Our annual review of the year’s best business books.

Considering Competition

A new study finds that underestimating strategic risk is the number one cause of shareholder value destruction. But it doesn’t have to be.

“Prudent” banks couldn’t resist subprime investments — and took a bigger hit in the stock market.

Special coverage for data attacks is not enough — companies must also beef up internal protections and oversight.

In cutting down on risky investments, the VC industry is both curbing its upside potential and shortchanging startups.

How an unusual management technique inspires business teams to envision — and achieve — breakthrough results.

Patterns appear in higher stock volatility, increased capital costs, and a drop in return on assets.

What is a business strategy? It is the result of choices made to maximize long-term value.

Decision makers struggling with uncertainty can choose from a trio of probabilistic models to match the type of risks they face.

Personal connections between borrowers and bankers produce better results for both sides.

A review of Borrow: The American Way of Debt, by Louis Hyman.

Business strategy is best distinguished from corporate strategy by the different perspectives that business leaders and strategic planners must bring to bear.

Three key factors can delay — or accelerate — an announcement.

Membership engages customers, who spend more across the board.

The companies PE firms acquire aren’t any more likely to go under than other debt-heavy businesses, once some variables are factored in.

But once diversified firms are in Chapter 11, they spend more time and money to get out.

A new study of inorganic growth shows that deals made to enhance or leverage the things that companies do well consistently outperform others.

Every industry faces its own challenges in 2012’s turbulent, uncertain economic environment. These capabilities systems could pave the way for business growth and development in a dozen key sectors.

A niche in a new market can be a base for growth — or a way to keep rivals off guard.

Performance improves at firms that are tracked — the more analysts, the bigger the boost.

What top-tier PE firms can teach public companies about creating and sustaining value over time.

Gains are seen when a subset of directors and senior executives share knowledge and ideas.

How a deep commitment translates into better numbers in the stock market and on the bottom line.

Four steps to implementing a shared-services model to capture scale and develop advanced capabilities.

Revenues rise at protected companies, but from price hikes — and production decreases.