Monday, October 14, 2013

The Accounting Game: Basic Accounting Fresh from the Lemonade Stand, Revised edition, Judith Orloff



"Fantastic Learning Tool...Don't let this book title fool you. It is not an oversimplification of accounting and financial principles. It is, however, a serious and very effective examination of a very small but progressively complex business. There are not many books available on the market that make a complex and dry subject understandable and even fun. This book successfully does just that."
-Amazon Reviewer

The Clearest Explanation Ever of the Key Accounting Basics

The world of accounting can be intimidating. Whether you're a manager, business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, you've likely found yourself needing to know basic accounting...but baffled by complicated accounting books. What if learning accounting could be as simple and fun as running a child's lemonade stand? It can.

The Accounting Game presents financial information in a format so simple and so unlike a common accounting textbook, you may forget you're learning key skills that will help you get ahead! Using the world of a child's lemonade stand to teach the basics of managing your finances, this book makes a dry subject fun and understandable. As you run your stand, you'll begin to understand and apply financial terms and concepts like assets, liabilities, earnings, inventory and notes payable, plus:

--Interactive format gives you hands-on experience
--Color-coded charts and worksheets help you remember key terms
--Step-by-step process takes you from novice to expert with ease
--Fun story format speeds retention of essential concepts
--Designed to apply what you learn to the real world

The revolutionary approach of The Accounting Game takes the difficult subjects of accounting and business finance and makes them something you can easily learn, understand, remember and use!

"The game approach makes the subject matter most understandable. I highly recommend it to anyone frightened by either numbers or accountants."
-John Hernandis, Director of Corporate Communications, American Greetings

from the Introduction

The Accounting Game is written in a way that creates a specific learning experience for you as it teaches you the basic skills of accounting. We call the learning method accelerative learning. What do you think that means? It is a learning methodology that uses all of your senses as well as your emotions and your critical thinking skills. If you can remember your kindergarten or elementary school classrooms, you will see many colored maps, letters and numbers, bold (even raw) drawings by each child, etc. You learned the alphabet by singing. You learned the multiplication tables by saying them out loud with each other. You laughed a lot. You were creative.

Then, how you were taught began to change when you entered middle school or high school. Learning became more lecture, more black and white, more rote. You studied before tests and probably did well or maybe not. Yet, for all the endless homework and "cramming," most of the information you learned in high school you don't remember now. That's because it went into your short-term memory so that you could pass the tests and move on to the next grade.

Yet, look at all the things you remember from early childhood! While in elementary school, much of the information you learned went directly to your long-term memory, because it was peppered with music, color, movement, smells, emotional experiences and lots of play and fun.

The methodology we use in this book in many ways parallels how you learned in grade school. We do this by accessing the part of your brain where long-term memory lives. Now, the way to reach your long-term memory has to include emotion, because they reside in the same place in your brain--the limbic region.

The truth is, because of the way we humans learn, we have to discover something ourselves to really learn it. This book, based on Educational Discoveries' flagship seminar, is designed so you make dozens of discoveries. In short, you will learn a college semester's worth of accounting in the time it takes you to interact with this book.

This is quite a reversal, because business people and students have over the years found the subject of accounting quite difficult to master. Many have simply given up in frustration, others have decided to leave accounting to the "experts." This book is for all of you who have hated accounting, had difficulty learning it or ever thought you didn't really "get it."

We think that most attempts to teach accounting fail because of too much attention to details and a failure to present the big picture framework of how it all works and fits together. In this book, we promise not to overburden you with details and to focus on what are really the key concepts of accounting that any businessperson needs to know.

You will learn the structure and purpose of the three primary financial statements--the balance sheet, the income statement and the cash flow statement. You will learn how these fit together and their interrelationships. You will also learn the basic language of business--concepts like cost of goods sold, expenses, bad debts, accrual vs. cash methods of accounting, FIFO and LIFO, capitalizing vs. expensing, depreciation and the difference between cash and profit.

Our promise is that you will get all this information in a fun and easy way that allows you to participate, interact and discover all that you need to know. Many people need to have understanding and confidence in working with financial concepts, but are not ever going to be doing accounting details. If that is you, then this book fits that need, too. It is set up so that you can actually do financial statements as you are learning them. We invite you to "play the game" as you interact with this book.

Understanding all this information is nice, but what do you do with it? The final chapter will give you some tools for analyzing financial information and making better decisions for your company and your career.

About the Author
For the past 25 years, Judith Orloff has been helping people transform their lives through self-awareness and education. Among her most significant accomplishments is the founding of the Burlington College in Vermont, where she also created a B.A. program in Transpersonal Psychology. In addition, Orloff is the founder of Educational Discoveries, Inc., which not only produces The Accounting Game, but also is the training industry leader in accelerative learning and instructional design. EDI's The Accounting Game is the most successful financial seminar in the world, with over 100,000 graduates.

For the past decade, Darrell Mullis, the Director of Training and Development at Educational Discoveries, has taught EDI's learning technology and developed a training program for its trainers. Mullis has also taught over 300 of the phenomenally successful Accounting Game seminars to thousands of Americans. Mullis lives with his four daughters in Louisville, Colorado.

Product Details :
  • Paperback: 179 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.; Revised edition (April 18, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402211864
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402211867
  • Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 8.3 x 10.5 inches

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The Value of Debt: How to Manage Both Sides of a Balance Sheet to Maximize Wealth, 1st Edition, Thomas J. Anderson



A new vision of the value of debt in the management of individual and family wealth
In this groundbreaking book, author Tom Anderson argues that, despite the reflex aversion most people have to debt—an aversion that is vociferously preached by most personal finance authors—wealthy individuals and families, as well as their financial advisors, have everything to gain and nothing to lose by learning to think holistically about debt.

Anderson explains why, if strategically deployed, debt can be of enormous long-term benefit in the management of individual and family wealth. More importantly, he schools you in time-tested strategies for using debt to steadily build wealth, to generate tax-efficient retirement income, to provide a reliable source of funds in times of crisis and financial setback, and more.

Takes a "strategic debt" approach to personal wealth management, emphasizing the need to appreciate the value of "indebted strengths" and for acquiring the tools needed to take advantage of those strengths
Addresses how to determine your optimal debt ratio, or your debt "sweet spot"
A companion website contains a proprietary tool for calculating your own optimal debt ratio, which enables you to develop a personal wealth balance sheet
Offering a bold new vision of debt as a strategic asset in the management of individual and family wealth, The Value of Debt is an important resource for financial advisors, wealthy families, family offices, and professional investors.

From the Author

I have been teaching the ideas and practices you'll find here for a number of years now. Excited and even somewhat amazed by the Value of Debt--how to strategically use one's Indebted Strengths to be in a much better long-term position--I have been asked many times for a detailed treatment of these ideas.

Well, I looked high and low, both online and offline, and couldn't find one, so I felt that given the incredible value that people are already finding in these ideas, I would go ahead and take the plunge and do my best to write it all up in an easy-to-understand book (although you will still need--and most certainly will want--the help of the right financial advisor to fully understand or implement any specific actions).

Structurally the book starts out by laying the foundation for a solid strategic debt philosophy. It then transitions to understanding a key building block, which is the incredible benefit of having an Asset Based Loan Facility at your disposal. With these tools in place, I then explore scenarios for success and present specific case studies.

A solid foundation is essential to all things in life, but is particularly necessary with respect to formulating and implementing a strategic debt philosophy. I would encourage you to not skip ahead to the case studies regardless of your level of education or familiarity with the subject.

Case studies are complicated in book such as this. The material is difficult to understand without examples but there is risk that somebody could look at a simple example and try to apply that to their complex life. Individual situations are unique and multifaceted. It is worth noting that all case studies presented in this book are for educational and illustrative purposes only and should be used to help trigger meaningful conversations with your advisors about your individual situation. They cannot be - and are not intended to be - advice that you can directly apply to your situation. There are many risks to these ideas and of course all loans are subject to eligibility and approval by the lender.

Because of the risks involved I can't stress enough the importance of reading the appendices, end notes, stress testing your philosophy, and becoming as prepared as possible for a wide range of outcomes. Moreover, never underestimate the importance, necessity, and value of working with an outstanding group of professional advisors to implement these ideas according to your individual needs, goals, financial condition, and risk tolerance.

Some readers will undoubtedly desire more detail than a book such as this can provide while still be appealing to general readers. If you have an academic or financial background, you will find that this book's theoretical basis can be found in finance and accounting materials that are taught in graduate and undergraduate business courses throughout the world. You may also recognize that several of the most famous theories in finance are directly or indirectly referenced. In order to keep the material appealing to readers of all levels, however, most technical finance references have been placed in the endnotes.

A quick note on interest rates and the global economy will also be helpful at this point. The ideas expressed in this book are designed to transcend political borders and to transcend time. Clearly, over multiple countries and multiple economic conditions, the range of outcomes we will see in our lifetimes may be vast. In the text I use interest rates that represent the current economic environment, but these ideas could have been applied equally in 1980. I've done my best to be world neutral, but there are a number of U.S. specific references, particularly as to taxes. The vast majority of these ideas can be applied around the world in virtually any economy.

I hope you find a great deal of value in these pages and that they inspire you to create and implement your own strategic debt philosophy.
-- Tom Anderson

From the Inside Flap
Virtually every CFO of a large company recognizes that both assets and debts can be sources of financial strength. Yet the vast majority of high-net-worth individuals are either perilously over-leveraged or, more commonly, tragically under-leveraged.

In this groundbreaking book, author Tom Anderson argues that, despite the reflex aversion most people have to debt—an aversion that is vociferously preached by most personal finance authors—wealthy individuals and families, as well as their financial advisors, have everything to gain and nothing to lose by learning to think holistically about debt, the way CFOs do.

Viewing amortization as the enemy of good financial sense, with only a few notable exceptions, Anderson explains why, if strategically deployed, debt can be of enormous long-term benefit in the management of individual and family wealth. More importantly, he schools you in time-tested strategies for using debt to steadily build wealth, to generate tax-efficient retirement income, to provide a reliable source of funds in times of crisis and financial setback, and more.

Taking a Strategic Debt approach to personal wealth management, he emphasizes the need to appreciate the value of "Indebted Strengths" and for acquiring the tools needed to take advantage of those strengths for increased liquidity, flexibility, leverage, and survivability.

But, as he explains, before you can begin to leverage your indebted strengths, you must first determine your optimal debt ratio, or what he refers to as your debt "sweet spot." To that end, he describes methods CFOs use to determine their companies' debt sweet spots, and he shows you how to apply those methods in finding yours.

Anderson then supplies you with a set of advanced techniques for leveraging your indebted strengths, including:


  • Capturing the spread, or, in other words, profiting from the difference between the value of an investment and cost of the debt incurred to make it
  • A discussion on second homes (including renting versus buying) and a framework for how much of a second home you can afford (and how much of it should be financed)
  • Better ways to purchase and finance cars, boats, and luxury items
  • How you can help your children and grandchildren by using your balance sheet
  • How access to the right kind of debt can help you and your family be better prepared for an emergency
  • The best way to do eldercare transitions including bridge loans for you or someone in your family
  • Alternative means of financing home improvements, college, real estate, raw land, and business investments
  • Ways to create tax-favored income in retirement and divorce

In The Value of Debt, Anderson proves that all else being equal, a lower volatility portfolio with some debt is better than a high-volatility portfolio with no debt. He also takes a balanced approach and has an in-depth discussion of the risks inherent in this strategy. This includes an overview of the different economic environments we could face and base case scenarios that all investors should be aware of.

In addition, on The Value of Debt companion website you'll find a proprietary tool for calculating your own optimal debt ratio. With inputs for assets and liabilities, it enables you to develop your personal wealth balance sheet and to compare it to examples provided by the author.

Offering a bold new vision of debt as a strategic asset in the management of individual and family wealth, The Value of Debt is an important resource for financial advisors, wealthy families, family offices, and professional investors.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (September 16, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1118758617
  • ISBN-13: 978-1118758618
  • Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches

More Details about The Value of Debt: How to Manage Both Sides of a Balance Sheet to Maximize Wealth, 1st Edition

Financial Management: Theory & Practice (with Thomson ONE - Business School Edition 1-Year Printed Access Card), 14th Edition, Eugene F. Brigham



Any suggestions for copywriter or provide generic description of the product to be used for the Internet or non-channel specific applications. NOTE: If you have a book only version for this product, it is imperative that you provide a description that does not include any references to package elements. Striking a balance between solid financial theory and practical applications, Brigham/Ehrhardt's FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: THEORY AND PRACTICE, 14e gives readers a thorough understanding of the essential concepts they need to develop and implement effective financial strategies. The book begins with a presentation of corporate finance fundamentals before progressing to discussions of specific techniques that are used to maximize the value of a firm. It also thoroughly explores the recent financial and economic crises and the role of finance in the business world and in readers' personal lives. With its relevant and engaging presentation, cutting-edge coverage, and numerous examples, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT help readers become First in Finance.

Review

"… [FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: THEORY & PRACTICE] complements the emphasis on case analyses in my Applied Financial Management and Financial Strategy and Valuation courses."

"I don't have background on finances, this book was very helpful. It comes with extra bonuses and excel exercises as well as online guidance."

About the Author

Dr. Eugene F. Brigham is Graduate Research Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida, where he has taught since 1971. Dr. Brigham received his M.B.A. and Ph.D. from the University of California-Berkeley and his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina. Prior to joining the University of Florida, Dr. Brigham held teaching positions at the University of Connecticut, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of California-Los Angeles. Dr. Brigham has served as president of the Financial Management Association and has written many journal articles on the cost of capital, capital structure, and other aspects of financial management. He has authored or co-authored ten textbooks on managerial finance and managerial economics that are used at more than 1,000 universities in the United States and have been translated into 11 languages worldwide. He has testified as an expert witness in numerous electric, gas, and telephone rate cases at both federal and state levels. He has served as a consultant to many corporations and government agencies, including the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, the U.S. Office of Telecommunications Policy, and the RAND Corporation. Dr. Brigham continues to teach, consult, and complete research in addition to his academic writing. He spends his spare time on the golf course, enjoying time with his family and dogs, and tackling outdoor adventure activities, such as biking through Alaska.

Dr. Michael C. Ehrhardt is a Professor in the Finance Department and is the Paul and Beverly Castagna Professor of Investments. He completed his undergraduate work in Civil Engineering at Swarthmore College. After working several years as an engineer, he earned his M.S. in Operations Research and Ph.D. in Finance from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Ehrhardt has taught extensively at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels in the areas of investments, corporate finance, and capital markets. He has directed and served on numerous dissertation committees and is a member of the team that developed and delivered the integrative first year of the MBA program. Dr. Ehrhardt teaches in Executive Education Programs and consults in the areas of corporate valuation, value-based compensation plans, financial aspects of supply-chain management, and the cost of capital. He has been awarded the Allen G. Keally Outstanding Teacher Award, the Tennessee Organization of MBA Students Outstanding Faculty member, the College of Business Administration Research & Teaching Award, and the John B. Ross Outstanding Teaching Award in the College of Business. Much of his research focuses on corporate valuation and asset pricing models, including pricing models for interest-rate sensitive instruments. His work has been published in numerous journals, including The Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Financial Management, The Financial Review, The Journal of Financial Research, and The Journal of Banking and Finance. He has also authored or co-authored several books addressing various areas of finance.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 1200 pages
  • Publisher: Cengage Learning; 14 edition (January 28, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1111972206
  • ISBN-13: 978-1111972202
  • Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 8.3 x 10.2 inches

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Monday, September 23, 2013

Essentials of Corporate Finance, 8th Edition, Stephen Ross



The integrated solutions for Ross’s Essentials of Corporate Finance have been specifically designed to help improve student performance, meaning that students are prepared for and engaged in class, and they can successfully solve problems and analyze the results. McGraw-Hill’s adaptive learning component, LearnSmart, provides assignable modules that help students master chapter core concepts and come to class more prepared. In addition, resources within Connect Plus help students solve financial problems and apply what they've learned. Ross Essentials’ succinct coverage, managerial focus, and strong end-of-chapter content combine with a complete digital solution to help your students achieve higher outcomes in the course.

About the Author
Stephen Ross is presently the Franco Modigliani Professor of Finance and Economics at the Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. One of the most widely published authors in finance and economics, Professor Ross is recognized for his work in developing the Arbitrage Pricing Theory and his substantial contributions to the discipline through his research in signaling, agency theory, option pricing, and the theory of the term structure of interest rates, among other topics. A past president of the American Finance Association, he currently serves as an associate editor of several academic and practitioner journals. He is a trustee of CalTech, a director of the College Retirement Equity Fund (CREF), and Freddie Mac. He is also the co-chairman of Roll and Ross Asset Management Corporation.

Randoloph W. Westerfield is Dean of the Marshall School of Business at University of Southern California and holder of the Robert R. Dockson Dean’s Chair of Business Administration. From 1988 to 1993, Professor Westerfield served as the chairman of the School’s finance and business economics department and the Charles B. Thornton Professor of Finance. He came to USC from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, where he was the chairman of the finance department and member of the finance faculty for 20 years. His areas of expertise include corporate financial policy, investment management and analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and stock market price behavior. Professor Westerfield has served as a member of the Continental Bank trust committee, supervising all activities of the trust department. He has been consultant to a number of corporations, including AT&T, Mobil Oil and Pacific Enterprises, as well as to the United Nations, the U.S. Department of Justice and Labor, and the State of California.

Bradford D. Jordan is Professor of Finance and Gatton Research Fellow in the Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky. He has a long-standing interest in both applied and theoretical issues in corporate finance, and has extensive experience teaching all levels of corporate finance and financial management policy. Professor Jordan has published numerous articles on issues such as cost of capital, capital structure, and the behavior of security prices.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 688 pages
  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill/Irwin; 8 edition (January 23, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0078034752
  • ISBN-13: 978-0078034756
  • Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 8 x 9.8 inches

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Economics of Money, Banking, and Financial Markets, 10th Edition, Frederic S. Mishkin



The historic economic events and financial crises of late 2008 have changed the entire landscape of money and banking. Having just served as Governor of the Federal Reserve, only Mishkin has the unique insider's perspective needed to present the current state of money and banking and explain the latest debates and issues for today’s students.

By applying a unified analytical framework to the models, The Economics of Money, Banking, and Financial Markets makes theory intuitive for students, and the rich array of current, real-world events keeps students motivated. Authoritative, comprehensive, and flexible, the text is easy to integrate into a wide variety of syllabi, and its ancillaries provide complete support when teaching the course.

Review
“The Mishkin text matters. The ideas and principles throughout the book are important for students and policymakers. The text is well organized, and I have never read any better explanation of economic principles.”
–J. Robert Gillette, University of Kentucky

“Mishkin’s textbook is informative, well-written, and approachable by both economics majors and non-majors.”
–Gabriele Camera, Purdue University

“Mishkin is by far the best book in the field. It is complete and exhaustive.”
–Joao Ricardo Faria, University of Texas—Dallas

“Mishkin is by far the most complete and concise reference on the market for students taking financial economics and monetary policy courses.”
–J. Reynolds, Northern Illinois University

“The quality of the writing style and the updated coverage of topics make this a great book.”
–Phillip Lane, Fairfield University

“I have my students telling me at the end of the semester [that] they have enjoyed reading the book.”
–Alla A. Melkumian, Western Illinois University

“[Mishkin] is relevant, challenging, and interesting. It provides clear explanations of monetary theory and policy. It is up-to-date. The Federal Reserve material features an insider’s perspective.”
–Linda Hooks, Washington and Lee University

“The use of economic analysis gives students a deeper understanding and attracts their interest. The extensive presentation of charts appeals to visual learners and the associated PowerPoint slides give instructors useful visual aids for classroom lectures.”
–Fiona Mclachlan, Manhattan College --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author
Frederic S. Mishkin is the Alfred Lerner Professor of Banking and Financial Institutions at the Graduate School of Business, Columbia University. He is also a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, and from September 2006 to August 2008 was a member (governor) of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. He has also been a Senior Fellow at the FDIC Center for Banking Research, and past President of the Eastern Economic Association. Since receiving his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976, he has taught at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Princeton University, and University Columbia. He has also received an honorary professorship from the Peoples (Renmin) University of China. From 1994 to 1997 he was Executive Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and an associate economist of the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve System. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 720 pages
  • Publisher: Prentice Hall; 10 edition (January 16, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0132770245
  • ISBN-13: 978-0132770248
  • Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 8.1 x 10 inches

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The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing. A Book of Practical Counsel, Revised Edition, Benjamin Graham



This classic text is annotated to update Graham's timeless wisdom for today's market conditions...
The greatest investment advisor of the twentieth century, Benjamin Graham, taught and inspired people worldwide. Graham's philosophy of "value investing" -- which shields investors from substantial error and teaches them to develop long-term strategies -- has made The Intelligent Investor the stock market bible ever since its original publication in 1949.

Over the years, market developments have proven the wisdom of Graham's strategies. While preserving the integrity of Graham's original text, this revised edition includes updated commentary by noted financial journalist Jason Zweig, whose perspective incorporates the realities of today's market, draws parallels between Graham's examples and today's financial headlines, and gives readers a more thorough understanding of how to apply Graham's principles. Vital and indispensable, this HarperBusiness Essentials edition of The Intelligent Investor is the most important book you will ever read on how to reach your financial goals.

Among the library of investment books promising no-fail strategies for riches, Benjamin Graham's classic, The Intelligent Investor, offers no guarantees or gimmicks but overflows with the wisdom at the core of all good portfolio management. The hallmark of Graham's philosophy is not profit maximization but loss minimization. In this respect, The Intelligent Investor is a book for true investors, not speculators or day traders. He provides, "in a form suitable for the laymen, guidance in adoption and execution of an investment policy" (1). This policy is inherently for the longer term and requires a commitment of effort. Where the speculator follows market trends, the investor uses discipline, research, and his analytical ability to make unpopular but sound investments in bargains relative to current asset value. Graham coaches the investor to develop a rational plan for buying stocks and bonds, and he argues that this plan must be a bulwark against emotional behavior that will always be tempting during abrupt bull and bear markets.

Since it was first published in 1949, Graham's investment guide has sold over a million copies and has been praised by such luminaries as Warren E. Buffet as "the best book on investing ever written." These accolades are well deserved. In its new form--with commentary on each chapter and extensive footnotes prepared by senior Money editor, Jason Zweig--the classic is now updated in light of changes in investment vehicles and market activities since 1972. What remains is a better book. Graham's sage advice, analytical guides, and cautionary tales are still valid for the contemporary investor, and Zweig's commentaries demonstrate the relevance of Graham's principles in light of 1990s and early twenty-first century market trends. --Patrick O'Kelley

Review
“By far the best book on investing ever written.” (Warren Buffett)
“If you read just one book on investing during your lifetime, make it this one” (Fortune)
“The wider Mr. Graham’s gospel spreads, the more fairly the market will deal with its public.” (Barron's)
"When I first came across the first edition of this book in my local library in 1959, I was a teenager. Back in those days there were only a handful of books about the stock market. And I've read all of them during my junior high and high school years. This latest updated 623-page paperback (the index alone is 33 pages) version updated by Jason Zweig is a welcome addition to this classic. The original chapters are intact, but with footnoted comments by Zweig. Moreover, he provides his own commentary on each chapter contents in a separate chapter following each original chapter. He provides extensive research, charts, tables and commentary that updates the book to the present years. He is not afraid to take on the big guns of Wall Street and show how wrong they were in some of their extremely bullish predictions during January-March 2000, when the market was at its peak. The first nine chapters cover investing basics that all investors could benefit from. There are many truisms spouted on Wall Street that are not really true. These chapters provide the investor with a realistic picture of how Wall Street works and what investors need to do to come out ahead. Chapters 10-20 focus strictly on fundamental analysis, stock selection, convertible issues and warrants, and other subjects. Investors who plan to invest directly in stocks should make sure to read these chapters. However, for readers more interested in investing in mutual funds, and in particular index funds, they need not concern themselves with all the detail in these chapters unless they have the time or interest in the subject matter presented. In conclusion, the combination of pioneer Ben Graham?s original work coupled with Zweig?s meticulous and enjoyable update, make this a remarkable book about investments and investor behavior that every new and experienced investor should read. Of the 500 investing books that I?ve read, this one certainly is one of the greats of all time."

About the Author
Benjamin Graham (1894-1976), the father of value investing, has been an inspiration for many of today's most successful businesspeople. He is also the author of Securities Analysis and The Interpretation of Financial Statements.

Product Details :
  • Paperback: 640 pages
  • Publisher: Collins Business; Revised edition (February 21, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0060555661
  • ISBN-13: 978-0060555665
  • Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 5.2 x 8.3 inches

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Friday, September 20, 2013

Asset Protection : Concepts and Strategies for Protecting Your Wealth, 1st Edition,



Strategies that are effective and legal for putting one’s assets safely out of reach
In today’s increasingly litigious world, the shielding of assets has become a prominent issue for financial planners, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals. Asset Protection details methods that are both legally and morally legitimate for protecting one’s assets from creditors, lawsuits, and scams.

Bringing economic common sense and legitimacy to an area that is drowning in gimmickry, two of today’s top lawyers examine the fundamental issues in this growing area, avoiding dense legalese to make the book accessible to anyone. Asset Protection covers everything readers want to know about:
  • Establishing an effective asset protection program
  • Today’s most popular, established strategies
  • Newer strategies that are still being resolved by the courts
A practitioner's guide to today's most effective asset protection strategies
Shielding assets isn't easy to do in our increasingly litigious society. Yet all too often, business owners and high-net-worth individuals find it more difficult to protect their financial interests from unregulated "asset protection planners" than from the courts--and find themselves losing heavily to both.

Asset Protection details today's most successful, legitimate, and court-proven strategies for protecting one's assets. Taking a unique, all-encompassing approach that minimizes complex legalese to focus on easy-to-understand, effective asset-shielding practices and techniques, this timely book discusses:

  • The goals of asset protection, along with steps for implementing an effective asset protection program
  • Traditional as well as new techniques--what they are, how they work, when and how to use them
  • The vital relationship between asset protection and financial planning, and how to design one umbrella program to address both

Asset Protection delivers a welcome dose of common sense and legitimacy to a field top-heavy with gimmickry and dishonesty. Written by two of today's top legal asset protection experts, it provides you with frank, pull-no-punches details on how to do everything under the law to shield assets from harm in an unpredictable and financially perilous world.

For professionals, business owners, and high net worth individuals, the danger in leaving assets vulnerable to the whims of courts and claimants is higher today than at any time in the past. And while seminar speakers often refer to "bulletproof" asset protection strategies, experienced asset protection planners know that no program or method exists that is effective in every situation--because as soon as a strategy is proven effective the attempts to undermine it will begin in earnest.

Asset Protection is today's most level-headed and technique-based look at how asset protection planning should be approached, both by the finance practitioner and the individual. It presents tools that have worked while warning against means that are inappropriate or even perilous, and provides guidelines for developing effective strategies that will work in both macro (broad) and micro (specific) situations.

Written by two of today's most experienced and authoritative asset protection attorneys, this results-driven book provides a detailed, objective look at all vital aspects of the asset protection picture:

  • Trusts--What they are, what they aren't, which to implement, and when
  • Bankruptcy law --Including pre-bankruptcy planning tactics
  • Fraudulent transfers--And the confusion underlying the Uniform Fraudulent Transfers Act (UFTA)
  • Offshore planning--How to make it financially effective, tax-compliant, and judicious
  • Asset exemption options--And the limits of exempt asset status

In addition, Asset Protection also goes beyond other books of its type to explore the issue of morality in asset protection, and how actions that are seemingly right under the law can still lead to defeat in the courtroom. It provides different scenarios to illustrate how moral dilemmas can impact judges and juries, and discusses how to address these situations--or, better yet, keep them from ever reaching the courtroom.

The future of asset protection is being written even as you read these words. Get the inside story on strategies for shielding assets both today and in the future, from everything from lawsuits and the IRS to creditors and even outright scams, in the comprehensive and indispensable Asset Protection.

About the Author
Jay Adkisson (Laguna Niguel, CA) is a wealth planner with experience as a lawyer in high-profile cases involving offshore assets. He has been favorably featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and other major publications.

Chris Riser (Atlanta, GA) is a U.S. tax attorney and director of the American Bar Association’s Asset Protection Planning Committee.


Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 324 pages
  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (June 18, 2004)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0071432167
  • ISBN-13: 978-0071432160
  • Product Dimensions: 1.1 x 6.2 x 9.1 inches

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The Fundamentals of Municipal Bonds, 5th Edition, The Bond Market Association



This informative volume is an update of the long-heralded classic text on the municipal securities market. Written by Judy Wesalo Temel for The Bond Market Association–the leading trade association that represents the players in this market and whose members underwrite 90% of all municipal bonds–this newly revised Fifth Edition deals comprehensively with the many recent developments in the municipal securities market. It provides a basic understanding of the market for a wide range of readers, including experienced professionals, public officials, private investors, academicians, and students. Major changes covered here include:
•The explosive growth of technology and e-commerce
•New disclosure regulations
•Size and composition of the business
•Size and composition of investors
•The use of credit enhancement
•The use of financial products

Along with the addition of an extensive new glossary of municipal terminology and a bibliography, The Fundamentals of Municipal Bonds provides detailed explanations and a variety of relevant examples to illuminate crucial areas such as:
•The Basics of Municipal Securities
•The Issuers
•The Primary and Secondary Markets
•Investing in Bonds
•Credit Analysis and Understanding Interest Rates
•Disclosure and Regulatory Requirements
•Financial Products

Illustrated with numerous tables, charts, and mathematical formulas, this indispensable volume serves as a guide, reference work, and portal to the municipal securities industry. No investor or student of the market can afford to be without this Fifth Edition.

From the Back Cover
Praise for the Classic Guide to the Bond Market
"This is simply the most comprehensive, useful look-it-up book on municipal bonds I’ve ever read (said with all due respect to The ABC of Municipal Bonds my dad wrote in 1937 when I was nine). Read Fundamentals cover to cover. I’m keeping mine in my briefcase, under my arm, at my fingertips. No accountant, financial advisor, attorney, new bond salesman, reporter, regulator, test-writer, cautious, suspicious first-time investor in municipal bonds, or dinner guest is ever going to catch me again with a question about municipal bonds I can’t answer."–Jim Lebenthal, Chairman, Lebenthal & Co.

"Judy Wesalo Temel gives us the Rosetta stone of the municipal bond market, the key to unraveling the many mysteries of ‘muni’s.’ Her book, a fresh take on the old standard Fundamentals of Municipal Bonds, updates chapter and verse on everything from investing to underwriting, from over-the-counter to over-the-Internet. The style is clean, crisp, and as simple as this complex subject can be. Are you a novice who wonders how to invest in bonds? She lays out the basics. Examples are easy to follow–even the mathematical ones that are critical to explaining how municipal bonds work. At the same time, there is plenty of meat for the pros. Whether you need to start from square one and learn all about municipal bonds and how they work, or need a ready reference for specific technical questions you run across as a market professional, this book is for you."–Kathleen Hays, Economics Editor, Credit Markets Reporter, and "Bond Belle" CNBC

"This is a must-read for every scholar, banker, and public official concerned with local government finance in the United States. Judy Wesalo Temel has done the impossible: she has clearly and insightfully explained how we finance the development of the nation's vital public infrastructure. This is an important book, one that will be required reading for professionals responsible for planning, designing, and evaluating publicly financed projects–the health care, transportation, and educational facilities that all citizens rely upon. The bond market is an essential element in the life of local and state government, and this book makes it understandable to all Americans."–Mitchell Moss, Henry Hart Rice Professor of Urban Planning and Director, Taub Urban Research Center, Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University

About the Author
THE BOND MARKET ASSOCIATION is the trade association representing securities firms and banks that underwrite, trade, and sell debt securities, both domestically and internationally. The Bond Market Association actively speaks for the bond industry, advocating its position and representing its interests in Washington, D.C., New York, Europe, and Asia. The Association's membership collectively accounted for over 97% of the nation's bond underwriting activity in 1999. For more information about the Association, visit www. bondmarkets.com.
JUDY WESALO TEMEL has spent her career in the municipal bond business, on both the broker-dealer and issuer sides. She worked for seventeen years at Goldman, Sachs & Co., following employment at Lehman Brothers, and the Office of the Comptroller of the City of New York. She serves on the boards of several large not-for-profit agencies and speaks and writes widely about many aspects of the business. Temel is a graduate of Cornell University and holds an MPA from New York University.

Product Details :
  • Series: Wiley Finance
  • Hardcover: 240 pages
  • Publisher: Wiley; 5 edition (January 5, 2001)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0471393657
  • ISBN-13: 978-0471393658
  • Product Dimensions: 1 x 6.5 x 9.5 inches

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Introduction to Corporate Finance: What Companies Do, 3rd Edition, John Graham



Get closer to finance as it's actually practiced today with the powerful approach from award-winning authors John Graham and Scott Smart found in INTRODUCTION TO CORPORATE FINANCE: WHAT COMPANIES DO, 3E. Theoretically sound yet practically relevant, INTRODUCTION TO CORPORATE FINANCE, 3E integrates examples throughout to emphasize the roles of financial managers and CFOs and show how financial management actually works in today's real companies. This book's accessible, inviting approach gives finance majors the solid foundation they need while remaining relevant to the large number of non-majors in your course. Timely real examples and the latest material on the recent financial crisis, innovative online learning tools, and an integrated approach enable you to keep students of varying degrees of ability both motivated and involved. New author John Graham, one of the most prolific and widely cited scholars in finance today, brings new emphasis to connecting real-life corporate finance to everyday life.

About the Author
John Graham is the D. Richard Mead Professor of Finance at Duke University where he also serves as the Director of the CFO Global Business Outlook survey. He is coeditor of the Journal of Finance and has published more than four dozen scholarly articles in journals such as the Journal of Financial Economics, the Review of Financial Studies, the Journal of Finance, the Journal of Accounting and Economics, and many others. His papers have won multiple research awards, including the Jensen Prize for the best corporate finance paper published in the Journal of Financial Economics and the Brattle prize for the best corporate finance paper in the Journal of Finance. Professor Graham is also a Research Associate with the National Bureau of Economic Research, Vice President of the Western Finance Association, and been recognized for outstanding teaching and faculty contributions at Duke and the University of Utah.

Dr. Scott B. Smart is the Whirlpool Finance Faculty Fellow at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He has published articles in scholarly journals such as the Journal of Finance, the Journal of Financial Economics, the Journal of Accounting and Economics, the Accounting Review, and the Review of Economics and Statistics. His research has been cited by the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Business Week, and other major newspapers and periodicals. Dr. Smart holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University and has been recognized as a master teacher, winning more than a dozen teaching awards. Some of his many consulting clients include Intel and Unext.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 736 pages
  • Publisher: Cengage Learning; 3 edition (November 23, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1111222282
  • ISBN-13: 978-1111222284
  • Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 8.6 x 10.9 inches

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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Numerical Methods in Economics, 1st Edition, Kenneth L. Judd



To harness the full power of computer technology, economists need to use a broad range of mathematical techniques. In this book, Kenneth Judd presents techniques from the numerical analysis and applied mathematics literatures and shows how to use them in economic analyses.The book is divided into five parts. Part I provides a general introduction. Part II presents basics from numerical analysis on R^n,including linear equations, iterative methods, optimization, nonlinear equations, approximation methods, numerical integration and differentiation, and Monte Carlo methods. Part III covers methods for dynamic problems, including finite difference methods, projection methods, and numerical dynamic programming. Part IV covers perturbation and asymptotic solution methods. Finally, Part V covers applications to dynamic equilibrium analysis, including solution methods for perfect foresight models and rational expectation models. A web site contains supplementary material including programs and answers to exercises.

Review
"Judd's book is a masterpiece which will help transform the way economictheory is done. It harnesses the computer revolution in the service ofeconomic theory by collecting together a whole array of numerical methodsto simulate and quantify models that used to be purely algebraic andqualitative." Avinash K. Dixit , Sherrerd University Professor of Economics, Princeton University

About the Author
Kenneth L. Judd is a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution.

This is the type of book I've been looking for for a long time: It tells you directly what problems are solved by numerical approximation, what methods have been developed for such applications, how to use them, what to watch out for and most importantly, what "tricks" are available to make things easier - this is something you will never pick up in an academic paper and in very few courses.

The structure is very illuminating: simple examples of common problems are followed by generalized versions which are usefull for anyone to apply to their own work. Care is taken to point out the strenghts and weaknesses of various procedures so that the best one can be selected.

As to the critisisms that it does not go deep enough: its not supposed to. It covers in enough detail most (all) of the important methods used by the top economic researchers today, and if the problem you are working on requires more detail than is in the text, precise and extensive references are provided to further understand that particular area.

A very practical and forthright book.


Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 633 pages
  • Publisher: The MIT Press (October 27, 1998)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0262100711
  • ISBN-13: 978-0262100717
  • Product Dimensions: 1.1 x 7.1 x 9.1 inches

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Saturday, September 14, 2013

Microeconomic Theory: Basic Principles and Extensions, 9th Edition, Walter Nicholson


Nicholson's Microeconomic Theory: Basic Principles and Extensions, 9th edition is a tried-and-true, well-known and respected market-leading text. Applauded for providing the most clear and accurate presentation of advanced microeconomic concepts, it offers an ideal level of mathematical rigor for upper level undergraduate students and beginning graduate students. It gives students the opportunity to work directly with theoretical tools, real-world applications, and cutting edge developments in the study of microeconomics. This text is solid, rigorous, comprehensive, and is sensibly challenging for users.

Walter Nicholson is the Ward H. Patton Professor of Economics at Amherst College. He received his B.A. in mathematics from Williams College and his Ph.D. in economics from MIT. Professor Nicholson's principal research interests are in the econometric analyses of labor market problems including unemployment, job training, and the impact of international trade. Professor Nicholson and his wife, Susan, live in Amherst, Massachusetts, and Naples, Florida. What was previously a very busy household, with four children everywhere, is now rather empty, with only one rather aged Labrador retriever still underfoot. But an ever-increasing number of grandchildren breathe some life into these places whenever they visit, which seems far too seldom.

I used this book for my first graduate microeconomic theory course and really have to compliment my professor for making an excellent choice. Although I`m sure there are much more rigorous books on the subject out there, like the Mas-Collel et al., when viewed in its own right, Nicholson`s book is hard to top. The book deserves the greatest merit for not being wordy; all points are covered briefly and to the point with many sample problems that are challenging and further the understanding of the material. Finally, I think the author deserves some praise for the mathematical notation, too. He uses conventional notation that econ students are accustomed to from their first math econ courses and doesn`t try to show what a rocket scientist he is, by trying to confuse people. Anyone with a solid background in basic calculus should be able to get through the book on their own. Almost all steps are presented clearly and even in those rare cases where that`s not the case, the student is able to figure out what`s going on easily. I can only recommend buying this book. For people requiring more rigour and coverage, get an advanced theory text, but for first year graduate students and those who need a quick review for more advanced courses, Nicholson`s text is a great point of departure and shouldn`t be missing on any serious economics student`s book shelf.


Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 671 pages
  • Publisher: South-Western College Pub; 9 edition (April 23, 2004)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0324270860
  • ISBN-13: 978-0324270860
  • Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.9 x 1.2 inches

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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Financial Institutions and Markets, 2nd Edition, Meir Kohn


Why do financial institutions and markets have the structure they do? Why is that structure changing? These questions are central to the scope and purpose of Meir G. Kohn's Financial Institutions and Markets, 2/e. Unlike most books designed for financial markets and institutions courses, this successful text focuses on the "why" of existing and evolving markets and instruments as well as the "how."

Financial Institutions and Markets, 2/e, makes clear the general principles and economic functions underlying all financial intermediaries. It provides a thorough discussion of the specifics of banking, insurance, pension funds, and mutual funds. In a similar fashion, the book elucidates the general principles and economic functions common to all financial markets and offers an in-depth look at the specifics of the particular markets for government securities, mortgages, corporate debt, equity, and derivatives. The final section addresses the management of liquidity and risk and discusses the safety, stability, and regulation of financial intermediaries and financial markets.
Each chapter begins with a list of study objectives and concludes with a summary. Key terms are listed at the end of each chapter and defined in marginal glossaries as they occur in the text. End-of-chapter questions are included to provide a stimulus for discussion. Accessible to a wide range of students, Financial Institutions and Markets, 2/e, is ideal for courses in financial institutions, financial markets, or a combination of institutions and markets at either the undergraduate or graduate level.

In this second edition, Meir Kohn addresses the structure of financial institutions and markets and investigates why and how existing markets are evolving. The book emphasizes a functional focus on financial intermediaries and markets such as government securities, mortgage, corporate debt, equity markets, derivatives, and market microstructure. Chapters cover liquidity and risk, regulation, and developing financial systems."--Journal of Macroeconomics

Great book. Very clear and concise. Good, clear examples. This is the best book for someone seeking to understand how the financial markets really work.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 704 pages
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2 edition (July 3, 2003)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0195134729
  • ISBN-13: 978-0195134728
  • Product Dimensions: 1.3 x 7.6 x 9.4 inches

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Thursday, August 1, 2013

Contemporary Strategy Analysis: Text and Cases, 8th Edition, Robert M. Grant


The current and previous editions of Contemporary Strategy Analysis have seen this title become established as one of the leading strategic management textbooks in many different markets across the world. It has been adopted very widely on MBA level courses, for which it was primarily written, and also on a considerable number of undergraduate level courses. The success of this title reflects the very high esteem and regard in which Rob Grant is held across the international community of strategic management academics.


The success of earlier editions has been carried through to the current edition on which there have been two major changes: firstly, a WileyPLUS course has been developed offering a much richer collection of resources than were previously available, and secondly, a combined text and cases version of the book has been made available for the first time which has allowed us to compete more effectively against Johnson, Scholes & Whittington, the market-leading title from Pearson in the EMEA market.


This plan for the eighth edition of Contemporary Strategy Analysis has two main objectives: firstly, to further consolidate and increase our market share on MBA and Masters level courses in strategic management, and, secondly, to link in with our planned publication of Foundations of Strategy from Rob Grant and Judith Jordan which has been written and developed for the undergraduate level and also for those Masters level courses that require a briefer and more accessible coverage of the subject than is provided in Contemporary Strategy Analysis. We aim to develop a coordinated strategy for the development and publication of both titles which enables us to maximize the use of resources and online materials. This strategy also includes the development of an extensive global collection of online resources for strategic management courses that will be made available to support both titles and also other future strategy titles that will be published by other Wiley locations.


We do not propose to publish the cases only version of Grant as a separate print version and will make these cases available for sale online.

From the Back Cover
"In the strategic management textbook jungle, Contemporary Strategy Analysis stands up by its clarity and completeness. Its fluid style and vivid case examples will help students at all levels to easily grasp even the most complex issues."
—Olivier Furrer, Nijmegen School of Management, The Netherlands

"I read a few strategy books but put them all down after I bought this one. This is a clearly written, well-crafted book that eloquently combines theory with real-world examples in an easy-to-understand and compelling way."
—Amazon student review of the 7th edition

Robert M. Grant combines a highly accessible writing style with a concentration on the fundamentals of value creation and an emphasis on practicality. In this eighth edition, he includes an even greater focus on strategy implementation that reflects the needs of firms to reconcile scale economies with entrepreneurial flexibility, innovation with cost efficiency, and globalization with local responsiveness. The latest edition also incorporates some of the key strategic challenges of today including: post-financial crisis adjustment; the continuing rise of China, India, and Brazil; and the increased emphasis on ethics and sustainability. Additional coverage is provided on strategy adopted by not-for-profit organizations.

This text and cases combined volume includes over twenty full-length cases all written by Robert Grant, enabling students to apply concepts and techniques of strategy analysis to real-life situations. The cases, which have been completely updated, include several entirely new to this edition.

Contemporary Strategy Analysis, Eighth Edition, is suitable for both MBA and advanced undergraduate students. The textbook has been adopted by leading business schools all across the world.

Visit www.contemporarystrategyanalysis.com to access your free interactive e-book, including case and author video clips, quizzes, and glossary flashcards. Resources for instructors include an instructor’s manual, case teaching notes, test bank, teaching slides, case video clips, and extra cases.

About the Author
Robert M. Grant is the Eni Professor of Strategic Management at Bocconi University in Milan, and a Visiting Professor at Georgetown University and City University, London.
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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Contemporary Strategy Analysis, 7th Edition, Robert M. Grant


The publisher merely released a lazy ecopy for the Kindle edition without thinking of how we would read it or interact with the content. You can't read any of the graphics on the Kindle for Mac edition (don't even think about it for my Kindle touch). This is where the 'experience' of reading needs to evolve from a publishers perspective and they need to think about it not as a book but the ability to consume everything from a users' experience perspective. I would get more out of an actual .pdf exact copy file than this kindle copy. The kindle version is worthless... I had to revert to the actual book to read and follow along. I uploaded pictures comparing the two... Quite frustrating.

For this to to be a book on strategy, they failed to understand the contemporary strategy surrounding consuming the content.

If you like to read books with coherent sentences, pick a different book. "Grammatically incorrect" is the best description I can give. The editor needs to be replaced considering this was the seventh attempt. Better luck on the eighth version.

Grant discusses industry evolution and strategic choices faced by several businesses including Madonna, Laura Ashley Holdings Plc, US airline industry, Ford and world automobile industry, Wal-mart, Manchester United, Eastman Kodak, Royal Dutch Shell, Harley Davidson, Raisio Group, Video game industry, Eni SpA, Birds Eye and US frozen food industry, Outback Steakhouse, Euro Disney, Virgin Group, GE (under both Jack Welch and Jeff Immelt), and AES Corporation. It was fun finding the rich details of each case in one place rather than hunt for them amongst multiple sources.

I liked Mr. Grant's readable style and enjoyed the reading of the text from cover to cover. Just waiting for the time when hard copies will be available for Kindle. Many times I'm off on travel and would like to take some references with me, but weight restrictions prohibit it from traveling with me.

I picked this up for a course on business strategy and enjoyed reading it. there some good information and the book is easy to read. amazon's buy back program is awesome and i sold the textbook back when the class was over since the book wasn't worth holding on to.

Product Details :
  • Paperback: 516 pages
  • Publisher: Wiley; 7th edition (February 9, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0470747102
  • ISBN-13: 978-0470747100
  • Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 7.6 x 9.7 inches

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Strategy and the Business Landscape, 3rd Edition, Pankaj E. Ghemawat


From the Back Cover

Strategy and the Business Landscape: Core Concepts offers a contemporary yet historically grounded perspective on the field of strategy. Pankaj Ghemawat in association with David. J. Collins, Jan W. Rivkin, and Gary P. Pisano, provides firm-centered and value-based logic to bridge some of the great debates about strategy today. Always practical, while still rigorous, key concepts are laid out succinctly and illustrated with rich examples, often drawn from the author team's rich professional experience.

This text represents the core concepts of Harvard's required Competition and Strategy course offered at the Harvard Business School.

About the Author

Pankaj Ghemawat is the Jaime and Josefina Chua Tiampo Professor of Business Administration at Harvard University's Graduate School of Business Administration and Head of the Strategy Unit. He received his Ph.D. in Business Economics from Harvard University, he worked as a consultant with McKinsey & Company in London during 1982 and 1983, and has taught at the Harvard Business School since then. In 1991, he was appointed the youngest full professor in the Business School's history. One strand of his research and teaching focuses on the dynamics of globalization and generic strategies for international firms. Another strand of his work is concerned with foundational issues in business strategy, particularly work on the topics of competitive dynamics, business scope, and complexity.

Professor Ghemawat's publications include Commitment (Free Press, 1991), Games Businesses Play (MIT Press, 1997), and Strategy and the Business Landscape (Addison Wesley Longman, 1999), as well as several dozen articles and case studies. He serves on the editorial boards of Management Science, Journal of International Business Studies, the Journal of Economics and Management Strategy, LongRange Planning, the Strategic Management Journal, and Strategic Organization.

Pankaj Ghemawat is the Anselmo Rubiralta Professor of Global Strategy at IESE Business School. Between 1983 and 2006, he served on the faculty at the Harvard Business School where, in 1991, he became the youngest person in the school's history to be appointed a full professor. And before that, he earned his A.B. degree in Applied Mathematics and his Ph.D. in Business Economics from Harvard.

Ghemawat was also the youngest "guru" included in the guide to the greatest management thinkers of all time published in 2008 by The Economist. His books include Commitment, Games Businesses Play, Strategy and the Business Landscape and the award-winning Redefining Global Strategy, which The New York Times called " a nicely revised picture of globalization as regionalization."

He is the author of more than 100 research articles and case studies, ranks as one of the world's best-selling authors of teaching cases, and has been elected a fellow of the Academy of International Business and of the Strategic Management Society. Other recent honors include the McKinsey Award for the best article published in the Harvard Business Review and the Irwin Award for the Educator of the Year from the Business Policy and Strategy division of the Academy of Management.

Ghemawat is active in helping companies, governments, multilateral institutions, and business schools better understand and address international opportunities and challenges. He consults on strategy and leadership development around the world and is a regular speaker on globalization-related topics. He also served on the taskforce appointed by the AACSB, the U.S.-based accreditation body for business schools, on the Globalization of Management Education, and authored the report's recommendations concerning what to teach about globalization, and how.


Product Details :
  • Paperback: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Prentice Hall; 3 edition (July 12, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0136015557
  • ISBN-13: 978-0136015550
  • Product Dimensions: 0.3 x 7 x 9 inches

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Financial Accounting: An Introduction to Concepts, Methods and Uses, 14 Edition


Roman L. Weil, Ph.D., CPA, is the V. Duane Rath Professor Emeritus of Accounting at the University of Chicago and has within recent years been Visiting Professor at the Haas School of the University of California, Berkeley; Carnegie Mellon University; Harvard Law School; Princeton University; and New York University. He has designed and implemented continuing education programs for partners at two of the large accounting firms and for employees at several operating corporations. Dr. Weil has co-authored dozens of books. His lay articles have appeared in Barron's and The Wall Street Journal. He has published more than 80 articles in academic and professional journals, most recently on financial literacy for corporate governance and on the exposure of wine snobbery.

Katherine Schipper is the Thomas F. Keller Professor of Accounting at the Duke University, Fuqua School of Business. She is a former Board member of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), a past president of the American Accounting Association and a winner of its Outstanding Educator award, and a member of the Accounting Hall of Fame.

Jennifer Francis is the Douglas and Josie Breeden Doctoral Professor of Accounting and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty at the Duke University Fuqua School of Business. Her research and teaching expertise in financial reporting, equity valuation, and security analysts' role in the capital markets has led to over a dozen teaching awards.

While this book does cover a significant amount, I will 100% echo the other commenters on here and say that it is downright dreadful. This material is confusing to someone w/o a background in accounting and finance, and instead of taking the path of explaining the concepts in a simplified format, the authors decided to throw in needless technical explanations that distract the reader from the core concepts.

In one example, and end-of-chapter question has the elements of a balance sheet mixed up with blanks that you fill in. Great way to learn the concept, but the authors decided to randomize the items so that they don't flow logically. Ultimately filling in the blanks is just simple addition and subtraction, but they added a layer of confusion that just gets in the way and distracts you from learning the concept with frustration.

If you can't get out of purchasing this book or convince your professor to go with a different book, do yourself a favor and purchase "Accounting Made Simple" (below) too, and read it before you read chapter #1. It's only $5 and will explain in 2 pages what takes "Financial Accounting: An Introduction to Concepts, Methods and Uses" 20 pages. Investopedia.com will also become your good friend.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 864 pages
  • Publisher: Cengage Learning; 14 edition (November 8, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1111823456
  • ISBN-13: 978-1111823450
  • Product Dimensions: 1.3 x 8.4 x 10.8 inches

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Saturday, July 27, 2013

Macroeconomics: Understanding the Global Economy, Hardcover, 3rd Edition, David Miles


Macroeconomics: Understanding the Global Economy, 3rd Edition is to help students – and indeed anyone – understand contemporary and past economic events that shape the world we live in, and at a sophisticated level. But it does so without focusing on mathematical techniques and models for their own sake.
Theory is taken seriously – so much so that the authors go to pains to understand the key aspects of theories in a way that will not put people off before they see how theories are useful to analyse issues. The authors believe that theories are essential to better understand the world, thus the book includes a wealth of historic and current episodes and data to both see how theories can help interpret the world and also to judge their validity.

Economies today are very inter-connected; what happens in China matters pretty much everywhere; and what happens in one (even small) country in the euro zone has implications for the whole euro area and beyond, consequently Macroeconomics, 3rd Edition adopts a very international focus.

I bought this book for my Macroeconomics course for my MBA. The book is really good since it covers all aspects related with GDP, business cycles, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and unemployment, and so on. It's an easy reading, with recent information and data not only from US but also from other countries. Must read for those who are interested in business.


Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 622 pages
  • Publisher: Wiley; 3 edition (May 21, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1119995728
  • ISBN-13: 978-1119995722
  • Product Dimensions: 1.1 x 7.5 x 9.6 inches

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