In part one of a new series, David Lengacher introduces the concept of simulation as the new differentiator in strategy development. Corporate strategy has undergone significant changes in the past few years, both in the process through which it is formed and the way that it is viewed. Gone are the days when large companies could get by with bloated mission statements and vague objectives in their annual report. With the advent of the balanced score card, organizations have become more focused on measuring performanceÔÇösometimes to a fault.

Technology is the best line of defense in surviving a prolonged and deep recession, says Russ Cereola, as it provides the foundation from which key employees make decisions that affect the bottom line. For many businesses, 2009 and 2010 will be financially troublesome and significantly less profitable than previous years. In fact, many companies will not survive what appears to be a deep and prolonged recession.

White Memorial Medical CenterWhite Memorial Medical Center took a proactive approach to meeting strict new building codes. The result is a building that meets those codes and achieves high levels of sustainability and energy savings, as Keith Regan learns.  The 1994 Northridge earthquake that rocked the Los Angeles area left its mark on Southern California. But nearly a decade and a half later, the impacts are still appearing in new buildings erected under the significantly tougher building codes passed in the wake of the tremor.

Electronics retail chain Circuit City has finally pulled the plug on its remaining 567 stores after not being able refinance or find a buyer for its failing business, resulting in the loss of 30,000 jobs.   As the second-largest consumer electronics retailer, Circuit City was hit by the general slowdown in US consumer spending, and had seen sales decline as it lost ground to larger rival Best Buy.

Johnson Controls, global leader of automotive interiors, building efficiency and power solutions, reported net sales of $7.3 billion and a loss of $608 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The Milwaukee based company announced on December 16, 2008 that it expected a loss in the quarter, and excluding non-recurring, non-cash charges, the loss in the quarter was $82 million.

Nortel Networks, North America's biggest maker of telephone equipment, has filed for bankruptcy protection as the global economic crisis continues to crush its already fragile business. ┬á The Toronto based company, and key sponsor of the 2012 London Olympic games, filed for US Chapter 11 bankruptcyÔÇö a ┬áprotection law that allows a firm to continue trading while it aims to sort out financesÔÇö a day before the firm was due to make a $107 million interest payment on outstanding loans.

Silicon Valley veteran Carol Bartz, a well-respected industry figure from software maker Autodeck, Inc., will be YahooÔÇÖs new chief executive officer as revealed by the internet giant on Tuesday.

During his first week in Washington, US President-elect Barack Obama has called for ÔÇ£drastic action,ÔÇØ urging Congress to quickly pass his $800 billion stimulus plan in order to prevent the US economic situation from worsening. ┬á  ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt believe itÔÇÖs too late to change course,ÔÇØ said Obama in his first major policy speech since being elected, ÔÇ£but it will be if we donÔÇÖt take dramatic action as soon as possible.

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One US airline has just finished the first test flight of a plane powered by a 50-50 blend of normal aircraft fuel and biofuel derived from algae.┬á┬á The test took place on Wednesday in a Continental Boeing 737-800, leaving from HoustonÔÇÖs Bush Intercontinental Airport and completing a circuit over the Gulf of Mexico. Pilots carried out a series of tests at 38,000 feet during the 90-minute flight, including a mid-flight engine shutdown. "The airplane performed perfectly," test pilot Rich Jankowski told the Houston Chronicle newspaper. "There were no problems.