Taking on risk is simply a part of business. But new developments in technology and communication make risk management simpler and more effective than ever before. Using examples from companies such as Home Depot, Airbus, Boeing, and Nokia, author John Hampton takes a fresh look at one of the hottest topics in business today: weighing business opportunities against the possibilities of loss. Fundamentals of Enterprise Risk Management does this by introducing innovative new concepts such as hierarchical risk structures, alignment of risks with the business model, creation of a central risk function, and the role of an ERM knowledge warehouse. Readers will learn how to recognize both internal and external exposures; understand important concepts such as risk mapping and risk identification; recognize the weaknesses of current ERM systems; align risk opportunities with their organization's business model; and stay in line with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. Featuring enlightening case studies and practical exercises, this essential book shows readers how they can implement ERM the right way to experience unapparelled successes at their organizations.

Despite the importance of insurance in enabling individual and collective social, economic, and financial activities, discussions about the macroeconomic role and risks of insurance markets are surprisingly limited. This book brings together academics, regulators, and industry experts to provide a multifaceted array of research and perspectives on insurance, its role and functioning, and the potential systemic risk it could create. The first part discusses the macroeconomic role of insurance and how insurance is different from banking and general finance. Understanding the differences between the balance sheets of insurers and other financial intermediaries is essential for understanding the potential differences in risk nature and optimal regulation. The second part of the book focuses on the risks managed by the insurance sector and the potential for systemic risk. The chapters discuss the risks both on the asset and liability sides of insurers' balance sheets. The third part of the book covers the impact of regulation on insurance companies. Existing regulation is often complex and has a large impact on insurance companies' decision-making and functioning. The chapters also illustrate the unintended consequences of various forms of regulation. The book concludes with a summary of a survey that has been conducted in collaboration with McKinsey, where insurance executives have been asked about the risks and regulation in the insurance sector. The survey provides guidance for future research on insurance markets.

Even with the delay of the Employer Mandate, Health Care Reform is radically changing the health insurance environment for employers. The Smart Business Guide to Health Care Reform is your plain-language, yet detail-rich, ticket to understanding the impact of the law on employers (and everyone else). It will help your company navigate the new challenges presented by the law to reduce costs and keep employees happy. The law is complicated, and if you are responsible for making insurance decisions for your company, it is causing stress and anxiety that impacts your work life, and likely your personal well-being, as well. Like all laws, however, it is manageable when you are able to determine what portions impact you and concentrate on those issues. This book is your short cut to understanding what PPACA says, what it doesn't say, and how both will impact your business. The purpose is not to tell you everything about the law; but rather to inform you of the relevant provisions and translate those provisions from bureaucrat-speak to plain English. So while you may not fully understand every obscure provision, you hopefully will have the tools you need to assess your organization's exposure to key aspects of PPACA. This book is NOT a legal treatise, a magic bullet in the form of legal/accounting/insurance advice, or an op-ed piece telling you how wonderful or horrible the law is. It is information presented in a manner intelligent people can understand and apply. Bureaucrat-speak is translated, and the interaction between various provisions is discussed. Some issues addressed are: How do we know if the Employer Mandate applies to us? What about part-time and seasonal workers? What are the advantages and disadvantages of dropping coverage? Should we consider exchanges as the answer to our health insurance issues? Other than complying with the Employer Mandate, what else do businesses need to do to be in compliance with PPACA? What about FSAs, HSAs, and HRAs? Are defined contribution or self-insured plans options? What role does the Coast Guard have in implementation of Health Care Reform? This practical, easy to navigate, and easily understood discussion of the law will demystify topics that have been built up as unsolvable, and put you in the best position possible to analyze your company's health insurance responsibilities and opportunities.

If one of the "hats" you wear is "insurance-buyer" for your bank, then this is the book for you. This book is written for bankers who buy insurance for their banks. Hundreds of definitions, forms, charts, suggestions, recommendations, and just plain good advice - for bankers. The language of insurance is demystified and translated into banker-speak. Scott Simmonds has worked with more than 370 banks in his career as a consultant. Bankers look to Scott to help make their insurance better - better coverage, better premiums, easier administration, and faster claims. Unbiased, expert bank-experience. In this second edition of his book, you get his latest thoughts, ideas, and approaches. One hundred updates were made from the 2007 version. Scott has received many industry awards and designations, making him one of the top 1% of insurance professionals in the country. Scott's ideas have been published and quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, Forbes, The Boston Globe, and the Ellsworth American. He is a past president of his local Rotary Club, and of the Maine Association of Professional Consultants.