The Decision Makers

Heller ( The Age of the Common Millionaire ) here examines and exalts executive decisions vital to such corporate retailing successes as 3-M's ``Post-It'' notes, the Sony Walkman, Federal Express, Nike shoes, VCRs and microwave ovens. He also dissects management failures like the ``new'' Coca-Cola and cites rejuvenation of the Swiss watch industry, Jaguar automobiles and other temporary stumblers as examples of correct management reaction. ``Ask a lot of questions all the time,'' advises Heller, ``don't follow conventional wisdom''; and ``a decision to be different is a decision to succeed.'' But in many of the stirring case histories described, success owes as much to chance and a capricious market as to executive judgement per se. A lively and incisive overview of worldwide economics. (Oct.)