Science reassures, art disturbs (Proverb) This intriguing exploration of underlying forces in decision making takes as its starting point a wealth of high profile decision disasters. In brilliantly readable analyses, Helga Drummond shows how better awareness of the inherent uncertainties of the decision making process could have made the outcomes very different. Examples showcased include: The Hatfield rail crash The Kursk submarine disaster The Challenger disaster The year 2000 fuel crisis The WWII Dardanelles expedition The Barings Bank collapse The Taurus Stock Exchange Project The Hillsborough tragedy The King's Cross underground fire The Millennium Dome This entertaining yet instructive book offers new insight into the realities of decision making, and shows how you can confront them to improve your prospects of success.
This book discusses how computers are shaping contemporary society, with a tight focus on the role of corporations and governments. It is aimed at government policymakers interested in economic development and at private-sector managers who routinely make decisions to acquire and use information technology, now a worldwide expenditure of over $2 trillion annually. The book will also interest a wide range of academics concerned with the sociology, history, economics, and the effects of IT on contemporary society, ands to the general trade market.
The ability to manage change-management processes depends on individual skills and organisational culture. These skills have to be increased and practiced; in this perspective, the reading and analysis of this casebook can generate mental training about innovation. In order to look for common problems and solutions for implementing managerial development, a rich portfolio of European cases, with at least one representative for every European component, is presented. Typically comparative works select different countries according to criteria such as English speaking, countries from the same region or industrialised countries. This book looks at comparative differences but also has sufficient cultural, social, political and economic homogeneity. Comparisons are more useful and easier to understand due to common implementation difficulties and possible change strategies. A general introduction leads on to some theoretical background, which presents the Editors’ thinking about strategy, change management and the strategic approach to change management, representing the framework at the core of the book. A guide through the European examples introduces the cases themselves. Teaching notes on how to position the case, learning objectives, question discussion, case analysis and further reference are provided in order to show teachers and trainers how to use each individual case. This book is a tool for discussion and a framework to structure a debate about the evaluation of managerial evolution, providing trainers, students and practitioners with an instrument to understand how to face the difficulties each change management process is affected by.
Praise for International and U.S. IPO Planning «Perhaps the greatest value of Frederick Lipman's new book on initial public offerings derives—as its title indicates—from the emphasis that it places on planning. Lipman makes abundantly clear that an IPO is not something to be rushed into by every fledgling firm, as was typical during the dot.com boom of the late 1990s. Indeed, his extensive treatment of the many aspects of preparing a company for an IPO, particularly the non financial aspects, helps the reader to focus on the most important question of all: Is an IPO appropriate for a given company? Somewhat uniquely, Lipman then asks the further question of whether an international IPO might be appropriate for that company even if a domestic one were not. By doing so, he has made a real contribution to this literature.» —Kenneth C. Froewiss, Clinical Professor of Finance, NYU Stern School of Business «We are operating in a global environment in nearly every aspect of business, and structuring/planning for an IPO is no different. The recent changes in regulations for U.S.– listed companies have raised the cost of access of U.S.-listed IPO capital, making foreign exchanges much more attractive. Fred Lipman has created a wonderful guide for managers to seriously access this option for their business. I also hope his book is a wake-up call to U.S. regulators on their impact on the competitiveness of U.S. securities markets.» —Bob Hellman, Managing Partner & CEO, American Infrastructure MLP Funds «This book will be of immense value to the companies planning an IPO. I am particularly struck by the research done by the author, which, in my opinion, makes it an authentic guide for private companies not only in the U.S. but also in Asia, particularly India and China, where a huge opportunity awaits companies to mature into sustainable enterprises by involving a large section of society in their IPO.» —M.K. Chouhan, Chairman, Mahendra & Young Knowledge Foundation, and Vice Chairman of Global Advisory Board, Asian Centre for Corporate Governance «This book contains valuable suggestions for advanced planning for both U.S. and international IPOs and belongs in the library of every entrepreneur and business executive.» —William C. Tyson, Associate Professor, Legal Studies, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania 8 crucial steps to planning a successful IPO International and U.S. IPO Planning outlines the eight step-by-step techniques all private companies must follow to prepare for a successful IPO, either in the U.S. or internationally. From advance planning techniques for both an international and U.S. IPO, to growing a business through acquisitions and «roll-ups» prior to an IPO, to deterring unwanted suitors by inserting carefully placed provisions into the charter, and so much more, International and U.S. IPO Planning provides a wealth of practical and insightful guidance to help the private company go public, regardless of its size or location.
Filled with pragmatic insights, proactive strategies, and best practices, The New CFO Financial Leadership Manual, Second Edition is destined to become your essential desktop companion. This thorough guidebook is essential reading for the CFO requiring an overview of strategies, measurement and control systems, financial analysis tools, funding sources, and management improvement tips.
The world's leading companies have realized that success in the long term requires them not only to make an economic profit, but also to contribute to the societies in which they operate. As a result Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has moved to the top of the business agenda. Yet questions remain. Sceptics ask whether, provided an organization's activities conform to legislation, there is a business case for going beyond this. This unique Handbook from the Institute for Corporate Culture Affairs (ICCA) offers an invaluable combination of lessons learned and best practice for the future. It explores the general concept of CSR, investigates approaches to implementation and provides first-hand insights from well-known CEOs, academics and organizations. Above all it stresses the fact that CSR must spring from a corporate culture, implying values and norms which in themselves endorse sustainable ways of doing business. Without this shift of emphasis from shareholder returns to sustainable value, CSR can never be more than a diversion. Featuring contributions from Ben Verwaayen (CEO, BT Group), Fujio Mitarai (President and CEO, Canon), Sir Geoffrey Chandler (Founder, Amnesty International Business Group) and Yoshio Shirai (Managing Director, Toyota), as well as experiences from inside leading organizations like Volkswagen, Credit Suisse, The Body Shop and the UK Government, The ICCA Handbook of Corporate Social Responsibility showcases CEOs and companies that have seized the opportunities offered by CSR. It is intended to stimulate further exchange and development in the field. For now, it captures the state of the CSR art. The Board of Editors who have worked on this book include Katja Böhmer, Aron Ghebremariam, Judith Hennigfeld, Sandra S. Huble, Dirk Matten, Manfred Pohl, Nick Tolhurst & Wayne Visser
In this book Jonathan Garner and his colleagues at Credit Suisse First Boston, argue that by 2014 the Chinese consumer will likely have displaced the US consumer as the engine of growth in the global economy. Government policy is rebalancing demand within the Chinese economy from investment spending to consumption spending. Strong trend economic growth over the cycle, a rise in the consumption to GDP ratio and steady exchange rate appreciation will likely generate an 18% compound annual growth rate in the US dollar value of Chinese consumption spending over the next ten years and lead to a quadrupling in China's share of global consumption spending. In order to identify the companies and brands which are best placed to succeed in China's rapidly developing mass consumer market, Garner and his colleagues discuss the results of the first comprehensive survey of consumer attitudes and preferences to have been conducted in China, covering 2,700 persons in eight major Chinese cities. This survey provides valuable data for the business executive or academic seeking detailed local information on sectors including automobiles, beverages, electronic goods, financial services, food producers, food retail, food services, household & personal care, luxury goods, telecommunication equipment, tobacco, and transport and leisure travel. «China is likely to be the single most important influence on the fortunes of investors and corporates alike over the next five years, and yet little is known of what motivates and drives the Chinese consumer. By canvassing the people that matter and reflect the changing face of this massive country, Jonathan Garner has provided investors with a unique insight.» Philip Ehrmann, Head of Pacific & Emerging Markets, Gartmore Investment Management Plc.
This book presents the main valuation approaches that can be used to value financial institutions. By sketching 1) the different business models of banks (both commercial and investment banks) and insurance companies (life, property and casualty and reinsurance); 2) the structure and peculiarities of financial institutions’ reporting and financial statements; and 3) the main features of regulatory capital frameworks for banking and insurance (ie Basel III, Solvency II), the book addresses why such elements make the valuation of financial institutions different from the valuation of non-financial companies. The book then features the valuation models that can be used to determine the value of banks and insurance companies including the Discounted Cash Flow, Dividend Discount Model, and Residual Income Model (with the appropriate estimation techniques for the cost of capital and cash flow in financial industries). The main techniques to perform the relative valuation of financial institutions are then presented: along the traditional multiples (P/E, P/BV, P/TBV, P/NAV), the multiples based on industry-specific value drivers are discussed (for example, P/Pre Provision Profit, P/Deposits, P/Premiums, P/Number of branches). Further valuation tools such as the “Value Maps” or the “Warranted Equity Method” will be explained and discussed. The closing section of the book will briefly focus on the valuation of specific financial companies/vehicles such as closed-end funds, private equity funds, leasing companies, etc.
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO NAVIGATING TODAY'S FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY From «one-stop shopping» for financial services to major structural shifts within the industry, rapid changes in information technology, trends toward business combinations, statutory laws, and global competition have contributed to breaking down the geographic and product barriers that once separated traditional financial institutions from other financial entities. This complete authoritative resource is designed for all financial professionals involved in business valuations, mergers, and acquisitions, and includes: How operations are regulated How organizations are valued and why they merge Related accounting standards Merger and acquisition processes The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999 Target bank analysis and tax requirements . . . and much more. Written by an expert in the field, Financial Institutions, Valuations, Mergers, and Acquisitions is an essential tool for keeping up with the increasing and crucial changes in the financial services industry.
The definitive guide to capital markets regulatory compliance Governance, Compliance, and Supervision in the Capital Markets demystifies the regulatory environment, providing a practical, flexible roadmap for compliance. Banks and financial services firms are under heavy regulatory scrutiny, and must implement comprehensive controls to comply with new rules that are changing the way they conduct business. This book provides a way forward, with clear, actionable guidance that strengthens governance at all levels, and balances supervisory and compliance requirements with the need to do business. From regulatory schemes to individual roles and responsibilities, this invaluable guide details the most pressing issues in today's financial services organizations, and provides expert advice. The ancillary website provides additional tools and guidance, including checklists, required reading, and sample exercises that help strengthen understanding and ease real-world implementation. Providing both a broad overview of governance, compliance, and supervision, as well as detailed guidance on application, this book presents a solid framework for firms seeking a practical approach to meeting the new requirements. Understand the importance of governance and «Tone at the Top» Distinguish the roles of compliance and supervision within a financial services organization Delve into the regulatory scheme applicable to broker dealers, banks, and investment advisors Examine the risks and consequences of inadequate supervision at the organizational or individual level The capital markets regulatory environment is complex and ever-evolving, yet compliance is mandatory. A solid understanding of regulatory structure is critical, but must also be accompanied by a practical strategy for effective implementation. Governance, Compliance, and Supervision in the Capital Markets provides both, enabling today's banks and financial services firms to get back on track and get back to business.