Scanning over responses so far I think a relevant aspect is not underlined strongly enough -- the lack of expertise in some of the key positions in companies "t

Scanning over responses so far I think a relevant aspect is not underlined strongly enough -- the lack of expertise in some of the key positions in companies "to move things". The status quo prevails. Play it safe, don't shake the boat, bring in Gartner or some such consultant on strategy, and hum along. In the end, outsource a project with internal fanfare (bringing relief to people concerned). This happens all too often. This is how life goes, and as some here pointed out already, even if large inefficiencies are unaddressed a company can be profitable for significant time because of an established market position, brand, extensive regulations in place to protect their interests, some little known high profit products, etc. However give it time, and we see them fade away when upstarts take the risks, have the vision, shake up their market one piece at a time. And the cycle repeats.