The risk process commonly used in the corporate world to deal with risks may be suitable for non-catastrophic events, but not for extreme events. By analyzing a series of past disasters and the relevant 'lessons learned', this books proposes a series of prescriptive measures to cope with future disasters.

Provides data on budget receipts, outlays, surpluses or deficits, Federal debt over a time period extending from FY 1940 or earlier to FY 2017. To the extent feasible, the data has been adjusted to provide consistency with the FY 2013 Budget and to provide comparability over time.

The Handbook is a virtual encyclopedia of public financial management, written by topmost experts, many with a background in the IMF and World Bank. It provides the first comprehensive guide to the subject that has been published in more than ten years. The book is aimed at a broad audience of academics/students, government officials, development agencies and practitioners. It covers both bread-and-butter topics such as the macroeconomic and legal framework for budgeting, budget preparation and execution, procurement, accounting, reporting, audit and oversight, as well as specialist subjects such as government payroll systems, local government finance, fiscal transparency, the management of fiscal risks, sovereign wealth funds, the management of state-owned enterprises, and political economy aspects of budgeting. The book sets out numerous examples and case studies describing good practice in public financial management, and is highly relevant for use in both advanced and developing countries.

This book is an essential introduction to the world of financing and investment decision making. With a strong real world focus, this text aims to help you bridge the gap between the theories surrounding financial decision making and what happens in the real business world in an accessible, user-friendly way. Alongside the book, you can visit the Business Finance companion website at www.pearsoned.co.uk/mclaney to access a comprehensive range of student-learning resources, including additional questions, web links for further reading and a glossary of key terms.

This is the book for anyone who wants to know what really lies behind the scandals and disasters of global business that have marred the first few years of the twenty-first century. This book is not about stock market "bubbles." Nor is it about accounting scandals and craven auditors. Rather, it examines why companies fail. The authors postulate that the reasons companies fail are few, and all too common. Detailed studies of eight of the most famous recent failures identify six main causes: poor strategic decisions; over-expansion and ill-judged acquisitions; dominant CEOs; greed, hubris and a desire for power; failure of internal controls, and ineffective boards. The authors also set out what the prudent investor, board member or manager should be alert to but often is not.

The analysis of investment decisions today draws upon a wide range of sources, from economics and finance to engineering economy and operations research. Dr. Beenhakker's book reflects this interdisciplinary approach, and without assuming prior knowledge of these fields or a sophisticated understanding of mathematics, provides professionals and upper-level students with the concepts and tools they need to make englightened investments in new ventures. Arranged to permit rapid review of an entire investment subject and written in a modular manner to allow readers to jump among chapters without losing their bearings, the book will help business managers deal intelligently with corporate financial and economic issues and government contracts. It will also help planners of the public sector incorporate the views of private industry in their own investment decision making. A unique, readable, comprehensive treatment for investment professionals and also for academics and their graduate-level students.

The analysis of investment decisions today draws upon a wide range of sources, from economics and finance to engineering economy and operations research. Dr. Beenhakker's book reflects this interdisciplinary approach, and without assuming prior knowledge of these fields or a sophisticated understanding of mathematics, provides professionals and upper-level students with the concepts and tools they need to make enlightened investments in new ventures. Arranged to permit rapid review of an entire investment subject and written in a modular manner to allow readers to jump among chapters without losing their bearings, the book will help business managers deal intelligently with corporate financial and economic issues and government contracts. It will also help planners of the public sector incorporate the views of private industry in their own investment decision making. A unique, readable, comprehensive treatment for investment professionals and also for academics and their graduate-level students.

Dr. Beenhakker begins with a study of financial statements and ratios, and covers annual reports, balance sheets, income and retained earnings statements, cash flow statements, and financial ratios. In Chapter 2 he looks at the valuation and investment problems when shares are under- or overvalued. He moves then to derivative securities, and in Chapter 4 to a discussion of diversification planning. In Chapter 5 he takes up the cost of capital, with special attention to risk, uncertainty, and certainty, and in Chapter 6 covers that and other topics in the context of project appraisal. Chapter 7 digs into programming and planning and covers topics such as the marginal cost of capital in capital budgeting, the optimal capital budget, capital rationing, and economic development plans. The book ends with a discussion of cost minimization problems, such as leasing and purchasing, replacement investments, expansion investments, decision trees, and the problem of how to ship quantities from supply to demand centers such that the total cost of transport is minimized. Five appendices provide readers with various tables and formulas to assist in their own calculations.

Written in highly readable layman's language, Fundamentals of Venture Capital is a concise introduction to the key issues facing both investors and entrepreneurs as they embark on the journey of turning a good idea into a profitable reality.

Engineering solutions and financial decisions are intimately tied together. The best engineers combine the technical and financial cases in determining new solutions to opportunities, challenges and problems. In order to get a project approved, no matter its size, the financials must be clear and compelling. To have an impact on the companya (TM)s performance, a practising engineer must learn to argue the business case as part of the technical solution.

Finance for Engineers: Evaluation and Funding of Capital Projects provides a framework for engineers and scientists to undertake financial evaluations and assessments of engineering or production projects. The material covered enables the reader to understand how the economics of a technical project affects the finances of the company. The integration of the technical and financial decision-making is demonstrated through case studies and examples relevant to the practising engineer. The book equips engineers and scientists with the tools to contribute positively to the financial and strategic decisions within the organization.

Economic studies which examine the financing patterns of firms, particularly in emerging markets, seldom consider the market environment in which they operate. The most recent Asian financial crisis and its exposure of institutional failures in the context of financial sector liberalization show that these market conditions are vital. The positive relationship between a firm's excess cash flow and investment are well known, but the environment which determines retention of cash as opposed to paying dividends remains unresolved. The results of this survey suggest a framework by which future research in data collection, theoretical analysis, and empirical testing may be undertaken.

Contains the full text of the Budget Message of the President, information on the President's priorities and budget overviews by agency, and summary tables.

If you are starting or selling your own business, or wanting to expand your company, business plans are essential. Get expert guidance on how to make an impact with your business plan and successfully communicate your strategic vision. Whether it is to raise finance, sell a business or develop a specific project, this is your one-stop guide to producing the most professional and convincing business plan for a new venture. This 7th edition now features even more practical exercises, useful templates and top tips to help you write a comprehensive and compelling plan, as well as content on digital developments such as crowdfunding, online retailing and digital marketing. The Creating Success series of books... Unlock vital skills, power up your performance and get ahead with the bestselling Creating Success series. Written by experts for new and aspiring managers and leaders, this million-selling collection of accessible and empowering guides will get you up to speed in no time. Packed with clever thinking, smart advice and the kind of winning techniques that really get results, you'll make fast progress, quickly reach your goals and create lasting success in your career.

Corporate Management in a Knowledge-Based Economy traces the evolution of corporate governance over time, with a particular focus on the changing nature of power. The control of scarce resources used in production materials, labour and capital has evolved considerably over the past centuries, with government, landowners, non-owner managers, and institutional investors acting as controlling powers at different points in time. In order to appropriately protect the various, and changing, stakeholders, the system of corporate governance has also developed over the years a process that continues to the present. In today's knowledge-based economy, with the rising importance of intangible assets, a new corporate management paradigm is needed. This book incorporates theoretical work as well as practical applications to analyse these developments and explore emerging trends of the 21st century. It examines how the pursuit of profit maximization has resulted in governance failures and it focuses on the prospective role of business ethics (once again in the spotlight following the credit crisis) in helping reform flawed governance structures. It argues that, in the long term, a system based on ethics can maximize social responsibility, customer satisfaction, human capital development and economic targets.

In today's rapidly changing and increasingly complex business world, successful risk management is the key to survival and success. Business leaders are increasingly facing different kinds of risk, from those traditionally associated with the market- project risks, competitive risks, and currency risks, to a set of new, more hazardous threats. Businesses in the Twenty-First century face a range of global risks. These are having an increasingly large impact on the activities of individual firms. While ten or fifteen years ago, risks flowing from civil unrest, climate change, terrorism or pandemics had a very limited effect on business, this is no longer the case. Risks beyond the control of the firm affect businesses more than ever before. Risk is the business of business, and the fundamental job of executives is to anticipate change and manage it on the basis of an opinion about the future. Those who don't take and manage risks properly lose ground and are eventually driven out.

This book offers a comprehensive, easy to understand guide for startup entities and developing companies, providing insight on the various sources of funding that are available, how these funding sources are useful at each stage of a company's development, and offers a comprehensive intellectual property strategy that parallels each stage of development. The IP strategies offered in this book take into consideration the goals that most startups and companies have at each stage of development, as well as the limitations that exist at each stage (i.e., limited available resources earmarked for intellectual property asset development), and provides solutions that startups and companies can implement to maximize their return on intellectual property investments. This book also includes a number of descriptive examples, case studies and scenarios to illustrate the topics discussed, and is intended for use by startups and companies across all industries. Readers will garner an appreciation for the value that intellectual property rights provide to a startup entity or company and will gain an understanding of the types of intellectual property rights that are available to companies and how to procure, utilize and monetize those intellectual property rights to help their company grow.

The ideal bank or treasury department has a maximum return from effective balance sheet planning through the management of assets and liabilities. Due to the scale of treasury operations and stricter internal and external controls, this management has become increasingly complex. This comprehensive text will therefore serve to guide the financial aspects of asset/liability management such as requirement for capital adequacy through to discussion of duration and gap management. The text is aimed at those involved in plotting long term strategy for major institutions and will provide an invaluable reference source for Chairman, Chief Executives and those involved in portfolio management and the implementation of management information systems. Contributions are from major institutions involved in ALCO work and include; Price Waterhouse, Abbey National, Bank of England, Chase Manhattan, First Chicago and Smith New Court.

Cost-benefit analysis - the formal estimating and weighing of the costs and benefits of policy alternatives - is a standard tool for governments in advanced economies. Through decades of research and innovation, institutions have developed in the United States, European Union, and other developed countries that examine and weigh policy alternatives as an aid to governmental decisionmaking. Lawmakers in the advanced economies have used cost-benefit analysis to evaluate core environmental and public health questions, such as urban air pollution control, water quality, and occupational safety. Yet despite its broad adoption in the industrialized world, most developing and emerging countries have not yet incorporated cost-benefit analysis into their policymaking process. Because these countries face significant limitations on financial resources and have less ability to shoulder inefficient rules, it is extremely important for their officials to determine which policies maximize net benefits for their societies. Cost-Benefit Analysis, Environmental Policy, and Emerging Economies examines how cost-benefit analysis can help developing and emerging countries confront the next generation of environmental and public-health challenges. Analysis in the book examines the growing reach of cost-benefit analysis; presents relevant case studies where cost-benefit analysis has been incorporated in the Americas, Africa, Middle East, and Asia; and includes a discussion on the conceptual and institutional issues that must be addressed when adopting cost-benefit analysis in developing and emerging countries. In part because governments in developing and emerging countries have not extensively used cost-benefit analysis, there has been only limited research and discussion of the practice and its potential. Most work that has been done is on the domestic or regional level, and has not been widely shared or distributed within the international academic or policy community. By providing both theoretical and practical discussion of this important new tool, this book makes a valuable contribution to the fields of environmental policy, development studies, and environmental law.

Learn to understand the language of finance so you can confidently make the correct financial decisions within your business.

It is essential for managers to understand financial information such as departmental budgets, forecasts, strategy plans and targets, this book will show readers how to transform seemingly complex financial information and statistics into data that makes sense.

Readers will learn the language of finance, helping them identify the warning signals and understand key performance indications and ratios. They will learn how to make better financial decisions, identify ways to increase profits and increase their confidence in approaching capital projects and making sound business decisions.

The FT Guide to Finance for Non-Financial Managers will help readers:

• Understand finance and financial reports
• Communicate more coherently and comprehensively with financially astute third parties such as shareholders and investors
• Be better positioned to understand the health of their business or business unit
• Take a more proactive role in helping the business achieve its goals
• Have a better understanding of finance which will allow them to enhance their own careers
• Have a more comprehensive understanding of accountancy and appreciate that data has strengths and weaknesses.

This book seeks to offer a fresh perspective on viewing decision making in a modelling form. This modelling perspective is designated a throughput model since it examines an intermediary stage as well as captures parallel processing (as opposed to serial processing). The throughput model depicts the four most important highly significant concepts that portray individuals' decision making processes. Namely, information and the cognitive processes of perception, judgement and decision choice. The philosophical influences such as Kant's, Descartes' and Locke's are discussed in that they help to motivate the understanding of the throughput model. Further, the model not only offers philosophical, psychological and economic foundations, but also forms the basis for accounting and financial information processing. This book is geared to students of accounting, finance, organizational behavior and psychology. Also, certain sections of this text are directed to business people which can assist them in structuring their decision making process.

Comprehensive and edited by leading names, this book takes a critical and discursive approach to the various forms and contexts of fundraising. Fundraising is a maturing profession, but one that is becoming increasingly controversial. Media reports of poor practice have contributed to concerns about the integrity of fundraisers and the uses which have been made of the resources they raise. As a result, a consensus now exists among senior figures in the industry about the changes that are required. Technique is no longer enough. Many more of the next generation of practitioners must be capable of considered reflection, organizational and inter-organizational strategic thinking and value-based leadership. Exploring new developments taking place in the area of fundraising, the specially commissioned articles, by experts in the field move the thinking in the profession beyond its familiar formulae and assumptions, opening up critical debate about the nature, contribution and limitations of fundraising. This volume is essential reading for anyone who aspires to work at senior levels in fundraising or is currently engaged in studying this challenging area.

Expected utility provides simple, testable properties of the optimum behavior that should be displayed by risk-averse individuals in risky decisions. Simultaneously, given the existence of paradoxes under the expected utility paradigm, expected utility can only be regarded as an approximation of actual behavior. A more realistic model is needed. This is particularly true when treating attitudes toward small probability events: the standard situation for insurable risks. Non-Expected Utility and Risk Management examines whether the existing results in insurance economics are robust to more general models of behavior under risk.

Local governments are hard-pressed to balance their budgets in the 1990s. Part of any budget-balancing effort is accurate forecasting. In this new work, Howard Frank introduces time-tested forecasting techniques from the private sector and military in a local forecasting environment. In a lucid, user-friendly treatment, Frank shows how simple and complex methods can be put to use in the contemporary local government setting. Through examples--many of them from his own research--the author delineates the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative and non-quantitative forecasting methods. Frank also shows how these techniques can be used to monitor changes in public programs--an increasingly important part of contemporary budget execution.

Frank does not assume an extensive mathematical or statistical background on the part of the reader--indeed, a forecast neophyte will have no difficulty understanding the text. Questions at the end of each chapter focus the reader on the major concepts and provide insights on practical applications within the urban setting. A cornerstone of the work is that local forecasters must be intelligent experimenters with the new tools--there is no canned advice that applies to all cities and forecast situations. But with application of forecasting approaches treated in this unique work, local budgeters--and those in training to become budgeters--will be able to adopt forecasting approaches that have been underutilized in local government.

In the knowledge economy, the value of corporations is directly related to their knowledge and intellectual capital. But broaden the perspective a little wider and you begin to see the possibilities: Think of cities, regions, even entire nations, in addition to the public sector. If intangibles and intellectual capital are important to the private sector, they are also important to the productivity and competitiveness of the public sector, and so to communities and nations as a whole. In this book, Editors Ahmed Bounfour and Leif Edivinsson have brought together the best minds in intellectual capital throughout the world to focus on a new and fertile area of research: measuring and managing the intellectual capital of communities. This is a creative and cutting-edge area of research that has the potential to change how public sector planning and development is done. Once there is a clear way to identify where wealth is created in a given region/nation, this process has the potential to reveal a huge knowledge repository in the public sector with a significant but idle potential for collective wealth creation the wealth of nations in waiting.

As stakeholder relationships and business in general have become increasingly central to the unfolding of stakeholder thinking, important new topics have begun to take centre stage in both the worlds of practitioners and academics. The role of project management becomes immeasurably more challenging, when stakeholders are no longer seen as simple objects of managerial action but rather as subjects with their own objectives and purposes. This book will aim to explain some of the complexities of project management and managerial relationships with stakeholders by discussing the practice of stakeholder engagement, dialog, measurement and management and the consequences of this practice for reporting and productivity, and performance within project management.

The world of finance can be a minefield for the unwary. Without training, very few managers are prepared for the challenges of dealing with management reports, budgets and capital proposals, and find themselves embarrassed by their lack of understanding.

This classic book, now in its third edition, supplies a step-by-step guide to the whole territory: 'how to assemble a budget', 'how to read variances on a report', 'how to construct a proposal to invest in new equipment'.

By examining the actual things that managers have to do, each chapter explores the range of principles that can be applied, illustrates practical techniques and provides general guidance.

The book will help the reader understand financial jargon, financial statements, management accounts, performance measures, budgeting, costing, pricing, decision-making and investment appraisal. New material brings this edition up to date with chapters on crowdfunding and the influence of global uncertainty on the best-laid financial plans.