Drawing on extensive first-hand management experiene, several hundred consulting engagements, and in-depth research projects, the authors outline the key ingredients for managing chemical companies successfully. The book addresses in detail key issues of strategy and industry strtucture, describes best practice in the core functions of the chemical business system, looks at the state of the art in organization and post-merger management,and covers a selection of the most important current topics such as industrial biotechnology, the role of private equity, and the chemical landscape in China.

Although mainly directed at executives and managers in the chemical industry, the knowledge contained in this comprehensive overview will also benefit scientists, engineers, investors,students,and anyone else dealing with management issues in this sector.