As a small business owner, having knowledge of crucial numbers is the most important tool you can equip yourself with to survive today's competitive marketplace. If you're not a numbers person, Accounting for the Numberphobic is to the rescue! Why do so many business owners dread looking at the numbers? Financial statements, ledgers, profit and loss reports--many avoid these and treat them like junk mail and phone solicitors. Nevertheless, it's true--you're not a numbers person. How can you learn to make sense out of all this Greek? This easy-to-follow guide demystifies your company's financial dashboard: the Net Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement, and Balance Sheet. The book explains in plain English how each measurement reflects the overall health of your business--and impacts your decisions. In Accounting for the Numberphobic, you will discover: How your Net Income Statement is the key to growing your profits; How to identify the break-even point that means your business is self-sustaining; Real-world advice on measuring and increasing cash flow; What the Balance Sheet reveals about your company's worth; And much more! Don't leave your company's finances entirely in the hands of a third-party accounting service or an employee who is only loyal to the highest paycheck. Knowing the numbers yourself isn't just about seeing how your company is doing, it's about knowing where it is going--and guiding it toward the highest profits possible.

THE TRADITIONAL annual budgeting process--characterized by fixed targets and performance incentives--is time-consuming, overcentralized, and outdated. Worse, it often causes dysfunctional and unethical managerial behavior. Based on an intensive, international study into pioneering companies, Beyond Budgeting offers an alternative, coherent management model that overcomes the limitations of traditional budgeting. Focused around achieving sustained improvement relative to competitors, it provides a guiding framework for managing in the twenty-first century.

The book introduces corporate finance to first year students in business schools. Basic subjects such as marketing, human resources and finance are all fundamental to the learning of a business manager. A book on these subjects must emphasise learning that is conceptual in nature and at the same time, application oriented. This book attempts to achieve this in a manner that is comprehensive and shorn of complexity. It examines the practice of finance without diluting theory and conceptual knowledge. Corporate finance is necessarily quantitative in nature and the book duly places emphasis on that aspect. It ensures the primacy of ideas and concepts utilising numbers as supportive elements.

Finanzdienstleister haben eine wesentliche Hebelwirkung um "nachhaltige" Anlage- und Kreditprodukte anzubieten. Dieses Buch beschaftigt sich mit dem Aspekt der Nachhaltigkeitsratings, denn diese sind ein wichtiges Instrument um die oeko-soziale Performance von (Finanz-) unternehmen zu evaluieren und dienen damit institutionellen Investoren als Entscheidungshilfe. Die gleiche Funktion haben Qualitatssiegel, auch sie dienen zur Vereinfachung einer nachhaltigen und fairen Kaufentscheidung. Die Autoren dieses Herausgeberwerkes zeigen die Entwicklung und Bedeutung von Nachhaltigkeitsratings und Qualitatssiegeln und diskutieren deren (zukunftige) Bedeutung. Das vorliegende Buch bietet sowohl CSR-Expert/innen als auch interessierten Konsument/innen einen umfassenden, interessanten und verstandlichen UEberblick uber die aktuelle Diskussion zur "Vermessung" der Nachhaltigkeit in der Finanzbranche und zeigt, welche Rolle Kaufentscheidung als Hebelwirkung fur ein umfangreicheres Angebot von "grunen" Finanzprodukten spielt.

Is strategy a coherent plan conceived at the top by a visionary leader, or is it formed by a series of individual commitments, not always reflecting what top management has in mind? If it is a series of commitments, how can they be managed? To answer these questions, Joseph L. Bower and Clark G. Gilbert present research that examines how strategy is actually made by company managers across several levels of an organization. The research penetrates the "black box" of strategy formulation and shows that a company's realized strategy emerges less from the formal statements of corporate strategy, but often out of the pattern of resource commitments that originate across every level of the firm.
Drawing on over thirty yeas of research on resource allocation, including studies from Harvard Business School, Stanford, London Business School, and INSEAD, the book's five sections detail the structural characteristics of the resource allocation process, how the process can lead to breakdowns in strategic outcomes, and where top management can intervene to shape desired results. And while the organizing authors connect over three decades of research on resource allocation, they have also included assessments of this work by thought leaders in the fields of economics, competitive strategy, organizational behavior, and strategic management.
The processes described represent the complex reality of strategy formulation in large organizations, but the ideas are presented in a way that enables the reader to access and understand the implications of these complexities. The findings should inform the research of economists, strategists, and behavioural scientists. Thoughtful executives and thosewho consult with them will also find the book provocative and instructive.

The Fundraising Feasibility Study

It's Not About the Money

"This in-depth and accessible collection of essays by fundraising experts goes a long way in demystifying the capital campaign feasibility study. . . . It is a must read for administrators and trustees of any charitable organization considering embarking on a capital campaign."
--John Bloom, Director-Advisory Services
RSF Innovations in Social Finance

"At last, a book that tells all about a pre-campaign development planning study (aka feasibility study). From the role of the organization and its board to the role of the consultant and development staff, this book documents how readiness is the path to success . . . . If you've always wondered how conclusions are drawn, findings explained, and recommendations developed, read this book. It's all here."
--James M. Greenfield, ACFRE, FHP,
author, Fund Raising: Evaluating and Managing the Fund Development Process and Fundraising Fundamentals and editor, The Nonprofit Handbook: Fund Raising, Third Edition

"The Fundraising Feasibility Study provides fundamental information on one of the most important, if little understood, elements of successful fundraising. Written by a cadre of the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the field, it offers insights and useful information that will be valuable to practitioners and scholars alike."
--James P. Gelatt, PHD,
Professor, Graduate School of Management & Technology
University of Maryland University College

Joseph L. Bower and Clark G. Gilbert have collected together some of the leading experts on strategy to examine how strategy is actually made by company managers across the several levels of an organization. Is strategy a coherent plan conceived at the top by a visionary leader, or is it
formed by a series of smaller decisions, not always reflecting what top management has in mind? Often it is by examining how options for using resources are developed and selected, that we can see how a company's competitive position gets shaped. On the bases of this understanding, we can see
better how these processes can be managed. The book's five sections examine how the resource allocation process works, how the way it works can lead a company into serious problems, how top management can intervene to fix these problems and where the most recent thinking on these problems is headed.
A fifth section contains assessments of this work by through leaders I the fields of economics, competitive strategy, organizational behavior, and strategic management. The implications for those who study firms are considerable. Activity that is normally thought about in terms of substantive
outcomes such as market share and revenue growth, or present value and internal rate of return, is seen to be inextricably related to organizational and administrative questions. The finding presented here should inform the research of economists, strategists and behavioral scientists. Thoughtful
executives and those who consult with them will also find the book provocative. The processes described are complex, but clear enough so that the way toward effective management is apparent. The models developed provide abasis for building the systems and organization necessary for today's
competitive world.

High-level guidance for implementing enterprise risk management in any organization

A Practical Guide to Risk Management shows organizations how to implement an effective ERM solution, starting with senior management and risk and compliance professionals working together to categorize and assess risks throughout the enterprise. Detailed guidance is provided on the key risk categories, including financial, operational, reputational, and strategic areas, along with practical tips on how to handle risks that overlap across categories. Provides high-level guidance on how to implement enterprise risk management across any organizationIncludes discussion of the latest trends and best practicesFeatures the role of IT in ERM and the tools that are available in both assessment and on-going complianceDiscusses the key challenges that need to be overcome for a successful ERM initiative

Walking readers through the creation of ERM architecture and setting up on-going monitoring and assessement processes, this is an essential book for every CFO, controller and IT manager.

In "Prince Not So Charming," you will take a riveting journey with Cinderella as she navigates romance, emotional upheaval, and near-financial-death experiences--all of which lead her to find inner strength despite seemingly insurmountable setbacks. Nine out of ten women will be solely responsible for their finances at some point in their lives. "Prince Not So Charming," is a call to action that will inspire and empower you to take control of your finances regardless of the obstacles you face, plus you'll learn: Strategies for women to regain power and avoid financial ruin The importance of and how to maintain financial independence--whether you're married, single, or contemplating divorce Financial strategies to help you safeguard yourself and those you love Ideas to reduce the financial and emotional burdens of divorce Whether you're a high-powered executive or a single mom struggling to make ends meet, "Prince Not So Charming" will encourage you to claim your power to create and protect your financial future.

A practical framework for effectively managing performance in today's complex, competitive and risky global markets

The "Third Edition" provides a complete framework for building best practice management processes for today's complex and uncertain world. Fully updated to reflect the events of the global economic crisis, this book provides further practical examples of companies that are successfully using the practices identified. Updated for the implications of the global economic crisis on management practicesCompletely rewritten section on "What it Takes To Be An Effective Manager In An Uncertain WorldAdded examples and mini case studies throughout the book from companies such as Qualcomm, IBM, Dominos, Target, Toshiba and FacebookEstablishes new benchmarks for performance management process and practiceFully updated to include recent events, new learnings, technologies and emerging best practices

This book includes serious rethinking of the way companies plan and manage performance-from the role of accounting to the skills needed to be an effective manager-including new technologies, techniques and real time management processes.

This Reader brings together the very best research and advocacy in the exciting and rapidly emerging area of intangible assets. The chapters provide a comprehensive tableau of rigorous perspectives and empirical evidence that encapsulates thinking about intangible assets by scholars and policy makers in accounting, economics, finance, and information technology, thereby creating a solid foundation for the business use of intangibles, as well as for further research in this area.

The book introduces corporate finance to first year students in business schools. Basic subjects such as marketing, human resources and finance are all fundamental to the learning of a business manager. A book on these subjects must emphasise learning that is conceptual in nature and at the same time, application oriented. This book attempts to achieve this in a manner that is comprehensive and shorn of complexity. It examines the practice of finance without diluting theory and conceptual knowledge. Corporate finance is necessarily quantitative in nature and the book duly places emphasis on that aspect. It ensures the primacy of ideas and concepts utilising numbers as supportive elements.

IS YOUR NONPROFIT VULNERABLE TO FRAUD?

Fraud or embezzlement discovered within a major corporation ultimately leads to front-page scandals and a few raised eyebrows. But the mere suggestion or evidence of fraud within a nonprofit can cause irreversible damage to its reputation, its support base, and, eventually, its very existence. Preventing Fraud in Nonprofit Organizations is the proactive manual your organization needs to detect fraud and prevent it from affecting your organization's bottom line and name. Brimming with details of hundreds of actual fraud and embezzlement schemes, it provides specific, practical advice on strengthening the areas in which your nonprofit may be most vulnerable.
This hands-on guide shows nonprofit accountants, CFOs, financial consultants, board members, and managers how to:
* Know the four consistent areas of high risk
* Thoroughly evaluate their organization's system of internal controls
* Assemble a fraud examination team
* Document a fraud action plan
* Expose weaknesses that could lead to fraud
* Take corrective action to reduce the possibility of victimization

Fraud deterrence is not exclusive to large corporations. Recommended reading for nonprofit professionals, Preventing Fraud in Nonprofit Organizations will motivate executives to take a fresh and intensive look at their organization's practices and act to protect from financial dishonesty.

Preparation. Planning. Execution. It's all here!

Finally, a clear and compelling guide to the key components shared by all campaigns. Illuminating case studies, practical tools, proven strategies, and helpful hints displayed throughout the book highlight solutions to common stumbling blocks that can trip up even the experienced campaign professional. Emphasis is given to new tools available through the Internet, such as Web sites for prospect research and the use of electronic media to help make your organization's case stand out among the competition.

Order your copy today!

Quantitative risk assessments cannot eliminate risk, nor can they resolve trade-offs. They can, however, guide principled risk management and reduction - if the quality of assessment is high and decision makers understand how to use it. This book builds a unifying scientific framework for discussing and evaluating the quality of risk assessments and whether they are fit for purpose. Uncertainty is a central topic. In practice, uncertainties about inputs are rarely reflected in assessments, with the result that many safety measures are considered unjustified. Other topics include the meaning of a probability, the use of probability models, the use of Bayesian ideas and techniques, and the use of risk assessment in a practical decision-making context. Written for professionals, as well as graduate students and researchers, the book assumes basic probability, statistics and risk assessment methods. Examples make concepts concrete, and three extended case studies show the scientific framework in action.

The use of derivative products in risk management has spread from commodities, stocks and fixed income items, to such virtual commodities as energy, weather and bandwidth. All this can give rise to so-called volatility and there has been a consequent development in formal risk management techniques to cover all types of risk: market, credit, liquidity, etc. One of these techniques, Value at Risk, was developed specifically to help manage market risk over short periods. Its success led, somewhat controversially, to its take up and extension to credit risk over longer time-scales. This extension, ultimately not successful, led to the collapse of a number of institutions. The present book, which was originally published in 2002, by some of the leading figures in risk management, examines the complex issues that concern the stability of the global financial system by presenting a mix of theory and practice.