The UN has suffered from its earliest days as a result of persistent financial problems, which left it on the edge of apparent bankruptcy. This book looks at the history of the regular and peace keeping budgets. It focuses on the role of the US, simultaneously the UN's biggest contributor of funds and its largest debtor. It examines possible solutions against the background today of the UN attempting to reform itself to meet the challenges posed by globalization and an increasing number of civil wars.

In today's hypercompetitive global marketplace, accurate cost estimating is crucial to bottom-line results. Nowhere is this more evident than in the design and development of new products and services. Among managing engineers responsible for developing realistic cost estimates for new product designs, the number-one source of information and guidance has been the Cost Estimator's Reference Manual.

Comprehensive, authoritative, and practical, the Manual instructs readers in the full range of cost estimating techniques and procedures currently used in the fields of development, testing, manufacturing, production, construction, software, general services, government contracting, engineering services, scientific projects, and proposal preparation. The authors clearly explain how to go about gathering the data essential to preparing a realistic estimate of costs and guide the reader step by step through each procedure.

This new Second Edition incorporates a decade of progress in the methods, procedures, and strategies of cost estimating. All the material has been updated and five new chapters have been added to reflect the most recent information on such increasingly important topics as activity-based costing, software estimating, design-to-cost techniques, and cost implications of new concurrent engineering and systems engineering approaches to projects.

Indispensable to virtually anyone whose work requires accurate cost estimates, the Cost Estimator's Reference Manual will be especially valuable to engineers, estimators, accountants, and contractors of products, projects, processes, and services to both government and industry.

The essential ready-reference for the techniques, methods, and procedures of cost estimating

COST ESTIMATOR'S REFERENCE MANUAL Second Edition

Indispensable for anyone who depends on accurate cost estimates for engineering projects, the Cost Estimator's Reference Manual guides the user through both the basic and more sophisticated aspects of the estimating process. Authoritative and comprehensive, the Manual seamlessly integrates the many functions—accounting, financial, statistical, and management—of modern cost estimating practice. Its broad coverage includes estimating procedures applied to such areas as:

• Production
• Software
• Development
• General services
• Testing
• Government contracting
• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Proposal preparation
• Scientific projects
• Construction

This updated and expanded Second Edition incorporates all the most important recent developments in cost estimating, such as activity-based costing, software estimating, design-to-cost techniques, computer-aided estimating tools, concurrent engineering, and life cycle costing.

For engineers, estimators, accountants, planners, and others who are involved in the cost aspects of projects, the Cost Estimator's Reference Manual is an invaluable information source that will pay for itself many times over.

The integration of technology into entrepreneurial initiatives has led to the use of online communities to raise funds for projects and ventures. Through the use of social media platforms and the social web, crowdfunding has provided an innovative, large-scale fundraising solution for both personal and professional initiatives. Strategic Approaches to Successful Crowdfunding brings together a collection of research-based chapters relating to the use of the social web to raise funds and provide financial support for start-up companies, individual pursuits, and philanthropic endeavors. Focusing on a diverse set of topics relating to e-commerce, capital investment, peer-to-peer lending, digital philanthropy, and virtual communities, this timely publication is an essential reference source for academicians, researchers, professionals, and graduate students interested in understanding the dynamics, best practices, and managerial solutions for drawing funds and financial support from online communities.

This book introduces to basic and advanced methods for credit risk management. It covers classical debt instruments and modern financial markets products. The author describes not only standard rating and scoring methods like Classification Trees or Logistic Regression, but also less known models that are subject of ongoing research, like e.g. Support Vector Machines, Neural Networks, or Fuzzy Inference Systems. The book also illustrates financial and commodity markets and analyzes the principles of advanced credit risk modeling techniques and credit derivatives pricing methods. Particular attention is given to the challenges of counterparty risk management, Credit Valuation Adjustment (CVA) and the related regulatory Basel III requirements. As a conclusion, the book provides the reader with all the essential aspects of classical and modern credit risk management and modeling.

An essential guide to valuation techniques and financial analysis

With the collapse of the economy and financial systems, many institutions are reevaluating what they are willing to spend money on. Project valuation is key to both cost effectiveness measures and shareholder value.

The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive examination of critical capital budgeting topics. Coverage extends from discussing basic concepts, principles, and techniques to their application to increasingly complex, real-world situations. Throughout, the book emphasizes how financially sound capital budgeting facilitates the process of value creation and discusses why various theories make sense and how firms can use them to solve problems and create wealth.Offers a strategic focus on the application of various techniques and approaches related to a firm's overall strategyProvides coverage of international topics based on the premise that managers should view business from a global perspectiveEmphasizes the importance of using real options

Comprised of contributed chapters from both experienced professionals and academics, "Capital Budgeting Valuation" offers a variety of perspectives and a rich interplay of ideas related to this important financial discipline.

This book presents recent research using cognitive science to apprehend risk situations and elaborate new organizations, new systems and new methodological tools in response. The book demonstrates the reasons, advantages and implications of the association of the concepts of cognition and risk. It is shown that this association has strong consequences on how to apprehend critical situations that emerge within various activity domains, and how to elaborate responses to these critical situations.. The following topics are covered by the book: * Influence of the culture in risk management, * Influence of the risk communication in risk management, * User-centred design to improve risk situation management, * Designing new tools to assist risk situation management, * Risk prevention in industrial activities.

This textbook offers an approachable guide to all key concepts within corporate finance. Emphasizing the use of common sense rather than number-crunching models, it provides a compact, easy to read experience for any reader, practitioners and students alike, whatever their background. A Practical Guide to Corporate Finance begins with the basics of how to read financial statements and how to estimate future cash flows. It also includes a guide to subjects such as capital budgeting decisions, the cost of financing for businesses, cash and working capital management, the process of business valuation, and how stock markets work. This textbook breaks the financial ice by offering real, practical advice, helping the reader to avoid common pitfalls, and translate the 'financialese', or business jargon that can cause confusion for those without a financial or banking background. Every chapter features real-life applications, and is punctuated with mini case studies in the form of a 'Slice of Life' and numerous dialogues that help shape the comprehension of the reader.

Planned Giving Simplified

A down-to-earth introduction to planned giving by a leading pioneer in the field.

In this groundbreaking book, charitable gift planning expert Robert F. Sharpe, Sr., demystifies the complex world of planned giving for not-for-profit managers. He provides a detailed blueprint for starting and building a successful planned giving program, and develops a rational framework for managing the subtle interplay of legal, administrative, and interpersonal factors involved in the planned giving process.

Central to Sharpe's proven approach is his controversial definition of the effective charitable gift planner as being not so much a fund raiser as an expert at helping potential benefactors satisfy a deeply felt emotional need. Rather than soliciting or closing on planned gifts, the planner's primary focus should be on forming relationships with donors and providing them with the means and opportunity to fulfill their desire to do good.

Using compelling case studies, Sharpe demonstrates his approach in action. He identifies the various types of planned gifts and takes you inside the hearts and minds of the planned givers themselves, revealing their primary motivations and overarching concerns. He then guides you, step-by-step, through the entire planned giving process, and concludes with a clear delineation of the organizational structures required to sustain a planned giving program.

Praise for Planned Giving Simplified

"This book is a must for all who are serious about establishing or maintaining a successful gift planning program for their institution." —Nancy L. Perazelli, CFRE Gift Planning Officer, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa.

"In his own inimitable style, Bob Sharpe has done an admirable job of describing the planned giving process in an easy-to-understand manner. Woven throughout is the emphasis on the important human relationship between the donor and the charitable gift planner." —Walter T. Weaver, III Director, Finance Support Division, Boy Scouts of America.

"Robert F. Sharpe, Sr., has provided a comprehensive road map of the world of planned giving. He guides [readers] to the desired destination without unnecessary detours along the way. His book will be a valuable addition to the libraries of not only not-for-profit professionals, but also 'givers' who seek a better understanding of the many routes available to them in their gift planning." —Joseph H. Powell President Emeritus and Senior Consultant, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation.

"The name Bob Sharpe is synonymous with planned giving. I don't know of anybody who knows more about it and who can better convey its importance." —Reverend Dr. Arthur Caliandro Pastor, Marble Collegiate Church, New York City.

"I really like [this book]. It is . . . elegantly simple, direct, and forthright. . . . very enjoyable." —Thomas W. Cullinan, JD Executive Director of Gift Planning, University of Maryland.

This book presents a series of contributions on key issues in the decision-making behind the management of financial assets. It provides insight into topics such as quantitative and traditional portfolio construction, performance clustering and incentives in the UK pension fund industry, pension fund governance, indexation, and tracking errors. Markets covered include major European markets, equities, and emerging markets of South-East and Central Asia.

Fully updated and compliant with Excel 2013, this clearly explains the basic calculations for mathematical finance, backed up with simple templates for further use and development, and a workbook with exercises and solutions at the end of each chapter. The examples used are relevant to both managers and students in the UK and overseas. New to this edition Updated glossary of key terms Functions list in English and Euro languages Continuity check on all formats, layouts and charts More worked examples Additional exercises at the end of each chapter to help build models Templates and models available online

Company financial reports are a key resource for investors, helping them uncover priceless information about a company's profitability, or lack thereof, from the figures as well as through other non-monetary indicators. Details of lawsuits, changes in accounting methods, liquidations, and mergers and acquisitions can all be ways of detecting red flags if you know where to look. However the jargon and financial footnotes in financial reports can be difficult to decipher, and this For Dummies guide on the subject will help readers to understand company reports and make sensible investment choices based on publicly held information. Taking you step-by-step through the finer points of financial reports, this straightforward guide will help you get to grips with the most accurate way to wade through the numbers, judge a company's performance, and make profitable investment decisions. This UK Adaptation focuses on the UK financial market, with the FTSE index as the focus of the book.

Shavit's book is an implementation analysis of the impact of federal aid on the organization and administration of state library agencies. He examines five state libraries in detail, supplemented by data from eight other states that have reported using federal funds for their libraries. Through the use of qualitative evaluation methods and unstructured interviews with the people involved, Shavit attempts to answer many of the questions surrounding his topic including implementation, the stimulus for institutional change, the extent of accomplishment with regard to legislatively mandated activities, how the agencies have been strengthened and improved, and the realistic expectations of the response to federal aid. Finally, he proposes recommendations for future policy regarding federal aid to public libraries and the role of state library agencies in relation to such aid.

Ernesto Caravantes was among the multitudes of people who were affected by the Recession of 2008, the financial impact of which continues to be felt to this day. Rather than focus on how people can return to their former consumerist lifestyle, he decided to explore how people can trade one paradigm of conspicuous consumption for another of frugality and simplicity. The author uses a reader-friendly approach to exploring these issues, and combines both personal narrative and practical advice to make his point. With over one hundred easy-to-do fun ideas and entertaining activities that are free or very low in cost, the reader is shown the possibility of a life beyond spending. Caravantes explains that now is the time to embrace a simpler manner of living, one free of the constant need to spend and acquire. He also says that the human spirit can be nurtured by such a change. He emphasizes that it is our connection to others, to ourselves, and to the larger forces in the universe which ultimately matter the most

Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure - Principles of Policy and Finance, Second Edition explains how public private partnerships are prepared, procured, financed, and managed from both the public- and private-sector perspectives. As the use of public private partnerships continues to develop world-wide, both in the area of public policy and private financing and contracting, the Second Edition of this leading textbook: Captures and explains the latest approaches, providing a comprehensive all-round guide for those on both the public- and private-sector sides of the table Emphasises a step-by-step approach within a comprehensive, cross-referenced format Includes clear explanations of PPP evaluation, structuring and financing concepts for the benefit of those new to the topic: no prior knowledge is assumed or required Provides detailed reference points for more experienced practitioners Draws from the authors' experience and practice in PPP markets worldwide to provide a perspective on practical application of the key underlying principles Includes an extensive glossary of technical and financial terms used in the PPP sector

This Handbook charts the development of venture capital research in light of the global financial crisis, starting with an analysis of the current venture capital market and the changing nature of the business angel market. Looking at governance structures, the performance of venture capitalists in terms of investments, economic impact and human capital, and the geographical organization of business angels and venture capital global 'hotspots', this book also analyzes the current state of venture capital research and offers a roadmap for the future. Contributors: A. Avdeitchikova, G. Avnimelech, D. Cumming, D. De Clercq, D. Dimov, S. Harel, S.A. Johan, H. Landstrom, D. Lingelbach, H. Lu, C. Mason, A. Parhankangas, J. Sohl, R. Sorheim, Y. Tan

Buying this book could be the smartest investment you make this season. If that sounds like a bold claim, just take a look at the list of contributors. In it you'll find the names of twenty-nine of the world's foremost experts in asset allocation. Over the course of twenty chapters, these accomplished institutional investors, academics, analysts, and traders school you in all of the hottest new portfolio management techniques now in use around the globe.
Not another abstruse discourse on the theoretical pros and cons of asset allocation, Global Asset Allocation is a working, nuts-and-bolts guide for institutional investors. It outfits you with a set of versatile new tools and techniques designed to solve real-world problems and guide your portfolio management decision-making.
While broad theoretical considerations are given their due, the lion's share of this book's coverage is commanded by cutting-edge technical issues such as mean variance optimization, allocating between styles of equity management, optimal fixed income portfolios, asset/liability forecasting, the critical time horizon, target asset allocation, and chaos theory.
In addition to all of the traditional classes of asset allocations, Global Asset Allocation explores a number of new and emerging investment horizons. Foremost among these is "the ultimate investment frontier," international markets, to which a sizeable portion of the book (all of Part Two) is devoted. You'll find in-depth discussions of the qualitative and quantitative aspects of global asset allocation, in which various experts describe the latest global asset allocation models, optimization methods, forecasting techniques, global bond and currency management strategies, risk and return analysis in country-to-country allocation strategies, active and passive management portfolio strategies, and much more.
Offering world-class strategies for managing global portfolios, Global Asset Allocation is an essential resource for corporate finance professionals, pension plan sponsors, analysts, and portfolio managers looking to expand their repertoire of financial management skills.
From asset liability forecasting and target asset allocation, to critical time horizon and implementing overlay strategies, this groundbreaking new guide educates institutional investors in state-of-the-art portfolio management strategies guaranteed to minimize risk while maximizing returns. Bringing you the combined insights and expertise of twenty-nine prominent investment experts from around the world, Global Asset Allocation is a working handbook, designed to guide your portfolio management decision-making and help you to solve real-world problems.
* The latest asset allocation models, optimization methods, and forecasting techniques, including passive and active portfolio strategies
* Includes six major chapters on global asset allocation, including currency management and emerging market investing

Traders, portfolio managers...investment professionals of every ilk: read this book, and use the versatile new strategies, tools, and techniques it describes to give your investment skills a razor-sharp, winning edge.

This lecture notes provides an overview of budgeting and financial management in the public and non-profit sectors. Fundamental concepts and practices of budgeting, financial management and public finance are introduced, with special emphasis on state and local government budgeting and financial management in the United States. The objectives of courses in Public Budgeting and this title are to teach the basic concepts and nomenclature of public finance, to develop an understanding of budget processes as well as the sources and uses of public revenues, and to make relatively simple, but useful computations in an intelligent way. Key course learning outcomes include the abilities to: There are no indispensable pre-requisites by the reader, and it has been designed for students from a wide variety of backgrounds and undergraduate majors. Although this works well as an introductory text to a broader public administration curriculum, it also can make sense for students to take after some more basic courses in economics, policy analysis, and public organizations. Issues of tax incidence and the effect of taxes on economic efficiency can be covered in greater depth.

This authoritative volume charts the origins, development, and current frontiers of financial risk management. It emphasizes the role for risk management created by real-world market imperfections, and progresses to consider stochastic financial modeling, the failure of 'normality', and time-varying volatility. Professor Diebold has selected seminal papers by leading academics which cover multiple markets (equities, bonds, etc.), univariate and multivariate perspectives, connectedness and systemic risks, and stress testing. The collection, along with an original introduction by the editor, will be of interest to academics, market participants, and policy-makers, particularly as we chart a new course following the financial crisis of 2007-2008.

The recent global recession, preceded by easy access to credit, led to a household debt epidemic. This book examines the causes, consequences and potential public policies related to debt from a social policy perspective, in which over-indebtedness is understood as a social risk. Heikki Hiilamo presents a unique conceptual and theoretical approach to the topic ?- one of the most pressing social issues of the modern Western world. The trajectories of increasing household debt are studied in the contexts of the US and the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Norway. Household Debt and Economic Crises examines remedies to prevent and alleviate the over-indebtedness epidemic, creating a conceptual framework with which to analyse the causes and consequences of debt. Hiilamo argues that social policies are needed to tackle the current borrowing crisis that endangers and prevents the full participation in society of individuals with excessive debts. Academics and students of social policy, economics and social-epidemiology will find this an indispensable and thought-provoking read. With analysis of countries across Europe and the US, policymakers, public officials and NGOs working with household debt problems will find this a timely addition to the literature for highlighting future paths in research and policy.

This introductory text covers the basics of accounting and financial management and demonstrates the application of these principles to pharmacy practice. Coverage includes: the guiding principles of accounting; financial statements, from detailed transactions to summary reports; basics of finance and financial analysis; budgeting and inventory management; pricing goods and services; personal financial management. Case studies, based on realistic examples are used to show how accounting and financial management principles apply to all areas of pharmacy practice. Financial Analysis in Pharmacy Practice is an invaluable resource for graduate students in pharmacy administration and professional pharmacy students, as well as pharmacists in the public and private sectors who wish to be well informed when making financial decisions.

The increasing pressure on the bottom line of healthcare provider organizations requires leaders who understand and can adeptly apply the basic principles of effective financial and operations management. To be successful in today's environment leaders must simultaneously improve quality and service while reducing expense. Improving Financial and Operations Performance: A Healthcare Leader's Guide is a collection of proven effective tips, tools, and techniques accumulated from real-world challenges and lessons learned logically organized to provide a straightforward approach to planning, assessing, managing, and monitoring a business enterprise to improve profitability.This book provides a clear, step-by-step "how to" approach for both new and experienced leaders seeking a leg up in tackling the myriad of common and complex challenges they are facing including conducting a budget variance analysis, managing labor and non-labor productivity and expense, performing a comprehensive financial condition analysis, growing profitable volume and market share, developing an effective business case for improving quality, and evaluating the financial impact of a future project. Written for clinical and administrative leaders working in the trenches, it provides practical and applicable tools with relevant, real-world, and replicable case study examples. The essential value of Improving Financial and Operations Performance: A Healthcare Leader's Guide is improving decision-making effectiveness, enhancing operations efficiency know-how, and developing strong financial management acumen to overcome the challenges in today's healthcare environment. Key Features: Author experience with extensive expertise as a former investor-owned hospital CEO, integrated health system vice president, managing director for the renowned turnaround experts, the Hunter Group, and graduate business school professor in management, finance, and economics. Realistic case examples to apply the key lessons through detailed practical and relevant case studies using clear step-by-step instructions. Calls-to-action at the end of each chapter with critical leadership imperatives to help prioritize and focus efforts on what matters most. Comprehensive glossary of key terms and concepts using plain easy to understand language. Appendices and Excel templates containing easy-to-use plug-and-play financial worksheets, checklists, best practice pathways, and performance assessments. eBook access purchase includes digital access for use on most mobile devices or computers.

In this practical and engaging guide, top fundraising consultant Mal Warwick introduces an entirely new and revolutionary approach to fundraising strategy and planning. He shows nonprofit organizations how to set fundraising goals based on mission and how to select, implement, and stay with the right strategies to meet those goals. His five fundamental fundraising strategies are Growth, Involvement, Visibility, Efficiency, and Stability (GIVES), all of which link directly to specific and appropriate fundraising goals. The decision as to which strategy to use springs from the organization's mission, and all fundraising activities are focused on fulfilling that mission.

Through real-world examples, Warwick shows readers how to choose a primary strategy that will drive both long-term fundraising planning and day-to-day fundraising activities. He then takes them step by step through the process of integrating the strategy into current operations, evaluating its progress, and sticking to the chosen strategy while facing the inevitable changes, obstacles, and setbacks that nonprofits encounter every day. He also provides self-tests to help readers determine which strategy and tactics will be most effective for their organizations. The Five Strategies for Fundraising Success ensures that organizations make informed, productive decisions about their futures.

Since Autumn 2012 and under strict regulatory obligations, the biggest corporations in the UK have been offering a pension to any employee who earns more than GBP10,000. Now the challenge falls on smaller employers. This compulsory measure has far-reaching consequences for all players: not only have many new pension customers been brought into the market, but companies face strict deadlines and major fines if they do not comply. The Handbook of Work-based Pension Schemes takes a practical approach to the many issues and crucial decisions facing employers. Choose the right course of action and pensions can become a powerful element within a competitive package of benefits for attracting and keeping the right people, as well as opening up the potential for freeing up capital to invest back into the business. However make a mistake and the consequences can be far-reaching and expensive. Published in association with the Institute of Directors, this book will bring readers up to speed with how pensions are changing, then focus on the ways they will be able to design and manage better schemes at lower costs and at lower risk.