Focus on: Finding Strategic Sweet Spots in a Sour Economy

The current "structural break" in the business environment may present hidden opportunities, if you can recognize them. In this issue, Wharton Professor Ian MacMillan considers strategic opportunities drawn from understanding shifts in customer segments; we examine leadership capabilities needed for changing times; an expert weighs in on the power of building global virtual teams; and faculty discuss how financial acumen can help you realize opportunities in M&A and other areas. Finally, we offer a set of upcoming programs that can help open your mind to opportunities embedded in today’s environment.

Articles

Senior Management Programs

Organic Growth: Rethinking Segments to Find Opportunities

Realizing opportunities in a downturn requires resegmenting customers by identifying how your current customer base is morphing, recognizing their new emerging needs, and then redesigning offerings to meet them, says Wharton strategy professor Ian MacMillan. More

Thought Leaders I

Making the Leap: Rising to the Leadership Challenge of a "Structural Break"

To capitalize on the opportunities that arise from a dramatic break in the business environment, managers need the same preparation required for making the leap to a new role in their careers: the latest business knowledge, experience in thinking through diverse scenarios, and strong leadership capability, says the academic director of Wharton’s Executive Development Program. More

Thought Leaders II

Leading Virtually: Making Virtual Global Teams Work

As companies extend their reach worldwide and require greater flexibility in team structures, they are increasingly turning to virtual global teams. Ana Reyes, an expert on virtual teaming, offers practical strategies for managing employees across time zones and cultures. More

In the Classroom

Buyer’s Market: Financial Knowledge and Market Shifts Create M&A Opportunities

For companies with the right financial knowledge, the current environment presents strategic opportunities to make acquisitions and pursue other initiatives, says the academic director of Wharton’s Mergers and Acquisitions program. More

January Poll Results

View Wharton@Work readers' response to the question "In a down economy, what is your most important area of focus?" More

Remember, son, when life gives you a lemon, call the attorneys.

Sorry, honey, but I won’t be home for dinner tonight. Instead, however, I’m sending over a virtual version of myself on CD-ROM.

Featured Programs:

Executive Development Program

Wharton's two-week Executive Development Program gives managers the core business knowledge and organizational understanding to take on broader leadership responsibilities and add more value to their organizations. Wharton's faculty present and apply key knowledge in areas such as finance, marketing, leadership, and strategy based on current research and best practices. More

Essentials of Management

To move from technical expert to manager, you need a broader view. Drawing on faculty of Wharton's top-ranked MBA program, Essentials of Management teaches core concepts of strategic management in two one-week sessions. More

Resources

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"When I joined Unilever Turkey, I was the only foreigner on the board. Wharton's Advanced Management Program focused on how to manage a transnational organization in a fast-moving environment. I did things I probably wouldn't have done before, like taking the high ground and staying there as long as possible. From the program, I have a personal toolkit that I refer to quite often."
—Philippe Barthen, Unilever

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