Population ageing and slower economic growth have raised serious questions about the willingness and ability of governments to maintain current social policies. Within this new reality, discussions on the future of public pensions have been predominant in political debates across Europe. This book explains why certain countries have been able to radically transform their pension system while others have simply altered parameters. To answer this question an extensive comparative analysis, including more than 60 interviews, was conducted in Belgium, France, Sweden and the UK. This empirical data provides an interesting contrast between reforms. Parametric reforms have stemmed from the creation of pension administrations outside the traditional state apparatus in France and Belgium and the resulting inclusion of social partners; while the state administrations of Sweden and the UK where debates have been internalised have led to programmatic reforms. Two controversial findings of this book include an explanation for the lack of influence on the part of the labour movement in the 1994/98 Swedish reform and a rejection of arguments claiming that policy change will be minimal with coalition governments. Finally the conclusion seeks to extend the applicability of the model to other industrialized countries. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of public policy, specifically social policy, political economy, the welfare state and comparative politics.

"FLIP," the third book in the National Bestselling Millionaire Real Estate Series (More than 500,000 copies sold )

"FLIP" provides a detailed, step-by-step process to analyze each investment, identify the best improvements, accurately estimate the costs and intelligently oversee the construction. It takes out all the guess work and almost all of the risk.

Here's what industry experts are saying about "FLIP"

"Read this book before you flip that house "FLIP" is an indispensable step-by-step guide to flipping houses that you will refer to again and again." -Carlos Ortiz, Executive Producer, "FLIP That House" (TLC's most popular real estate TV show)

"At HomeVestors, we're in the business of buying and selling homes for profit and I can attest that there are few, if any, who can rival Rick's and Clay's expertise when it comes to fixing up houses for profit. This book is a must-read for any investor." -Dr. John Hayes, President and CEO of HomeVestors of America (the largest homebuyer in America)

""FLIP" is a must-read book for everyone in the real estate business. Every agent should have this book. They should read it and master its contents. Why? Because it is the best guide ever written on how to evaluate real estate and how to add value to a house." -Gary Keller, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Keller Williams Realty International and author of bestselling "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" and "The Millionaire Real Estate Investor"

"For anyone looking to build wealth in real estate, "FLIP" provides a step-by-step approach that really works in any market." -Loral Langemeier, bestselling author of "The Millionaire Maker"

"FLIP" extends the national bestselling Millionaire Real Estate series with a step-by-step guide that is quickly becoming "the model" for successfully finding, fixing and selling investment properties for profit.

Based on their involvement in over a 1,000 flips, Rick Villani and Clay Davis walk you through the proven five-stage model for successfully flipping a house: FIND: How to select ideal neighborhoods, attract sellers, and find houses with investment potential ANALYZE: Identify which improvements to make and analyze the profit potential of any house BUY: How to arrange financing, present the offer, and close on the purchase FIX: A 50-step, easy-to-follow plan for fixing up houses that keeps you on time, in budget and assures top quality SELL: How to add finishing touches to quickly sell for maximum profit

Woven through the book is an entertaining narrative that follows the flipping adventures of Samantha, Ed, Bill, Nancy, Amy and Mitch as they find, buy, fix and sell their first investment houses. With all this plus the experience of over a thousand flips condensed into one book, "FLIP" gives new investors the tools they need to avoid common pitfalls, make a profit, and enjoy the process of house flipping.

Rick Villani and Clay Davis are senior executives at HomeFixers, North America's leading real estate rehab franchise. HomeFixers has been involved in more than 1,000 flips nationwide.

This insightful book brings together both academics and researchers from a variety of international organizations and aid agencies to explore the complexities of public private partnerships (PPPs) as a resurgent, hybrid mode of educational governance that operates across scales, from the community to the global. The contributors expertly study the different types of partnership arrangements and thoroughly critique the value of PPPs. Some chapters explore how PPPs, as a policy idea, have been constructed in transnational agendas for educational development and circulated globally, while other chapters explore the role and implications of PPPs in developing countries, providing arguments for and against an expanding reliance on PPPs in national educational systems. The theoretical framing of the book draws upon leading theories of international relations to develop a unique perspective on the global governance of education. It will prove insightful for both scholars and policy makers in public policy and education. Contributors: F. Barrera-Osorio, Z. Bhanji, A. Draxler, S. Fennell, M. Ginsburg, J. Guaqueta, J. Harma, A.V. Jaimovich, A.A. Marphatia, F. Menashy, K. Mundy, S.-A. Oh, H.A. Patrinos, S.L. Robertson, M. Ron-Balsera, P. Rose, P. Srivastava, J. van Fleet, A. Verger

Using institutional theory to explain innovation and merging academic and critical analysis with practical recommendations, this book provides a full and rich account of how new products are brought to market; considering both the successes and failures in equal measure.

The book takes the meeting point of two seemingly incongruous schools of theoretical thought to enlighten the debate surrounding product innovation. In doing so it:

• illustrates how institutional forces come to shape the interest, priorities and behaviour of organizational members in the development and implementation process of incremental product innovation
• investigates the failed innovative attempts of established organizations
• demonstrates the importance of organizational and intra-organizational forces for innovative success.

The insight it offers into the organization of product innovation processes in the financial services sector and the guidelines it sets up for their improvement makes Innovation and Institutions essential reading for those working in or studying the banking, finance and insurance sector who have an interest in innovation studies.

Your Essential Guide to Quantitative Hedge Fund Investing provides a conceptual framework for understanding effective hedge fund investment strategies. The book offers a mathematically rigorous exploration of different topics, framed in an easy to digest set of examples and analogies, including stories from some legendary hedge fund investors. Readers will be guided from the historical to the cutting edge, while building a framework of understanding that encompasses it all. Features Filled with novel examples and analogies from within and beyond the world of finance Suitable for practitioners and graduate-level students with a passion for understanding the complexities that lie behind the raw mechanics of quantitative hedge fund investment A unique insight from an author with experience of both the practical and academic spheres.

Forestland investment has surged in the past few decades as a result of land ownership change in the forestry industry. Timberland investment and management organizations and real estate investment trusts have bought up land and resources that were divested by vertically integrated forest products companies. This book provides a seminal coverage of this seismic shift in the industry, exploring the philosophy, driving factors, valuation, theory, research, implementation, practice, and effects of forestland investment. Across 15 chapters the book reviews the history of forestland investment; discusses the optimal forest rotation; explains timberland appraisal; examines the return drivers of forestland; analyzes timberland index construction methods and results; prices timberland assets; reviews financial and real options; investigates real option values in forestland management; evaluates timber harvest contracts; examines new opportunities in the emerging woody bioenergy market; and eventually offers prospects on forestland investment in the future. It also discusses how forest carbon can be used as a nature-based climate solution. This book is essential reading for forestry business students and scholars, as well as practitioners and policymakers in the industry.

When it comes to investing, the most important message for women is to start. Inspirational Investing is an empowering read that enables you to reflect on your own finances and plan ahead for those moments that matter. Many women doubt their own investing ability, but this book shows you why it is critical to plan for a better future, with inspiration from leading industry experts. Learn from some of the most successful women in finance as they share practical advice, combined with real-life journeys from people who have achieved investment success. Packed with insight and inspiration, this book features the true stories of women who have invested their way to financial freedom. In this edition, learn why and how to plan for a better future using pensions, investment trusts, cryptocurrency, ESG investing, alternative investments and much more. Amanda Taylor interviews leading women from the world of investment and asks: What is the impact of rising living costs? When is the best time for women to start investing? How can your health affect your money? How can you make sure your money is being invested in alignment with your values? What psychological biases affect how well you invest? Inspirational Investing is supported by a number of organisations including Allianz Global Investors, Baillie Gifford and Master Investor. Foreword by Rosie Carr, Editor, Investors' Chronicle.

An all-time bestseller, Dolf de Roos's classic "Real Estate Riches" shows you how to find great deals and make great profits in the real estate market. You?ll learn why real estate is such a reliable moneymaker and how to achieve the biggest return possible on your investment. Full of time-honored wisdom, proven tactics, and quick-and-easy tips, this book shows you how to find the best properties with the most potential, analyze deals, negotiate and submit offers, effectively manage properties, and dramatically increase the value of your real estate without spending much money. If you want to be your own boss and quit the nine-to-five life, "Real Estate Riches" shows you how.

As a leader in your organization, you will be very familiar with your organization's key financial statements and monthly management reports. You may have spent countless hours discussing budgets and expenditures. But how much time have you spent reflecting on the fact that these revenues are generated by actual customers-the people who pull out their wallets and pay for your products and services? In The Customer-Base Audit: The First Step on the Journey to Customer Centricity, experts Peter Fader, Bruce Hardie, and Michael Ross start you on the path toward really getting to understand your customers' buying behavior as well as the health of your overall customer base. A customer-base audit is a systematic review of the buying behavior of a firm's customers using data captured by its transaction systems. It will help you answer questions such as: -- How healthy is your customer base? How realistic are your growth objectives? -- How do your customers differ in terms of their behavior and value? -- How has the quality of your customers changed over time? -- What changes in customer behavior lie behind period-to-period changes in firm performance? -- What is important to your high-value customers? Which products help you acquire and retain your best customers? Fader, Hardie, and Ross present five "lenses" through which an executive can address questions like those above. The answers are often lurking in various parts of the organization, but it is rare to find all the relevant analyses in one place, let alone performed on a regular basis (as an audit should be). Yet without such a basic, systematic understanding of the foundations of the firm's primary source of cash flow, how can executives make informed decisions? Fader, a Wharton professor, is the author of Customer Centricity and coauthor of The Customer Centricity Playbook, both of which have helped businesses radically rethink how they relate to customers. In this first step of the journey, Fader, Hardie, and Ross assist leaders in gaining a fundamental understanding of their customers' buying behavior-and thus their company as a whole.

Charlie Munger, Berkshire Hathaway's visionary vice chairman and Warren Buffett's indispensable financial partner, has outperformed market indexes again and again, and he believes any investor can do the same. His notion of "elementary, worldly wisdom"-a set of interdisciplinary mental models involving economics, business, psychology, ethics, and management-allows him to keep his emotions out of his investments and avoid the common pitfalls of bad judgment. Munger's system has steered his investments for forty years and has guided generations of successful investors. This book presents the essential steps of Munger's investing strategy, condensed here for the first time from interviews, speeches, writings, and shareholder letters, and paired with commentary from fund managers, value investors, and business-case historians. Derived from Ben Graham's value-investing system, Munger's approach is straightforward enough that ordinary investors can apply it to their portfolios. This book is not simply about investing. It is about cultivating mental models for your whole life, but especially for your investments.

This new book uses advanced signal processing technology to measure and analyze risk phenomena of the financial markets. It explains how to scientifically measure, analyze and manage non-stationarity and long-term time dependence (long memory) of financial market returns. It studies, in particular, financial crises in persistent financial markets, such as stock, bond and real estate market, and turbulence in antipersistent financial markets, such as anchor currency markets. It uses Windowed Fourier and Wavelet Multiresolution Analysis to measure the degrees of persistence of these complex markets, by computing monofractal Hurst exponents and multifractal singularity spectra. It explains how and why financial crises and financial turbulence may occur in the various markets and why we may have to reconsider the current wave of term structure modeling based on affine models. It also uses these persistence measurements to improve the financial risk management of global investment funds, via numerical simulations of the nonlinear diffusion equations describing the underlying high frequency dynamic pricing processes.

Since the collapse of the former Soviet Union, tremendous changes have taken place in the Russian Federation's trade relationship with other countries--especially with former allies. Expansion or Exodus examines how and why Russian corporations invest outside the country and why most of that money remains abroad as the growth and performance of these companies increases at an accelerated rate. As the Federation moves closer to joining the World Trade Organization, this timely book provides a global view of Russia's outward expansion, exploring the operations of Russian firms in old, new, and forthcoming European Union member states.

Housing markets were at the centre of the recent global financial turmoil. In this study, a multidisciplinary group of leading housing analysts from the USA, Europe, Asia and Australasia explore the impact of the crisis within and between countries.

An invaluable resource for real estate professionals and students Concise Encyclopedia of Real Estate Business Terms puts the terms used every day in the marketing and study of real estate at your fingertips. With a simple A-to-Z format, this comprehensive reference guide gets right to the point, providing brief but clear definitions and understandable explanations for more than 300 current terms and concepts used in every aspect of the real estate industry. An essential communication tool for anyone working in real estate management, insurance, economics, and urban planning, this practical guide is equally valuable for libraries, academics, and students. Compiled by Bill and Ryan Roark, realtors and co-hosts of Taking Care of Business, a live weekly real estate news and information talk radio program, the Concise Encyclopedia of Real Estate Business Terms provides quick and easy access to the terminology that's unique to the real estate industry. From A (AAA Tenant, absorption rate, abstract) to Z (zoning) and everything in between, this handy reference resource will ensure you're not at a loss for words when dealing with the legal and financial issues related to real estate and property. The book also includes an appendix of sample forms and contracts and another that covers measurements and conversions. The Concise Encyclopedia of Real Estate Business Terms explains: adjustable rate brokerage fee due diligence internal rate of return (IRR) loan to value (LTV) non-binding agreement planned unit development (PUD) recapture rate sale leaseback tertiary trade area upside/downside warranty deed and much more! The Concise Encyclopedia of Real Estate Business Terms is equally valuable as a professional reference guide and as a classroom and library resource.

An invaluable resource for real estate professionals and students Concise Encyclopedia of Real Estate Business Terms puts the terms used every day in the marketing and study of real estate at your fingertips. With a simple A-to-Z format, this comprehensive reference guide gets right to the point, providing brief but clear definitions and understandable explanations for more than 300 current terms and concepts used in every aspect of the real estate industry. An essential communication tool for anyone working in real estate management, insurance, economics, and urban planning, this practical guide is equally valuable for libraries, academics, and students. Compiled by Bill and Ryan Roark, realtors and co-hosts of Taking Care of Business, a live weekly real estate news and information talk radio program, the Concise Encyclopedia of Real Estate Business Terms provides quick and easy access to the terminology that's unique to the real estate industry. From A (AAA Tenant, absorption rate, abstract) to Z (zoning) and everything in between, this handy reference resource will ensure you're not at a loss for words when dealing with the legal and financial issues related to real estate and property. The book also includes an appendix of sample forms and contracts and another that covers measurements and conversions. The Concise Encyclopedia of Real Estate Business Terms explains: adjustable rate brokerage fee due diligence internal rate of return (IRR) loan to value (LTV) non-binding agreement planned unit development (PUD) recapture rate sale leaseback tertiary trade area upside/downside warranty deed and much more! The Concise Encyclopedia of Real Estate Business Terms is equally valuable as a professional reference guide and as a classroom and library resource.

"Read this book. It explains so much about the moment...Beautiful, heartbreaking work." -Ta-Nehisi Coates "A deep accounting of how America got to a point where a median white family has 13 times more wealth than the median black family." -The Atlantic "Extraordinary...Baradaran focuses on a part of the American story that's often ignored: the way African Americans were locked out of the financial engines that create wealth in America." -Ezra Klein When the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, the black community owned less than 1 percent of the total wealth in America. More than 150 years later, that number has barely budged. The Color of Money seeks to explain the stubborn persistence of this racial wealth gap by focusing on the generators of wealth in the black community: black banks. With the civil rights movement in full swing, President Nixon promoted "black capitalism," a plan to support black banks and minority-owned businesses. But the catch-22 of black banking is that the very institutions needed to help communities escape the deep poverty caused by discrimination and segregation inevitably became victims of that same poverty. In this timely and eye-opening account, Baradaran challenges the long-standing belief that black communities could ever really hope to accumulate wealth in a segregated economy. "Black capitalism has not improved the economic lives of black people, and Baradaran deftly explains the reasons why." -Los Angeles Review of Books "A must read for anyone interested in closing America's racial wealth gap." -Black Perspectives

For courses in money and banking, or general economics. A unified framework for understanding financial markets The Economics of Money, Banking and Financial Markets bringsa fresh perspective to today's major questions surrounding financial policy.Influenced by his term as Governor of the Federal Reserve, Frederic Mishkinoffers students a unique viewpoint and informed insight into the monetarypolicy process, the regulation and supervision of the financial system, and theinternationalization of financial markets. The 13th Edition providesa unifying, analytical framework for learning that fits a wide variety ofsyllabi. And core economic principles and real-world examples organizestudents' thinking and keep them motivated. After reading this text, studentsare well equipped to apply these financial models, terms, and equations todecisions that affect both their personal and professional lives.

Leveraged Exchange-Traded Funds (LETFs) are publicly-traded funds that promise to provide daily returns that are in a multiple (positive or negative) of the returns on an index. To meet that promise, the funds use leverage, which is typically obtained through derivatives such as futures contracts, forward contracts, and total-return swaps. As of the end of 2012, there were over 250 LETFs in North America with total assets of approximately $32.24 billion. While the amount of assets held by these funds is still small, their popularity continues to grow as their trading volume is significantly larger and much more dynamic than traditional, non-leveraged ETFs. This comprehensive guide to LETFs provides high-level practitioners and researchers with a detailed reference tool for navigating the market and making informed investment decisions. Written from a measured analytical perspective, Miu and Charupat use clear and concise explanations of all important aspects of LETFs, focusing on such key elements as structure, pricing, performance, regulations, taxation, and trading strategies. The first two chapters set the stage for the book by identifying exactly what LETFs are and how they are regulated. The following chapters then look to bridge theory with practice to dive deep into the mechanics, portfolio rebalancing techniques, and daily compounding effects that make investing in these funds so lucrative.

Art and finance coalesce in the elite world of fine art collecting and investing. Investors and collectors can't protect and profit from their collections without grappling with a range of complex issues like risk, insurance, restoration, and conservation. They require intimate knowledge not only of art but also of finance.
Clare McAndrew and a highly qualified team of contributors explain the most difficult financial matters facing art investors. Key topics include: Appraisal and valuationArt as loan collateralSecuritization and taxationInvesting in art fundsInsuranceThe black-market art trade

Clare McAndrew has a PhD in economics and is the author of "The Art Economy." She is considered a leading expert on the economics of art ownership.

The scholarship on fiduciary duties in business organizations is often pulled in two directions. While most observers would agree that business organizations are one of the key contexts for the application of the fiduciary obligation, corporate law theorists have often expressed disdain for the role of fiduciary duties, with the result that fiduciary law and theory have been out of step with the business world. This volume aims to rectify this situation by bringing together a range of scholars to analyze fiduciary relationships and the fiduciary obligation in the business context. Contributing authors examine fiduciary obligations in fields ranging from entity structure to bankruptcy to investment regulation. The volume demonstrates that fiduciary law can inform pressing corporate governance debates, including discussions over stakeholder models of the corporation that move beyond shareholder interests.

Examine the depth and breadth of financial technology This comprehensive, hands-on guide is the go-to source for everything you need to confidently navigate the ever-changing scene of this booming industry. FinTech For Dummies will shed light on this rapidly changing landscape making it an invaluable source of information for anybody working in or interested in this space. This book provides insights, knowledge and guidance from industry experts Steve O'Hanlon and Susanne Chishti on the following: Gaining insight fastest growing market segment of the financial markets Learning the core decision making to effect a growth plan Securing knowledge of the fastest growing fintech companies in the world Navigating the fintech world The ingredients into building a FinTech company

Practical information for investing newcomers! Have you wanted to seriously begin investing but are wary because of confusing and complicated terminology and concepts? Then the Concise Encyclopedia of Investing is for you. This A-to-Z reference provides clear, concise explanations of basic as well as more advanced investment terms to help even the most unsophisticated newcomer. This unique user-friendly handbook presents not only simple, brief explanations of various investing terms and concepts, but also a short discussion on each as to how it applies in everyday life. The Concise Encyclopedia of Investing clears the mysteries behind the foundations of investing, giving newbies solid information they can use to explore investment possibilities. Retirement terminology, market terminology, portfolio techniques, tax information, and investment options are explained using plain language to quickly answer often-asked questions. The book discusses basic terms such as common and preferred stocks, bonds, and capital gains, as well as more complex terms and concepts such as P/E ratio and pass-through security. Helpful lists of reference books and various online investment resources provide opportunities for investors to easily find more detailed information about specific topics. The Concise Encyclopedia of Investing includes explanations with everyday examples of basic and more complex concepts and terms such as: 401K 403B annuities asset allocation capital gains commodities convertibles estate planning face value future value investments guaranteed investment contract (GIC) hedge funds index funds market timing money market fund (MMF) non qualified retirement plans open end funds option contract pass-through security precious metals Present Value Investments P/E Ratio PPI REIT Real Rate of Return ROE statements of retained earnings STRIPS systematic risk UIT variable annuities yield-to-maturity zero-coupon securities and many more! The invaluable Concise Encyclopedia of Investing is perfect for anyone grappling with investment terminology. This reference is sure to become an indispensable desktop resource for any new investor.

From local coffee shops to the largest Fortune 500 companies, everyone is struggling to make the impossible choice between chasing short-term objectives and creating a secure future for their company. David Cote understood this dilemma and rejected it. In these pages, he shows you how taking the same revolutionary approach might be the smartest business decision you'll ever make. This book reveals the bold the operational reforms and counterintuitive leadership practices you can put into practice that will allow you to do two conflicting things at the same time-pursue strong short- and long-term results. This tested and proven approach can strengthen your business like never before, and even rescue it from the brink of disaster no matter how dire the current circumstances may seem. In Winning Now, Winning Later, Cote shares 10 essential principles for winning today and tomorrow such as: Spot practices that seem attractive in the short term but will cost the company in the future Determine where and how to invest in growth for maximum impact Sustain both short-term performance and long-term investments even in challenging times, such as during recessions and leadership transitions Feel inspired to stand up to investors and other managers who are solely focused on either short- or long-term objectives Step back, think independently, and foster independent thinking among others around you Presenting a comprehensive solution to a perennial problem, Winning Now, Winning Later is a go-to guide for you and leaders everywhere to finally transcend short-termism's daily grind and leave an enduring legacy of success.

How can you be sure you are buying the company you think you are? Are you sure it is as good as the seller says? How can you be certain unexpected costs and obligations will not suddenly appear once you are the owner and responsible for them? How best can you arm yourself for the negotiations? Have you worked out precisely what you are going to do with it once it is yours? How do you set the priorities for change to recoup the premium you have paid for it? The answer to all these questions, and many more, lies within a series of three comprehensive yet concise volumes by Peter Howson. The Essentials of M&A Due Diligence, the first in the series, is a must for anyone who needs to master the essentials of due diligence with the minimum effort and in the minimum amount of time. Straightforward and unbiased, it sets out the fundamentals of pre-acquisition investigations, showing which are appropriate and why.

Gain a strong understanding of the three primary aspects of finance -- financial institutions, investments and corporate finance – and how they relate to one another with the reader-friendly approach in BASIC FINANCE: AN INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INVESTMENTS, AND MANAGEMENT, 13E. Brief chapters in a modular format let you focus on areas of the most interest to you as you master core concepts, usually in a single class or lesson. Individual chapters work together to give you a cohesive, complete view of finance today. Comprehensive coverage of the time value of money uses equations, interest tables and financial calculator keystrokes to ensure you understand this key topic that permeates finance. You see the importance of finance in daily life with examples, from cryptocurrencies to meme stocks. Hands-on problems, step-by-step financial calculation illustrations, an Excel appendix and MindTap digital resources let you practice and reinforce what you learn.