Businesses across the world are engaged in the relentless struggle to stay ahead of social, economic, environmental, technological, and market changes that seem to expand and accelerate as time moves forward. Business executives, strategic leaders, management professionals, and practitioners must confront the overwhelming challenges of exceeding the increasing demands and expectations of customers, stakeholders, shareholders, and other constituents, and deal with the growing complexities of the global business environment. Customers in the developed countries expect and demand customized products and services having high value, six-sigma quality, and superior performance that are affordable, reliable, and easy to use. Stakeholders want improved social, economic, and environmental outcomes from businesses and reductions in defects, burdens, and negative impacts. And, shareholders expect improved business performance, wealth creation, and sustainable success.

With globalization, increasing social, environmental, and regulatory mandates, complex economic forces, rapid technological developments, and the rising power of customers and stakeholders, the global business environment is more complicated, interdependent, and less predictable than just a decade ago. Today, customers and stakeholders have more power and influence than ever before because they have access to more information and data via the Internet and more leverage in their choices. However, these changes should not be viewed as negatives from a strategic perspective. On the contrary, they represent incredible opportunities for businesses to excel and achieve success, creating even more exciting opportunities and enhanced realities and results.