Merger mania and a bigger-is-better mentality largely rule the business world, but sometimes the exception — spin-offs — provide an alternate path to prosperity if the organization can weather the storms of such a radical change.

Companies that retain their competitive edge have learned how to raise up leaders in the ranks of middle management who have the skills to drive corporate strategy.

Selling and providing services is not what it used to be. Thanks to an ultra-competitive B2B services market and an increase in the number of companies contracting core functions to outsourced providers, purchasing departments have reinvented their services buying process.

Throughout its nearly 100 years of existence, General Motors has been an icon of business. "What's good for GM is good for the country" -- a loose paraphrase of a statement made 50 years ago by a GM president -- has come to summarize for many the pervasive role of corporations in America.

People trust experts. In courtrooms, expert witnesses sway the views of jurors. On television, expert analysts shape public opinion on everything from politics to sports.

In 2003, when corporate turnaround wizard Champ Mitchell became chairman and CEO of Network Solutions, the company was in serious trouble.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a measure of how well individuals can manage their own moods, and how well they can read the moods of others. Though some critics question the scientific validity of EI, real-world results have been promising.

When employees make up their minds that a knowledge management (KM) system is more trouble than it's worth, they simply stop using it. This decision affects the employer's bottom line and is a crucial factor in whether the big aspirations for a KM system pan out.

Flextime, telecommuting and part-time employment are popular employee enticements. But, are these attractive benefits also drawbacks for corporate warriors who choose to utilize them?

"Tough Choices or Tough Times" is not recommended reading for bedtime, if you're hoping for a good night's sleep.