McKinsey Quarterly

Top Ten Newsletter Q2 2009

Our ten most popular articles in the second quarter focused on the economic crisis, innovation, and timeless management principles.
1. STRATEGY
Strategic planning: Three tips for 2009
Even in these tumultuous times, strategic planning doesn’t have to be an exercise in anxiety—or futility.
2. CORPORATE FINANCE
The crisis: Timing strategic moves
Timing is key as companies weigh whether to make strategic investments now or wait for clear signs of recovery. Scenario analysis can expose the risks of moving too quickly or slowly.
3. STRATEGY
Enduring Ideas: The industry cost curve
In this interactive presentation—one in a series of multimedia frameworks—McKinsey director Rob Latoff offers insight into the industry cost curve, a business school classic for understanding pricing. By bringing discipline and a practical set of definitions to bear, this framework can be applied to real-world, competitive markets.

4. ECONOMIC STUDIES
Surveying the economic horizon: A conversation with Robert Shiller
In this video interview, the noted economist explains and explores the downturn’s root causes—and possible ways forward.

5. CORPORATE FINANCE
What next? Ten questions for CFOs
As companies shift their attention from fighting the crisis to getting the most from the recovery, CFOs must keep executives focused.

6. ORGANIZATION
Good boss, bad times
In this video interview, management expert Robert Sutton shares lessons on handling layoffs and teams in crisis.

7. ENERGY, RESOURCES " MATERIALS
Exploring global energy demand
An interactive graphic examines the growth of global energy and petroleum demand based on scenarios accounting for GDP and other factors, including the potential reduction in demand through increased energy productivity.

8. STRATEGY
‘Power curves’: What natural and economic disasters have in common
Parallels between the failures of man-made systems, such as the economy, and of similarly complex natural ones offer fascinating food for thought.

9. BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
Six ways to make Web 2.0 work
Web 2.0 tools present a vast array of opportunities—for companies that know how to use them.

10. STRATEGY
Managing innovation: Pages from Alessi’s handbook
A three-part multimedia feature explores how design firm Alessi manages innovation—from working with collaborators, to how design constraints help shape products, to assessing new innovations’ potential.