This book traces the career of Bartley J. Madden, whose early research produced the cash flow return on investment (CFROI) metric and the life-cycle valuation framework that is used today by many large money management firms worldwide. He developed the pragmatic theory of the firm that utilizes systems thinking, begins with purpose, and spotlights the critical importance of knowledge-building proficiency in driving a firm's long-term performance. And his knowledge-building loop continues to facilitate insightful answers to better questions