AstraZeneca Decision-making

VII. Company’s overall strategy and decision-making process

D. Company’s mission
    Chief Executive Officer, David Brennan, acknowledged that AstraZeneca’s single-minded determination will enable the organization to stay focused on its mission to deliver great medicines and a business performance that creates enduring value for its shareholders. Brennan also made the following forward-looking statement.
We will continue our drive to broaden access to our existing medicines, improving adherence by refining the dosage and delivery mechanisms and providing support to physicians and carers. While building our business in mature markets, we will also develop the promising foundations we have in emerging markets. Driving productivity and cost reduction will continue to be a priority whilst still maintaining the levels of strategic investment in R&D needed to push the boundaries of medical science for the benefit of patients around the world (AstraZeneca PLC, 2007).

E. Business opportunities, alternatives and consequences
   
    The pharmaceutical industry has an extensive tradition of operating compliance programs. The majority of its experience lies in manufacturing, research, and development. In these specific areas, any lapse in internal control can lead to millions of dollars in lost profits. In today’s challenging environment, many companies have begun to more broadly implement compliance activities for all applicable laws and regulations. The most prevalent areas are those that relate to price reporting and sales and marketing activities. Specifically, firms are strengthening their internal compliance policies and control procedures for those and other high-risk areas. Additionally, these companies are providing the communication and training needed to back up the message to their employees that regulatory compliance is a critical aspect of their business (Saunders, Kellerman, & Farino, 2002).
    AstraZeneca has incorporated these concepts into...