Based on courses developed by the author over several years, this book provides access to a broad area of research that is not available in separate articles or books of readings. Topics covered include the meaning and measurement of risk, general single-period portfolio problems, mean-variance analysis and the Capital Asset Pricing Model, the Arbitrage Pricing Theory, complete markets, multiperiod portfolio problems and the Intertemporal Capital Asset Pricing Model, the Black-Scholes option pricing model and contingent claims analysis, 'risk-neutral' pricing with Martingales, Modigliani-Miller and the capital structure of the firm, interest rates and the term structure, and others.

This book examines and explains the intellectual capital reporting practices, with a human capital focus, of firms located in the developing nation of Sri Lanka. The study ascertains the following: first, to what extent the industry groups, based on the number of shareholders, differ in their ICR practices; and second, to what extent firms in Sri Lanka differ from counterparts in other nations in their intellectual capital reporting practices. An important aspect of this book is looking at the practices from a critical perspective to providing a more balanced view of 'good' and 'bad' effects of intellectual capital. The book meticulously outlines an extensive literature review, research methods, the theoretical perspective, findings with an engaging discussion, and concluding remarks. Indra Abeysekera's fine research project is an impressive contribution to an emerging area of interest throughout academia and industry.

The spectacular economic performance of China, East Asia and India during the last ten years has ignited some profound changes in the world economy. The share of global demand, investments, trade and production of the traditional industrialized powers, the US, Europe and Japan, has gradually yet continuously declined. This rise of China also has implications for Latin America. On the one hand, booming Chinese demand for raw materials and food has sustained the economic performance of Latin America during the last decade. On the other hand, the competitiveness of China and as a hub for advanced manufacturing is threatening Latin America's attempt to diversify its economy from its dependence on the export of natural resource-based goods. Most Latin American countries are not however waiting passively for their economies to become ever more reliant on high prices for food, minerals and oil. Leveraging the economic and political stability that they achieved during the last decades, many countries in the region, such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Uruguay, are attempting to capture the growing market for knowledge intensive products and services by breeding their own Silicon Valleys. This book discusses the promotion of ICT clusters in Latin America by analyzing the development of the Costa Rican cluster in particular, an often celebrated case of successful policy in the region. Costa Rica, a small country traditionally known for its coffee and wildlife, managed to build an information technology cluster within ten years, becoming the leading producer of ICT per capita in Latin America. Studying the Costa Rican case provides a solid starting point for understanding the challenges of building ICT clusters in Latin America.

Kaum ein Unternehmen ist nicht von internationalem Wettbewerb betroffen. Exporte, internationale Direktinvestitionen und multinationale Unternehmen sind nicht nur Schlagworte die sich taglich in den Medien finden, die Auswirkungen internationaler Unternehmensaktivitat beeinflussen auch erheblich die betriebswirtschaftliche Forschung. Dieser Sammelband bietet einen Uberblick uber aktuelle Ansatze, Theorien und empirische Studien zu diesen Themen. Geschrieben von renommierten Wissenschaftlern und erfahrenen Praktikern macht das Buch den Leser in kompakter und kompetenter Weise mit den aktuellen Trends auf diesen Gebieten vertraut.

While there were many factors that triggered the widespread financial crisis of 2008-2010, at least one may have been increasing inequality in the United States economy. With the distributional divide wider than at any time since the Great Depression, the wealthy poured money into increasingly speculative investments even as those at the bottom of the income distribution borrowed just to stay above water.

Long before the national meltdown helped to make this point, the notion that inequality might actually damage economic growth was gaining ground at another geographic level: that of the metropolitan region. Throughout the US, many key metropolitan actors, including collaboratives of business, civic and community leaders, have accepted the notion that a more inclusive economic approach could actually shore up the social consensus and human capital needed to compete in a global economy.

So what are the possibilities for this "Just Growth"? This book seeks to address this and other key questions with a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Utilizing a sample of the largest 192 metropolitan regions in the United States, the authors use a quantitative approach to identify those regions with above average performance in terms of economic growth and social equity indicators, and conduct regression-style analysis to explore the demographic, political and economic determinants behind the phenomenon.

This volume examines various banking systems from around the world as well as the mechanisms of international and central banking. Although inevitably a reflection of the banking landscape at the time it was originally published, the book nonetheless represents a valuable tool in providing information on the history of banks and the banking sector which laid the foundations of the system we know today.

This book provides a comparative analysis of the several types of banking structure and the ways in which banks undertake their business. It surveys central banking arrangements in a number of countries. Against an historical background, it describes banking systems ranging from the so-called 'unit banking' of the USA to the branch banking arrangements that derive from British experience, as well as many systems in between. The business of banking is analysed comparatively within the framework of a simplified bank balance sheet, special attention being given to industrial banking and to assets and liabilities management. It explores how money markets function and, within this framework, how central banks operate and attempt to implement monetary and credit policy. The book includes the results of extensive new research, part of which involved interviewing many key figures throughout the banking industry.

The Jewish community in Rome is the oldest in Europe, the only one to have existed continuously for over 2,000 years. This detailed study of the Jewish banking community in Italy is therefore of special value and interest. Poliakov's classic account of the rise and fall of the Jewish bankers is at the same time the story of medieval finance in general, its decline, and the birth of 'modern' finance. The author traces the economic and theological implication of each stage in the ambiguous relationship that developed between the Jewish money trade and the Holy See. He shows that the protection enjoyed by the Jews from the Holy See had not only theological, but also economic roots. The study ends with an account of the introduction of modern, 'capitalist' techniques and of the consequent inevitable decline of the Jewish money trade.

The need for continued analysis and evaluation of the international financial system is as pressing now as it was when this book was originally published. This volume provides an in-depth analysis of certain aspects of the international financial system. Specifically it addresses four of the most important financial and monetary issues of the present time: exchange rate, capital markets, international banking and external debt and international financial management.

This volume presents a clear and concise explanation of why the American banking crisis of 1933 occurred. The bulk of the book analyses the actual events of the final major panic which was ushered in by the closing down of the banks in the State of Michigan on February 14, 1933. The following three weeks made history and events happened so fast that years of banking history seemed to be compressed into as many days. The events are set within an historical context which enables the reader to see the panic in relation to what came before it.

An insightful guide to making strategic investment allocation decisions that embraces both alternative and conventional assets

In this much-needed resource, alternative and portfolio management expert John Abbink demonstrates new ways of analyzing and deploying alternative assets and explains the practical application of these techniques.

"Alternative Assets and Strategic Allocation" clearly shows how alternative investments fit into portfolios and the role they play in an investment allocation that includes traditional investments as well. This book also describes innovative methods for valuation as applied to alternatives that previously have been difficult to analyze.Offers institutional investors, analysts, researchers, portfolio managers, and financial academics a down-to-earth method for measuring and analyzing alternative assetsReviews some of the latest alternatives that are increasing in popularity, such as high-frequency trading, direct lending, and long-term investment in real assetsOutlines a strategic approach for including alternative investments into portfolios and shows the pivotal role they play in an investment allocation

Using the information found in this book, you'll have a clearer sense of how to approach investment issues related to alternative assets and discover what it takes to make these products work for you.

Directed both at students of international finance and practitioners in the field, the book stresses the importance of treating the analysis of sovereign risk in a more general framework than is typically the case, identifying the components of both the demand and supply of sovereign loans. The author also discusses the link between the unique aspects of sovereign lending, the interdependence of the international banking system and the potential instability in the world financial system.

First Published in 1980, The Foundations of Nigeria's Financial Infrastructure presents a comprehensive overview of different aspects of Nigeria's financial developments. Divided in five parts this book brings twenty-one chapters dealing with themes like Nigeria's traditional financial system; fundamental problems of banking in Nigeria; the banking system and the financial market; aspects of public and private sectors' finance; revenue allocation in Nigeria; Nigerian currency system; Nigeria's balance of payments and external liquidities; development in Nigeria's external assets, and Nigeria and the International Monetary Fund, to showcase the catalytic role of the financial system in economic development. This volume will be useful for scholars and researchers of public finance, finance, economics, political economy, development economics and development studies.

In Warren Buffett: Inside the Ultimate Money Mind, Hagstrom breaks new ground with a deep analysis of Buffett's essential wisdom, an intricate mosaic of wide-ranging ideas and insights that Buffett calls a Money Mind. What exactly is a Money Mind? At one level, it's a way of thinking about major financial issues such as capital allocation. At another level, it summarizes an overall mindset for successfully investing in today's fast-paced stock market, a mindset that depends on a commitment to learning, adapting, and facing down irrelevant noise. This is not a method book. It is a thinking book. Warren Buffett: Inside the Ultimate Money Mind explains the philosophies of self-reliance, stoicism, rationalism, and pragmatism and their contributions to making intelligent investment decisions. It also outlines the evolution of value investing, discusses how to develop a business-driven investing mindset, and describes the defining traits of successful active management. Lastly, it examines the surprising aspects of a Money Mind - sportsman, teacher, and artist. In short, Warren Buffett: Inside the Ultimate Money Mind helps readers understand the building blocks that go into making a Money Mind so they can begin to incorporate its principles in the service to a life of value. Testimonials "An erudite masterpiece..." -Lawrence A. Cunningham, author; professor and director, Quality Shareholders Initiative, George Washington University "It's another must-read..." -Bethany McLean, journalist and Contributing Editor, Vanity Fair, author, Saudi America and co-author The Smartest Guys in the Room "Pure Genius! This is a game changer in investment books..." -Robert P. Miles, author; Executive in Residence, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Executive MBA Program, 'The Genius of Warren Buffett' "Effervescence and thoughtful analysis of Buffett's life and work..." -Tom Gayner, Co-chief Executive Officer, Markel Corporation "Hagstrom's books always enable readers to think about the world in new ways..." -Tren Griffin, author, Charlie Munger: The Complete Investor

Death on the Installment Plan is a companion volume to Louis-Ferdinand Celine's earlier novel, Journey to the End of the Night. Published in rapid succession in the middle 1930s, these two books shocked European literature and world consciousness. Nominally fiction but more rightly called "creative confessions," they told of the author's childhood in excoriating Paris slums, of service in the mud wastes of World War I and African jungles. Mixing unmitigated despair with Gargantuan comedy, they also created a new style, in which invective and obscenity were laced with phrases of unforgettable poetry. Celine's influence revolutionized the contemporary approach to fiction. Under a cloud for a period, his work is now acknowledged as the forerunner of today's "black humor."

From the basics down to investing, get the most out of your 401(k) and IRA in any economic environment When you're ready to start setting aside (or withdrawing) money for your retirement--whenever that might be--401(k)s & IRAs For Dummies is here for you! It covers both types of retirement plans because they each have valuable tax benefits, and you may be able to contribute to both at the same time. With the practical advice in this book, you learn how to manage your accounts, minimize your investment risk, and maximize your returns. Sounds like a win-win, no matter your situation or where you're at in life. Written by a well-known expert and 'father of the 401 (k)', Ted Benna, 401(k)s & IRAs For Dummies helps you keep up with the ever-changing rules surrounding both retirement plans--including the rules from the SECURE and CARES Acts--and avoid the mistakes that can lead to higher taxes and penalties. Additional topics include: Tax strategies before and after retirement Required distributions and how much you need to take Penalties for taking money out early and how to avoid them What happens to your or your spouse's retirement plan after death or divorce The rules for taking money out of an inherited plan Methods for calculating required minimum distributions Special tax benefits for conversions to Roth IRAs How to recharacterize IRA or Roth contributions Why IRA based plans are a better options for many small employers Helping solo entrepreneurs and other small businesses pick the right type of plan Whether you're just starting to think about a retirement plan, planning when to retire, or you're facing retirement, you'll find useful and practical guidance in 401(k)s & IRAs For Dummies. Get your copy today!

Breaking new ground in its innovative blend of quantitative and qualitative methods, the book essentially argues that another sort of growth is indeed possible. While offering specific insights for regional leaders and analysts of metropolitan areas, the authors also draw a broader - and quite timely - set of conclusions about how to scale up these efforts to address a U.S. economy still seeking to recover from economic crisis and ameliorate distributional divisions.

The recent global economic crisis has drawn a spotlight on the world of finance. Financial exchanges are changing, and this insightful, new book examines the manner and reasons for these changes.

Financial Exchanges: A Comparative Approach offers an in-depth analysis of this sector. Surveying thirty different financial exchanges, including stock, derivative, commodity and offshore exchanges, this book examines the challenges they face and the ways in which they are adapting. The book includes a pertinent chapter on the dominance of derivatives, examining a number of derivative exchanges in detail.

Taking in a host of international exchange powerhouses, including those in Hong Kong, Shanghai, London, New York and the Persian Gulf, this book will benefit students taking courses on financial markets and institutions, as well as professionals interested in international financial markets.

Given the rapid pace of development in economics and finance, a concise and up-to-date introduction to mathematical methods has become a prerequisite for all graduate students, even those not specializing in quantitative finance. This book offers an introductory text on mathematical methods for graduate students of economics and finance-and leading to the more advanced subject of quantum mathematics. The content is divided into five major sections: mathematical methods are covered in the first four sections, and can be taught in one semester. The book begins by focusing on the core subjects of linear algebra and calculus, before moving on to the more advanced topics of probability theory and stochastic calculus. Detailed derivations of the Black-Scholes and Merton equations are provided - in order to clarify the mathematical underpinnings of stochastic calculus. Each chapter of the first four sections includes a problem set, chiefly drawn from economics and finance. In turn, section five addresses quantum mathematics. The mathematical topics covered in the first four sections are sufficient for the study of quantum mathematics; Black-Scholes option theory and Merton's theory of corporate debt are among topics analyzed using quantum mathematics.

The original guide to creating wealth!

With this seminal book, Wallace Wattles popularized the Law of Attraction, the powerful concept that inspired "The Secret." "The Science of Getting Rich" explains how to attract wealth, overcome emotional barriers, and apply foolproof methods to bring financial success into your life.

This special 100-year edition contains the complete, original text, along with never-before published biographical information on Wattles, and a foreword by Catherine Ponder, the doyenne of modern prosperity writers. It also features an introduction from personal development authority Tom Butler-Bowdon, plus another Wattles classic, "The Science of Being Great."

The recent global economic crisis has drawn a spotlight on the world of finance. Financial exchanges are changing, and this insightful, new book examines the manner and reasons for these changes.

Financial Exchanges: A Comparative Approach offers an in-depth analysis of this sector. Surveying thirty different financial exchanges, including stock, derivative, commodity and offshore exchanges, this book examines the challenges they face and the ways in which they are adapting. The book includes a pertinent chapter on the dominance of derivatives, examining a number of derivative exchanges in detail.

Taking in a host of international exchange powerhouses, including those in Hong Kong, Shanghai, London, New York and the Persian Gulf, this book will benefit students taking courses on financial markets and institutions, as well as professionals interested in international financial markets.

This new book, Restaurant Financial Management: A Practical Approach, provides valuable guidance on how to apply the concepts of accounting and finance to real-life restaurant business activities. This book is unique because it provides an understandable framework that breaks it down into three clear steps of applying techniques of accounting and finance to evaluate a restaurant business: It introduces how to consolidate major activities of a restaurant business into useful accounting information. It explains how accounting information is analyzed and then used to forecast the future. And it introduces the methods of projecting the future and determining the current value of a restaurant business. Using this approach, readers can develop useful knowledge on how to relate accounting and finance to a real-life restaurant business. Using an imaginary restaurant business (based on a real restaurant) as an example to demonstrate a series of relevant business activities, the book walks the reader through provides the restaurant accounting activities and shows how they provide meaningful information, giving the reader a bird's eye view.

During the last ten years the Islamic banking sector has grown rapidly, at an international level, as well as in individual jurisdictions including the UK. Islamic finance differs quite substantially from conventional banking, using very different mechanisms, and operating according to a different theory as it is based on Islamic law. Yet at the same time it is always subject to the law of the particular financial market in which it operates. This book takes a much-needed and comprehensive look at the legal and regulatory aspects which affect Islamic finance law, and examines the current UK and international banking regulatory frameworks which impact on this sector. The book examines the historical genesis of Islamic banking, looking at how it has developed in Muslim countries before going on to consider the development of Islamic banking in the UK and the legal position of Islamic banks within English law. The book explores company, contract, and some elements of tax law and traces the impact it has had on the development of Islamic banking in the UK, before going on to argue that the current legal and regulatory framework which affects the Islamic banking sector has on certain occasions had an unintended adverse impact on Islamic banking in the UK. The book also provides an overview of the Malaysian experience in relation to some of the main legal and regulatory challenges in the context of Islamic banking and finance.

Spanning over two millennia of time and five continents of space, this book narrates the unfolding of financial and business reporting. The first part of the book traces the origin of the 'company' as a form of organization and the evolution of bookkeeping. The second part: The Accounting Edifice, depicts events that led to the disclosure of the balance sheet, the profit and loss account, cash flow statements and the practice of auditing. In the third part: Reaching out to the Shareholders, the author explores the need for governance, reporting of intangible assets and the emergence of annual reports. Indian Corporate Disclosures, the fourth and the last part, sketches the panorama of post-independent dvelopments in Indian corporate disclosures using heritage IT companies, Wipro and Infosys as examples. The last chapter of the book contrasts disclosures by the Indian Sensex companies in 2007 with the best global practices.