Using the interviews, the authors rated management practices on a scale of one to five (with one being worst and five best) across 18 categories within three broad areas: shop-floor operations, performance management and talent management.

ECONOMIST: Maybe management theory is not hocus pocus after all

"Mr. Corzine was recruited to revitalize a troubled company, and during his entire tenure as CEO he worked tirelessly with the board, firm management and world-class consultants to improve MF Global's operations and performance, " Goldberg said.

WSJ: MF Global's trustee sues former CEO Corzine

How a company is structured, its physical locations and assets, its management, its ability to efficiently finance its operations, and its dividend policy all factor into performance.

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