has a long history of publishing bestselling business books – Accellerating ... will receive the full support of the company Based on the most extensive, up-to-date survey data and company case stories that address present economic conditions Addresses the needs of forward-thinking business leaders who are focused on emerging victorious as the economy recovers Includes profiles of the following companies:Wal-Mart, Aldi, Asda, Arcandor, Woolworth, Eddie Bauer, GM, Chrylser, Ford, GE, IBM, Dupont, P&G, Radio Shack, McDonald's, U-Haul, Shin Etsu Chemical, Nitto Dento, Asahi Breweries, Seven-Eleven Japan Author Information David Rhodes (London, England) is a senior partner and managing director of the London office of The Boston Consulting Group and the global leader of the Financial Institutions practice. Daniel Stelter (Berlin, Germany) is a senior partner and managing director of the firm's Berlin office and the global leader of the Corporate Development practice.

Table of Contents:
Part one What happened and what happens next Chapter 1 The damaged economy How it happened How global markets absorbed so much risky borrowing The banking sector will take years to recover The overstretched consumer Rebalancing of global trade flows Depression avoided, recovery limp Executives expect a long period of slow growth Chapter 2 The new realities The return of the interventionist government The emergence of the new consumer A turn in the profit cycle The shake-up of industries The battle between deflation and inflation The vicious circle to slower growth Part two What to do Chapter 3 Even in the worst of times General motors: a quick, decisive, And comprehensive response Chrysler: making the big three Ford: hurt by high costs and inflexibility The rest of the market: also-rans Chapter 4 Defense first Protect financial fundamentals Protect business fundamentals Protect revenue After defense, think offense Chapter 5 Go on the offensive Focus on innovation Capitalize on changes in the external environment Unleash advertising and marketing power Take the fight to your competitors Invest in the future through opportunistic M&a and strategic divestments Employ game-changing strategies Of the creative forces of destruction and leadership Chapter 6 A new managerial mind-set New realities, new managerial mind-set Leadership during a crisis Rethinking what globalization may mean Honing political skills Revisiting the social contract Challenging the shareholder-value mantra Redesigning compensation systems Redefining corporate governance A different perspective on ethics Mobilizing for growth Appendix a About our methodology and sources Appendix b About our surveys Notes Bibliography