Rating: 
Summary: Heavy Reading
Review: TOn one hand,this book is very informative, especially on the topic of business competition in the information age. On the other hand, the material is heavy and difficult to follow if you are new to the territory. In fact, this book is so jammed with information, though. I recommend wading through it twice,or pick up Guerrilla PR Wired by Michael Levine.The content is similar but more direct.
Rating: 
Summary: How to use measurement systems to implement strategy.
Review: We originally developed the Balanced Scorecard to improve performance measurement systems. The Balanced Scorecard retains financial measures, such as return-on-capital-employed and economic value added, and supplements these with new measures on value creation for customers, enhancement of internal processes, including innovation, to deliver desired value propositions to targeted customers, and the creation of capabilities in employees and systems. As companies developed and used their Balanced Scorecard, they soon made it the centerpiece of their management systems. Innovating companies today are using their Balanced Scorecards to (1) gain consensus and clarity about their strategic objectives, (2) communicate strategic objectives to business units, departments, teams, and individuals, (3) align strategic planning, resource allocation and budgeting processes, and, (4) obtain feedback and learn about the effectiveness of their strategic plan and its implementation. The book describes, in detail, the construction and use of the Balanced Scorecard as a strategic management system. Detailed case studies of how Chemical Bank, Mobil, and United Way of Southeastern New England are using their Balanced Scorecards can be obtained from Harvard Business School Publishing (1-800-988-0886)
Rating: 
Summary: A slow read but worth your time.
Review: While written in typical textbook fashion (which makes it a very "dry" read), the simple insights presented in the book can foster the changes needed in business today. By focusing on a top-down approach to goal setting, the organization will move in the direction set by those at the top. This puts the ultimate success (or failure) on those key decision makers who initially set the goals for the organization.If you (or the company you work for) are looking for a clear way to communicate action to the "troops" who get the job done, this may be your book. If you are a middle manager, be prepared to be frustrated in the clarity this book will provide you (trust me, I know of what I speak!) in seeing how your organization could do better. To sum it up, dry and wordy but worth the time you'll spend reading it!
Rating: 
Summary: Thought provoking method to achieving strategic alignment
Review: You will come away with a very clear cut understanding of what corporate strategic alignment is all about and why you must have it to succeed. Strategic alignment is an extremely powereful tool that is both intense and time consuming, but well worth the effort. The Balanced Scorecard methodology quickly points out whether your company's Purpose, Vision and Mission statements can truly hold water. As the authors warn, do not take implementation of this program lightly.
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