Book Description

Based on the authors' consulting experience with numerous Fortune 500 companies, this resource will help you capture the synergies of your next merger or acquisition more quickly and effectively. Augmenting their step-by-step advice with helpful templates, checklists, graphs and tools; Galpin and Herndon provide sound guidance for successfully integrating different processes, organizations, and cultures. The authors also address pre-deal dos and don'ts, people dynamics, common mistakes, communications strategies, and specific actions you can take to create measurable positive results throughout the integration process. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Post-Merger Process Tools for Big Companies
Having been a manager at a large company, I can see how this book would be beneficial for managers at large companies that are doing acquisitions. But from the perspective of a manager at a smaller company that is being acquired, this book was not particularly helpful.

Packed With Knowledge!
This thorough, detailed book focuses on the misunderstood aspects of merger and acquisition management. Timothy J. Galpin and Mark Herndon clearly have vast experience and draw on case studies to illustrate their suggestions. They provide sample surveys and integration flow charts to guide hands-on planning, and offer practical advice that you can apply in real-world situations. Not all of these ideas are new, nor do the authors claim them to be. Instead, they apply the most relevant ideas from management and psychology to M&A. The authors hammer home an extremely consistent message: You must communicate. They present their ideas clearly, even though the book is often wordy and uses a lot of passive voice (alas, business prose). Nonetheless, this is actually a very dense book and the authors are careful not to waste the reader's time. This is essential reading for virgin M&A managers, and we at getAbstract think that even experienced acquirers may find much to learn.

About as "Complete" as Possible
There is already an abundance of resources on the subject of M&A, especially those available on the WWW. If you are looking for a single-volume source, this is probably one of the best. The authors devote 14 chapters to virtually all aspects of M&A. In process, with clarity and eloquence, they explain the "Watson Wyatt Deal Flow Model" which, after appropriate modifications, can be applied to almost any organization involved in M&A negotiations, either as a buyer or as a seller. The final chapter, all by itself, is well worth the cost of the book. In it, the authors suggest various "keys" to M&A success. They then provide:

Resource A: Sample Task Force Charter

Resource B: Integration Planning Template

Resource C: Executive Summary of Watson Wyatt Worldwide's 1998-1999 Mergers and Acquisitions Survey

What we have here is a single-volume in which two experts on the subject of M&A seem to share everything they know about the subject. Even if your company is not currently a buyer or seller, its senior-level executives should read this book. Why? Because you just never know. Perhaps sooner than now anticipated, your company will be courted by another...or it will be attracted to another company as a prospective acquisition. In either situation, this book (and the "Watson Wyatt Deal Flow Model" it discusses) will be invaluable.

Supplement to Wall Street M&A deals
The book is a great supplement to the subject of Valuation models and talks about in depth analysis that goes into the art of valuing a company. It actually goes in to informing the reader about the pre-merger and post-merger outcomes.....very informative and analytical! ... Read more

Book Description

Market-defining since it was first introduced, International Business, 4e by Charles W. L. Hill, continues to set the standard for international business textbooks. Charles Hill’s reputation as a leading thinker and actor in the international arena precede him, and he is regularly asked to explain world economic events on National Public Radio. His expertise lends itself to a book that is thorough and up-to-date. Because many issues in international business are complex, they necessitate exploration of pros and cons of economic theories, government policies, business strategies, organizational structures, etc. The author challenges the often shallow explanations that other books offer, while maintaining a tight integrated flow between the chapters. Hill’s book is practical in nature, focusing on managerial implications of each topic on the actual practice of international business. The author’s passion and enthusiasm for the international business arena is apparent on every page as he strives to make important theories interesting, informative, and accessible to all students. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent Textbook on Globalization of Business
Dr. Charles Hill has the rare combination of excellent subject matter expertise and writing skill. I purchased this textbook for an MBA course on Global Business and have been extremely impressed with Dr. Hill's work. It is organized, easy to read, the introduction and sidebars augment the text exceptionally, and the case studies are thorough and applicable. Unlike another reviewer, I found the depth of coverage to be appropriate for an MBA program and especially enjoyed the treatment of monetary systems and the weaving of economic theory throughout most chapters. This book is a keeper.

this book did NOT include the CD nor the map as stated
I ordered this book for a 6 weeks class I am taking and only ordered this one because it included the CD and the MAP that I needed. I could have ordered just the book for around $40, but I choose to pay the extra (almost to $90) because it this one SAID that it included the CD and the MAP - well guess what it didn't I was RIPPED off - the class is over a very short time period thus I have no time to return the book and get another
BUYER BEWARE!!!!!

WARNING
This is a third edition Book. Most classes that are now in session are looking for the fourth edition - I found this out the hard way. So watch out.

Excellent in-depth introduction
I found this book to be a well organized and stimulating. I have taken a course in Int Business as part of my undergraduate business degree. I discovered this book offered as part of an Int Business degree program at another institution and decided to purchase it. I found it to be so much better than the first go around that It was like I never learned Int business to begin with. Well written; I am very skeptical of typos and could only find one which was very minor. This book is a real eye opener and you will never want to stop reading it. It is one of my favorite text books! Thanks Charles Hill.

Most useful handbook
As a prescribed book for our MBA course (University of South Africa) I found this publication most enlightening. It is current and up to date, and addresses diverse topics which exert influences on business. Themes include national and cultural differences, global trade, politics and investment, the global monetary system, foreign exchange and capital market, strategic issues, and business operations.

I could find nothing wrong with the writer's style. References are copious and the text is fairly easy to understand. Although it could be argued that postgraduate students will grasp the contents easier, even an undergraduate friend of mine found the book fascinating and well written.

Whether for formal studies or personal interest I can highly recommend this volume. ... Read more

Book Description

The dramatic, definitive account of the most spectacular economic meltdown of modern times exposes the dangerous flaws of our global financial system.

In the 1990s, few countries were more lionized than Argentina for its efforts to join the club of wealthy nations. Argentina's policies drew enthusiastic applause from the IMF, the World Bank and Wall Street. But the club has a disturbing propensity to turn its back on arrivistes and cast them out. That was what happened in 2001, when Argentina suffered one of the most spectacular crashes in modern history. With it came appalling social and political chaos, a collapse of the peso, and a wrenching downturn that threw millions into poverty and left nearly one quarter of the workforce unemployed.

Paul Blustein, whose book about the IMF, The Chastening, was called "gripping, often frightening" by The Economist and lauded by the Wall Street Journal as "a superbly reported and skillfully woven story," now gets right inside Argentina's rise and fall in a dramatic account based on hundreds of interviews with top policymakers and financial market players as well as reams of internal documents. He shows how the IMF turned a blind eye to the vulnerabilities of its star pupil, and exposes the conduct of global financial market players in Argentina as redolent of the scandals-like those at Enron, WorldCom and Global Crossing- that rocked Wall Street in recent years. By going behind the scenes of Argentina's debacle, Blustein shows with unmistakable clarity how sadly elusive the path of hope and progress remains to the great bulk of humanity still mired in poverty and underdevelopment. ... Read more

Book Description

This modern principles book has a strong foundation in demand and supply—the most important topic in learning principles of economics. Its improved coverage of change in demand vs. change in quantity demanded (also in supply coverage) enables learners to better visualize and truly understand the difference between these two fundamental concepts. Early coverage of comparative advantage and externalities reflects a more modern approach to comprehending the underpinnings of microeconomics.A six-part presentation covers an introduction and key principles, closer look at supply and demand, market structures and pricing, spillovers and information, the labor market and economic challenges, and the international economy.For individuals using the tools of economics to help them grasp the logic of economic reasoning. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Better textbooks exist...
While experimenting with different textbooks for my Microeconomics classes, I decided to try the O'Sullivan and Sheffrin text. That experiment lasted two semesters.

Portions of the textbook are written at levels which are too low for college/university students, while other portions expect students to go beyond the scope of the material covered in the text. For example, in the chapter on demand and supply, surpluses and shortages are never referred to as such. Instead, they are only referred to as 'excess supply' and 'excess demand'. Too simplistic of a definition is also used for opportunity cost.

At the same time, additional problems inserted near the end of each chapter (not the chapter problems themselves), require students to apply the theory in a way that isn't taught in the textbook. Any student who has been required to complete these questions, on the basis of the textbook alone, may have experienced a lot of frustration from attempting these problems.

In addition, the textbook presents a detailed theory of taxicab licensing, yet doesn't completely explain all of the needed theory (short-run and long-run) for the market structures (pure competition, monopoly, etc.) The explanation of taxicab licensing is poor, for this level of student.

For any professor considering adopting this textbook, the testbank offers some very good questions. However, apparently some of the questions have been changed, perhaps from an earlier edition, but the answers haven't been. Overall, there were more errors in this testbank than in others I've used.

To anyone required to purchase this textbook for a course, I would recommend purchasing or borrowing other textbooks to supplement this text. If someone wants to learn Microeconomic theory on their own, there are better books available. ... Read more

Book Description

Pricing, 3/e, synthesizes economic and marketing principles with accounting and financial information to provide a basis for analyzing pricing alternatives within legal and corporate constraints. This revision of this classic text brings readers an understandable writing style, a more complete discussion of the quantitative issues, and a greater number of clear-cut examples. The material on the economics of pricing now reflects recent research in pricing by applied economists and marketing researchers trained in economics. ... Read more

Book Description

A market leader, this book has detailed but flexible coverage of options, futures, forwards, swaps, and risk managementas well as a solid introduction to pricing, trading, and strategy allowing readers to gain valuable information on a wide range of topics and apply to situations they may face. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Must Have
If you are a student just taken up a course in derivatives or risk management you should have this book. if you find john hull more technical, you have Don Chance who covers options and other derivatives in a greater detail and in more words. everything you want to know about how banks etc have risk mangaement systems in place and market risk instruments is here.

in case you want a greater coverage of options and pricing options, you should definatly take a look at Black Scholes and Beyond by Neil Chriss, a work of art.

Excellent book for concepts
This is an excellent book for non finance majors who would like to grasp the physical concepts behind different derivatives products traded in the OTC markets. The book is ideal for a preperation read for all aspiring to take Financial Engineering / Derivatives as majors in graduate programs.

An excellent books for Derivatives concepts.
If you are interested in the basic concepts governing derivatives without getting into the mathematics of it then this is the ideal book. I recommend this book for any one who is contemplating taking Derivatives as an advanced level course. The book would give a solid foundation to the concepts of risk management.

Understanding Option Theories
This is a wonderful book to have on your shelf for any finance major looking for an understanding of options, futures, and other types of contracts sold in the OTC and exchange markets. The text is fairly easy to follow and provides good examples to help students understand the theories behind option and future markets.

However, I do not feel that this book is for just anyone. Without some financial background I think that this book can be difficult to follow. It is hard to understand the mathmatics behind the theories presented in the text. The diskette is also somewhat disappointing as an aid for understanding the material. The disk only gives Excel generated financial models that you find in the book such as the Black-Shcoles pricing model.

With a good professor, this is a wonderful aid in constructing a foundation for option investing and pricing. And even giving some of its downfalls I would still recommend buying this book. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Very understandable introduction to econometrics
First of all I will admit, this is the only book I have read for econometrics. It was the book chosen by my professor for my eonometrics class while doing my undergraduate in economics. Having said that I recommend the book. I feel that it is a very good intro to a subject that can get weighted down in technical difficulties for the beginning student. Some people have complained about its lack of rigor or lack of proofs but I feel that is unjustified because all it really does is utilize statistical principles for economics. At my university, and I would assume most, stats was a prereq for this course and in stats you should cover the real nuts and bolts of statistical theory. This would give you your proofs and underlying understanding of the hands on approach this book gives for econometrics. I think that this book is good in that it does give, as it says, a practical guide to econometrics enabling the student to move on to the more analytically rigorous studies of the field. It doesn't overwhelm but leaves you with a foundational sense of understanding.

Fulfil expectations
That book goes straight to the point. First, the title of the book is 100% appropriate. It is about how to use econometrical tools in practice. Second, exercises are E-views oriented, which is also a good point given the user-friendly E-views interface. This book is a very good introductory book for applied econometrics. I've read some reviews criticizing the book for its novice approach and lack of theoretical ground. Well, I would have done so too IF AN ONLY IF the book title had been "Advanced Theory in Econometrics". But it is not!

Good Starting Point for Econometrics
In 2000, I wrote a review of this text. I still stand by my assertion that this is an excellent introduction to econometrics. One thing that I failed to mention in my 2000 review is that this book is good for people who have never seen econometrics in their life. Furthermore, don't expect to see proofs, theorems, etc. This book does not emphasize mathematics.

For a good introductory book that does incorporate calculus, some proofs, etc., get Gujarati's "Basic Econometrics" (not to be confused with Gujarati's "Essentials of Econometrics"). If you're only going to have one introductory book, and you want a mathematical treatment, get Gujarati. If you want an introductory book without a mathematical treatment, get Studenmund.

Warning
This is to econometrics what Lego is to housebuilding. Harsh, perhaps, but this book should be read as a primer before stepping in to the heavy stuff.

A cookbook
Although written for the practioner, I would not recommend this book because it is not technically sound. I certainly would not recommend this book for serious students, as they will learn only techniques without knowing the foundations. Sometimes a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. ... Read more

Book Description

As the cost of doing business increases, call centers and help desks are frequently moving overseas. How can your center remain competitive? Is pooling the best way to slash your wait times? James Abbott concisely answers these questions as he leads you through the world of process-centered customer service. Strategic and tactical terms, how to choose metrics to measure, and the miracle of Queuing Science are covered thoroughly, using easy-to-grasp anecdotes to explain the key technical topics. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Wakeup Call
"Abbott's book is a much-needed wakeup call. In order to compete, managers must use scientific methods, not gut feelings or hocus pocus. This book is back to basics--what needs to be monitored, why you need to monitor it, and who should make which decisions."

To understand metrics, read this book first!
Very good approach to metrics and how to apply metrics to call center operations in order to understand and support the goals of the call center. Mr. Abbott uses easy to understand language and examples rather than technical language and equasions and this makes it very easy to understand the principals and see the big picture. Every manager should be required to read this as thier first book on metrics. ... Read more

Book Description

"An excellent and comprehensive source of information on hedge funds! From a quantitative view Lhabitant has done it once again by meticulously looking at the important topics in the hedge fund industry. This book has a tremendous wealth of information and is a valuable addition to the hedge fund literature. In addition, it will benefit institutional investors, high net worth individuals, academics and anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating and often mysterious world of privately managed money. Written by one of the most respected practitioners and academics in the area of hedge funds." -Greg N. Gregoriou, Professor of finance and research coordinator in the School of Business and Economics at Plattsburgh State University of New York.

"This is a landmark book on quantitative approaches to hedge funds. All those with a stake in building hedge fund portfolios will highly profit from this exhaustive guide. A must read for all those involved in hedge fund investing."-Pascal Botteron, Ph.D., Head of Hedge Fund Product Development, Pictet Asset Management

"François-Serge Lhabitant's second book will prove to be a bestseller too - just like Hedge Funds: Myths and Limits. He actually manages to make quantitative analysis 'approachable'- even for those less gifted with numbers. This book, like its predecessor, includes an unprecedented mix of common sense and sophisticated technique. A fantastic guide to the 'nuts and bolts' of hedge fund analysis and a 'must' for every serious investor."-Barbara Rupf Bee, Head of Alternative Fund Investment Group, HSBC Private Bank, Switzerland

"An excellent book, providing deep insights into the complex quantitative analysis of hedge funds in the most lucid and intuitive manner. A must-have supplement to Lhabitant's first book dealing with the mystical and fascinating world of hedge funds. Highly recommended!"-Vikas Agarwal, Assistant Professor of Finance, J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University

"Lhabitant has done it again! Whereas most books on hedge funds are nothing more than glorified marketing brochures, Lhabitant's new book tells it how it is in reality. Accessible and understandable but at the same time thorough and critical."-Harry M. Kat, Ph.D., Professor of Risk Management and Director Alternative Investment Research Centre, Cass Business School, City University

"Lhabitant's latest work on hedge funds yet again delivers on some ambitious promises. Successfully bridging theory and practice in a highly accessible manner, those searching for a thorough yet unintimidating introduction to the quantitative methods of hedge fund analysis will not be disappointed."-Christopher L. Culp, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor of Finance, Graduate School of Business, The University of Chicago and Principal, Chicago Partners LLC ... Read more

Book Description

Can You Predict the Future by Looking at the Past? Since accurate forecasting requires more than just inserting historical data into a model, Forecasting: Methods and Applications, 3/e, adopts a managerial, business orientation. Integrated throughout this text is the innovative idea that explaining the past is not adequate for predicting the future. Inside, you will find the latest techniques used by managers in business today, discover the importance of forecasting and learn how it's accomplished. And you'll develop the necessary skills to meet the increased demand for thoughtful and realistic forecasts. New features in the third edition include:
* An emphasis placed on the practical uses of forecasting.
* All data sets used in this book are available on the Internet.
* Comprehensive coverage provided on both quantitative and qualitative forecasting techniques.
* Includes many new developments in forecasting methodology and practice. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

This book has the formulas.
Chapters 3 and 4, and on covered the vital information that is useful for inventory system forecasting at the SKU level, and for measuring the accuracy of the forecasts. This book was extremely helpful in that regard. Highly recommended.

Down to earth, practical guide on forecasting.
The book provides coverage of three important areas:

- Basic forecasting tools and methods - summarizing data, statistical tools, regression, as well as some material on more advanced forecasting methods
- Data preparation - time series decomposition, smoothing methods
- A discussion of the issues involved in forecasting - long term versus short term forecasting, accuracy of forecasts, the importance and limitations of judgmental forecasts and combining these with statistical forecasts

I was fortunate enough to stumble across this book in a colleagues office and believe this book should belong in every market research professional's shelf.

More of a reference text
I used this text for an undergraduate course in Industrial Forecasting. Unfortunately, the text is not very good if you actually want to learn new material from it. It is better suited as a reference text for you to look up equations and concepts after you have already learned them.

Excellent Examples and Practical Approach
This book was not only recommended, but given to me as a MUST READ at work. Excellent practical approach to the theory with a minimum of formulation. Good practical examples and demos. I recommend it as a training manual for new analysts on the job.

forecasting
forecasting, economics, business cycles, economic activity, business environment ... Read more

Book Description

This second edition is written readers who crave real world learning. Professor DePamphilis has filled this book with updated cases and grounded models which reflect the theoretical underpinnings of the field. Expanded usage of "key idea" section headings enable the student to understand more easily the key point in each section of each chapter. Chapter 5 provides a detailed listing of questions commonly used to evaluate target firms doing due diligence.A primer on using financial ratios in Chapter 8 has been extended to include a convenient summary of commonly used financial ratios and suggestions as to how they may be used to evaluate target firms.The accompanying CD includes a set of Excel spreadsheets that supplements Chapter 8.

An Instructor's manual, available on the web, contains suggested learning objectives, chapter presentations for creating lectures or providing students with study guides, more than 750 test questions and answers (including true/false, multiple choice, essay questions, and practice problems), and solutions to all chapter business case studies in the book. The manual also contains detailed course syllabi that have been used extensively for both undergraduate and graduate classes and suggested ways for teaching the materials.

Includes 18 new case studies; all 70 cases have been updated

Instructor's Manual available on the web; includes practice problems and solutions

Accompanying CD includes a set of Excel spreadsheets that will supplement Chapter 8 ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Includes great M&A modeling software
This book takes the mystery out of M&A financial modeling and structuring deals. Many books on the subject seem to take a "black box" approach to how to do deal structuring and valuation. The author discusses in plain language how to do valuation, simulation, and deal structuring using financial models and how to use such models to select the best offer price for a target firm. The book includes detailed discussions of tax, accounting, and alternative deal structures.

The CD accompanying the book contains an Excel spread sheet model that can be modified to fit the unique circumstances of any transaction. This alone justifies buying the book, in my opinion.

The book also provides keen insights into how M&A can be used to implement business plans, how to identify potential target firms, strategies for contacting potential targets, and how to draw up initial documents such as confidentiality agreements and letters of intent. The book is highly comprehensive covering virtually all topics necessary to understanding the M&A process.

For the money, it is the best book on the subject, up-to-date, complete, and highly readable. If you have a serious interest in the subject, this is an important book to add to your library.

Outstanding treatment of technical/non-tech.aspects of M&A
Unlike many other treatments of this subject, this text discusses M&A in the context of a process or framework. The author takes great pains to show how all M&A related activities interact. The text discusses both technical (e.g., valuation, accounting, and tax issues) and non-technical (e.g., strategy development, identifying potential targets, initial contact, negotiation, and integration) issues. The book does an excellent job of talking about alternatives to M&A for executing strategies, including alliances, joint ventures, partnerships, etc.

Numerous recent case studies illustrate various concepts and situations. The coverage of laws affecting different types of business combinations, of accounting standards applicable to M&A, and of relevant tax considerations is both current and excellent. The book also contains useful checklists to facilitate implementing transactions. The book is also chock full of helpful insights and hints of what to look for and how to avoid the traps that often accompany different types of transactions.

The book also contains an excellent discussion of other ways to enhance shareholder value. These include spin-offs, divestitures, carve-outs, bust-ups, and bankruptcy.

The book is highly practical and well-documented and could be viewed as a handbook on how to use M&A (or alternatives to M&A) to execute business stratgies. I think the book is an indispensable reference for accountants, lawyers, investment bankers, CFOs, and others involved in making transactions happen.

Thoughtful, Stimulating, and Enjoyable
This book is very well written...packed full of helpful information on M&A. The author's use of short cases to illustrate key points was most helpful. I found the down to earth discussion of how to put deals together very clear. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the scope of the book included an extensive discussion of alternative strategies such as JVs to mergers and acquisitions. The author also managed to include an exceedingly large number of case studies in the book, many of which were international transactions. Good book, good read. I highly recommend it.

Great M&A, Valuation, and Modeling Book
While this book covers all aspects of how to do a deal, the chapters on valuation, deal structuring, and financial modeling are by far the most lucid I have seen. The Excell spread sheet model on the CDROM accompanying the book provides incredibly helpful insight into how purchase price strategies are developed. The reader can review all of the underlying formulas enabling them to modify the model or to develop their own. Moreover, the model provides the reader with unusal insight in how all valuation, tax, accounting, and synergy considerations converge and interact to affect price. Overall, the book is very well written, clear, and supported.

Winning book, winning software
I loved this book. It managed to treat a highly complex subject in an understandable fashion. The author makes use of detailed examples (alright, sometimes too detailed) and explanations to ensure the reader is able to understand important points. The book is sprinkled with short business cases to illustrate key points and concepts. The author removes successfully the shroud of mystery that seems to envelope some books on this subject, namely with many authors it is unclear how they arrived at a particular conclusion. This book also does a great job of documenting observations and conclusions. The reader is given the opportunity to review additional resources if he (she) is interested in drilling down in more detail on a single subject.

The author also gives the reader incredible insight into M&A model building, providing detailed excel spreadsheets containing the underlying formulae needed to value transactions and determine financing feasiblity. I was able to alter many of the model's formulas to meet my own requirements. This model saved me many hours of painstaking work that I would have had to undertake in its absence.

While book contains cases desribing virtually all major transactions during the last decade, it is a little light in its discussion of international transactions. The major ones are covered such as Vodafone and Mannesmann, but I would have like to see a broader cross section of international transactions covering more industries. However, this would add substantially to the book's length. Given the author's writing and organizational skills, I would like to see a book focused totally on interantional transactions by him.

All in all, the book is well worth the price. In fact the software alone on the CD ROm may be worth the price. ... Read more

Book Description

The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy takes the reader on a fascinating, around-the-world journey to reveal the economic and political lessons from the life story of a simple t-shirt. Over five years, business professor Pietra Rivoli traveled from a Texas cotton field to a Chinese factory to a used clothing market in Africa, to investigate compelling questions about the politics, economics, ethics, and history of modern business and globalization. Using the story of the t-shirt to illustrate the major issues of the globalization debate, this uniquely entertaining business book offers a surprising, enlightening, and balanced look at one of the major topics of our time. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Thoroughly enjoyable and unique
A unique and well-written book of international economics for anyone. No hard edges or hard opinions cloud this book's ingenious premise. From someone who has read many books on business and econ, this one is not only feel good but brilliant. Enjoy!

great book on globalization
An entertaining and insightful read on how the global economy really works for people. the author tackles the serious issues about globalization by exploring the life of her t-shirt, but she also is a great writer who can take the complex and make it both understanding and entertaining. bravo!

A Historical Tour of Industry Issues
I'm from the apparel industry - not fiber, yarn, textile or retail which in the US are separate industries - but apparel, the cutting and sewing and shipping of clothing. Ironically, a week before reading this book, I was given a passionate and amazing talk by an executive from one of the non-apparel companies profiled in this book. When he was done, I told him his business plan, which he detailed, could not have been written by an academic or a consultant, but only by a warrior in the supply chain. Well, this book could not have been written by a warrior, but only by an academic. In its description of the travels of a shirt, it bears close resemblance to a similar story written several years back in the NYTimes magazine. Having said that, this book rocks. Its great. Its a tutorial of how the apparel industry chases the low cost needle from country to country. And it is extremely current. I learned a lot about cotton, yarn, textiles, trade, lobbying, England - but nothing new about apparel, per se. So to me, everyone will learn something new from this book. It is unfortunate the author did not interview Kevin Burke of the American Apparel and Footwear Association. She seems to imply that the AAMA just disappeared. It did not. Kevin is a key player in the "Alphabet Army" the author describes as centered in Washington. Still, as I read the book, I learned the history of one of the members of our organization (www.aapnetwork.net), a highly successful cotton organization called PCCA. And I saw many names of people I knew first hand. There is so much history to the apparel supply chain I simply did not know - and now I understand it much better. As for my own bias of the divergent sides one takes on trade, I found myself leaning side to side like an old hill billy watching wrestling on TV as I squirmed in response to one sides rhetoric and the others B.S. Its well written. I like to think I'm a good industry writer, but I could not have done what Dr. Rivoli has achieved. Its a great yarn, maybe a little too heavy on the sweatshop, dogma and labor aspects of the issue, but then again, its written by an academic. I'm still waiting after 15 years of touring apparel factories all around the world to find an actual sweatshop. The only one I've ever seen was on a PBS documentary shot in New York of a horrifying factory there. Apparel chases the low cost needle. As Wal-Mart told me personally last decade, "when a US apparel contractor can make a dozen golf shirts at the same quality and price as we're getting from Cambodia, we'll buy them". Apparel chases the low cost needle. China is the world's apparel plant floor. Wal-Mart is the world's retail floor. Reality rules, and it is so inevitable it hurts. Are there any questions?

Rags become Riches.
An entertaining read on global economics -- instructive economic history that delves into economic theories. The author shares her insights as cotton is cultivated in Texas, woven in China, sold in Florida, and eventually winds up in vendors' stalls in Tanzania, with numerous other stops in between.The T-shirt's journey demonstrates a need for full or better access to markets as the moving force of capitalism, and encourages further discussion on the political methods used (or to be used) to achieve that access. ... Read more

Book Description

A user-friendly guide to the basics of Six Sigma

From noted Six Sigma consultant and author George Eckes comes Six Sigma for Everyone, a practical guide that explains the underpinnings of the revolutionary quality assurance methodology. Appropriate for employees and top management alike, this book is the only one you need if your company is currently implementing or contemplating Six Sigma. It tells you what Six Sigma is and is not, what it does and how it does it, and what your role likely will be in the implementation process. Eckes uses straightforward definitions and in-depth examples to outline the processes, impact, and desired end result of implementation–eliminating the confusion and fear many feel when first introduced to Six Sigma. If you need to understand the basics, then this is the book for you. Topics include:

• The origins and history of Six Sigma
• Business Process Management: Six Sigma as management philosophy
• Individual and team tactics
• The ten basic tools each team member needs to succeed
• How you and your organization must change to make Six Sigma work

Reviews (4)

Highly Recommended!
George Eckes has written a concise, thorough introduction to the theory and practice of Six Sigma, the management philosophy that Jack Welch called the most important initiative of his entire career at General Electric. The book provides a look at every aspect of Six Sigma. In some places, it seems a bit too detailed for so short a book - particularly when the author introduces the variety of statistical charts, graphs and tables used in the analysis phase of Six Sigma. But that is a quibble. Eckes also gets a bit self-serving when, in the question and answer chapter, he takes a swipe at consultants who agree to work on a contingency basis, for a percentage of the savings a client achieves, instead of for a fee. In fact, we, where we are always glad to avoid a squabble, note that managers who use this book may achieve some level of business improvement without hiring any consultants at all.

Good intro readings on Six Sigma
Just finish reading this book. Good introduction-level material on the Six Sigma topic. This is not to say that the book is superficial or obvious. The book takes a logical cook-book approach to explane Six Sigma and how to implement a Six Sigma effort. If you are a manager that wants to understand Six Sigma and the esstntial elements of a Six Sigma program, this book is a good start. I really liked the section on the 10 Common questions about Six Sigma. However, if you want examples of detailed statistical models and metrics, then look elsewhere.

Good book for Six Sigma implemention at all level
This book provides a simple description on Six Sigma concept and how to use in practice. It will be more useful to Six Sigma experienced person.

Highly Recommended!
George Eckes has written a concise, thorough introduction to the theory and practice of Six Sigma, the management philosophy that Jack Welch called the most important initiative of his entire career at General Electric. The book provides a look at every aspect of Six Sigma. In some places, it seems a bit too detailed for so short a book - particularly when the author introduces the variety of statistical charts, graphs and tables used in the analysis phase of Six Sigma. But that is a quibble. Eckes also gets a bit self-serving when, in the question and answer chapter, he takes a swipe at consultants who agree to work on a contingency basis, for a percentage of the savings a client achieves, instead of for a fee. In fact, where we are always glad to avoid a squabble, notes that managers who use this book may achieve some level of business improvement without hiring any consultants at all. ... Read more

Book Description

This market-leading book offers a readable introduction to the statistical analysis of multivariate observations. Its overarching goal is to provide readers with the knowledge necessary to make proper interpretations and select appropriate techniques for analyzing multivariate data.Chapter topics include aspects of multivariate analysis, matrix algebra and random vectors, sample geometry and random sampling, the multivariate normal distribution, inferences about a mean vector, comparisons of several multivariate means, multivariate linear regression models, principal components, factor analysis and inference for structured covariance matrices, canonical correlation analysis, and discrimination and classification.For experimental scientists in a variety of disciplines. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A Students Review
First: I must prefix this by saying that I am majoring in the Mathematical and Computer Sciences.

This semester I decided to take a class that happened to use this text as its source. I have been extremely pleased with it: the theoretical work is excellent, the proofs are thourough, the exercises are both good and cover a broad variety of difficulties, and the tables on the CD provide excellent experience in analyzing real world data.

A couple of things to keep in mind before you purchase this book, however:

1) A good background in linear algebra and basic statistics is highly recommended and virtually necessary to interpret this book. Remembering the knowledge gleaned from "Sequences and Series" (often taught in Calculus II) will also prove useful. The text is good, but it is often nontrivial.

2) Some kind of software that does multivariate analysis (and if nothing else, will find eigenvalues and orthonormal eigenvectors) is necessary to get the most out of this book. The software package SAS is touched on in the book, but by no means is given a comprehensive review. However, the data files on the CD-ROM should be loadable by any competant software package, so use the one you are most comfortable with.

If not overly familiar with any of them, I can recommend S, SPlus, and "GNU's S" (also known as "R") for their power and flexability to work with the data presented in the book.

All and all I found this to be an excellent book, definantly worthwhile if you want or need to know how to do multivariate analysis.

A precious text
This is a very good, very understandable book. It could (maybe should) be used as a first course in multivariate techniques. Concepts very well explained, it needs no more than a good basic course in statistics to be fully absorbed. It also includes enough matrix algebra to be self-contained.

not good
Your typical stat book written by a typical stat professor: dull, dry, and boring and geared towards other professors instead of people who might actually want to *learn* something.

This book is a paradox: it is geared for those who want to learn about multivariate statistics, but is written for those who are very experienced with multivariate analysis, espicially mathematical applications.

Why an instructor would ever assign this book is beyond me; buy and tolerate this book for class if you must. In fact, I don't know one student in my multivariate class who did not complement, supplement, and eventually supplant this text with another text, exasperated by the authors' pretentiousness and unnecessarily complex explanations.

Broad and practical
People complain that statistics is about memorizing a bunch of formulas and when to use them. I disagree. The real problem is that the formulas almost never apply exactly to the subject at hand - they have to be adjusted to each application.

That's why this book is so helpful. It gives huge numbers of results I can use immediately, but also shows me where they came from. That means that I can rephrase the formulas as needed in special computing environments, but still be sure that I'm getting a meaningful answer. The book has a secondary emphasis that I value very highly: checks that the techniques are giving meaningful answers. It's pretty silly, and perhaps dangerous, to apply a technique without knowing how good its results are. This book gives me the checks I need to measure the quality of the results from each technique.

No, there's no C code to cut and paste. This is a math book. The math is clear and well-developed, though, and mostly limited to linear algebra. As I type this, I have the book open to "Discrimination and Classification," and I have my protoype C program on the screen. That's how directly applicable the book is.

I admit, I haven't appplied every technique in the book. All of the book is equally well-written, though. When I need principal components or basic clustering, this is the book I'll grab first.

Complicated.
Why is nearly everything associated with upper division math and statistics seemingly difficult? I took a class that used this book, and some how got a B, I can't even remember half the stuff in this book. Why can't someone write a book that is simple to use, simple to understand, and a little more realistic! Don't get me wrong, I love math, I just have never sat down in a job and did a math proof. Proofs just seem to make the subject for difficult. I want to use the material in a realistic setting, maybe a real life setting?! ... Read more

Book Description

This fast-paced book by Yale professors Michael Graetz and Ian Shapiro unravels the following mystery: How is it that the estate tax, which has been on the books continuously since 1916 and is paid by only the wealthiest two percent of Americans, was repealed in 2001 with broad bipartisan support? The mystery is all the more striking because the repeal was not done in the dead of night, like a congressional pay raise. It came at the end of a multiyear populist campaign launched by a few individuals, and was heralded by its supporters as a signal achievement for Americans who are committed to the work ethic and the American Dream.

Graetz and Shapiro conducted wide-ranging interviews with the relevant players: members of congress, senators, staffers from the key committees and the Bush White House, civil servants, think tank and interest group representatives, and many others. The result is a unique portrait of American politics as viewed through the lens of the death tax repeal saga. Graetz and Shapiro brilliantly illuminate the repeal campaign's many fascinating and unexpected turns--particularly the odd end result whereby the repeal is slated to self-destruct a decade after its passage. They show that the stakes in this fight are exceedingly high; the very survival of the long standing American consensus on progressive taxation is being threatened.

Graetz and Shapiro's rich narrative reads more like a political drama than a conventional work of scholarship. Yet every page is suffused by their intimate knowledge of the history of the tax code, the transformation of American conservatism over the past three decades, and the wider political implications of battles over tax policy.

Reviews (4)

One of the best books on how Washington D.C. works today
Right off, let me say that this is one of the best books written about how politicians in Washington D.C. respond to certain constituents when promoting or opposing changes in the tax law.Before your eyes glaze over and you think that this book is for tax experts, I assure that it is not.The authors are wonderful writers and focus on the people behind the drive to repeal the inheritance tax.Thus, it is more about personalities, personal stories, and ideology and how these are used to enact changes in the tax code, than about taxes on inherited wealth per se.Graetz and Shapiro attempt to solve several "mysteries" in this book.First, how did a tax on inherited wealth, which existed for over 60 years and was seen as appropriate, come to be viewed by many Americans as unjust and immoral? Second, how did the diverse coalition attempting to abolish the inheritance tax maintain their cohesiveness when compromise counteroffers should have weakened it?Third, why were groups who favored maintaining the inheritance tax so ineffectual when responding to the abolitionists?Finally, what does the fight over the estate tax tell us about the future of progressive taxation, the idea that those with greater resources should pay higher tax rates?The story Graetz and Shapiro tell should give great comfort to those who want government at all levels to be as small and powerless as possible, and cause great concern to progressive, like myself, who wish to see government programs in service to the majority of working people, rather than in service to the wealthy and powerful.No matter which side of the ideological debate you are on, this book is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.

Graetz and Shapiro's book is a must-read.
Graetz and Shapiro's book DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS is a must-read for anyone interested in national tax policy.Graetz and Shapiro write well and the story is fascinating and timely.

Required Reading for all Registered Voters
A friend gave me a copy of this book; and, therefore, I felt duty-bound to give it a try despite the fact that I never read books pertaining to politics.After struggling through the first few pages, I becaame facinated.It is not a book about estate taxes.Rather, it is a book about how our government works (or does not work).Every registered voter should be required to read it.

Excellent of the Conservative Playbook
This is an immensely readable, highly educational book.It details how conservatives went after one of the most progressive taxes in our system and successfully got it eliminated.It also details the power of the conservative ideas machinery and how it works in Washington to get what it wants.For those who care about how badly the system is broken -- how the concerns of the few trump the concerns of the many on daily basis in Washington -- this is an excellent book.And most importantly, it exposes how the conservatives are moving the tax system away from wealth to work -- away from the rich to the middle class.That should be a concern to most Americans.I highly recommend the book; most people will be surprised how enjoyable it is as a read. ... Read more

Book Description

Fully revised and updated
Here is the only comprehensive source that explains the various instruments in the market, their economic value, how to document trades, and more. This new edition includes enhanced treatment of U.S. and worldwide regulatory issues, and new product structures.
"If you want to know more about credit derivatives--and these days an increasing number of people do--then you should read this book."
--Merton H. Miller, winner, Nobel Prize in Economics, 1990
"Tavakoli brings extraordinary insight and clarity to this fascinating financial evolution . . ."--Carl V. Schuman, Manager, Credit Derivatives, West LB New York
Janet M. Tavakoli (Chicago, IL) is Vice President of the Chicago branch of Bank of America, where she directs the company's overall marketing of global derivatives and manages its CreditMetrics initiative. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

High Level View of Credit Derivatives
This book provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of credit derivatives. Tavakoli provides an excellent resource for credit risk managers who specialize in one area of credit risk management, professionals who are new to the field, or for experienced professionals who need the definitive reference of credit derivatives products.
This book is not about is the mathematical and statistical details in credit risk/portfolio modeling, but Tavakoli does a good job of highlighting various aspects of modeling (such as data availability, limitations of different approaches, etc.). For example, Tavakoli's explanation of first-to-default baskets provides a quantitative explanation of boundary conditions and a qualitative explanation of the products.

The clear, qualitative, conceptual explanations are supported by explanations that show a deep understanding of the underlying mathematics. Numerically minded readers will grasp this, but even those who are a bit numbers shy will find the quantitative examples easy to follow. Tavakoli's book enabled me to discuss the assessment and deployment of quantitative models on an even footing with professional risk managers and the rocket scientists developing these models.

I also recommend Phillip Schonbucher's book on credit derivatives for people who need to model credit derivatives. Unfortunately, the resource doesn't exist that can solve the tough problem of estimating correlation between defaults.

State of the Art
Tavakoli has beautifully written a cutting-edge book on how to think about credit derivatives in the context of the global markets. One doesn't need a Ph.D. in math to understand the concepts presented here, because they are competently explained. Tavakoli evidences a deep understanding of the topic in her ability to make complicated mathematical concepts clear, and explaining how to apply credit derivatives in practice.

I noticed the reader below couldn't be bothered to actually read this book, but seems to have views on what is and isn't appropriate in a finance book. I happen to be Jewish, and thought the review smacked of anti-Semitism. Tavakoli's remarkable explanation of the development of international banking was particularly appropriate in the explanation of sovereign risk and why it occurs (mismatch of cultures and ethics among other reasons). I believe most professionals will agree there is more to credit risk than equations especially in light of recent developments in the international markets.

Tavakoli's ability to integrate multiple business and finance disciplines is one of the reasons I find this book the best product book on the market for credit derivatives.

Derivatives Sales view:
POSITIVE POINTS: Best indepth book on Credit Derivatives. Very readable. Explains very nicely why this derivatives are so important for banks. Non technical.

NEGATIVE POINTS: Focus on banks with only a little chapter on Credit Derivatives as investment products. No explanation how those derivatives are priced (but hey, there are loads of technical books)

Credit Derivatives for the Capital Markets
Tavakoli gives a very clear description of terminology used in the international derivatives marketplace. Jargon doesn't often travel well across borders, so this is especially valuable. It is difficult enough dealing with ISDA language and foreign languages. The peculiarities of high finance add another complicating spin that Tavakoli does an excellent job of clearing up.

The coverage of leverage and total return swaps is especially valuable to asset managers and hedge funds. The use of off-balance sheet financing and upfront collateral is especially useful to those new to total return swap trading. Although Tavakoli gives examples of hubris and humor, this is a serious finance book, and although Schonbucher gives more details on the mathematics in his book "Credit Derivatives pricing, this book is not easy.

Tavakoli demonstrates a strong command of the topic and great skill in explaining a complex topic without glossing over theory. This is an excellent reference book. Credit default swaps and all of the terminology, both standard and non-standard are thoroughly explained.

The graphics are very clear, and there are lots of practical examples with straightforward explanations based on depth of experience and straightforward math. If you are new to finance, this book is not the place to start. If you have a background in bonds or other areas of the capital markets, you can tackle this book. Tavakoli assumes the reader has some experience and draws on this to make credit derivatives a part of the tool kit. You will be able to understand both the theory and real world applications of credit derivatives.

Credit Derivatives
Very clear explanation of credit derivatives and their diverse applications. Tavakoli explains how credit derivatives can actually be oversold on a given reference obligation creatig potential physical delivery problems in the event of default. She also explains the pros and cons of the various types of delivery, specifying various credit events, other triggers.

The explanation of the various terms of the documentation and the reasons for each is very extensive.

The section on total return swaps is particularly good. ... Read more

Book Description

Provides an overview of fixed-income markets and their derivative markets including treasury, corporate, agency, mortgage-backed securities and debt options, futures and swap markets.Helps the students understand the theory relevant to these markets enabling them to participate in a more intelligent and confident way as corporate customers, traders, bankers, or investors. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

BORING
If you want to waste your money then spend it on Sundaresan.
This book is highly disappointing. If your professor tells you buy it then you can tell him or her to .....
If you want to master fixed income securities, then you only need to purchase one and only one book, namely "Fixed Income Securities: Valuation, Risk Management, and Portfolio Strategies" by Martellini and Priaulet. That's the best book out there.

Much better books out there, Poorly written :(
Only a good book for reference. Difficult to understand author's explaination of analysis of Fixed Income products. Many instances key steps are skipped in problems used for examples. Look for an alternative.

Disappointing
I found this book to be of marginal usefulness. The writing style is not to the point and at times disorganized. The book does not come with spreadsheets despite all the screenshots in the chapters. What good is that? Additionally, it is quite expensive. There are other much better books out there for the same price.

A robust book that covers with breadth and detail
I had the pleasure of taking Professor Sundaresan's Debt Markets course at Columbia. He has tremendous experience in the marketplace. This book does a good job of covering the theory while also covering the practical aspects of the marketplace. One of my complaints is that some topics lacked a step-by-step approach, and you found yourself looking at a huge equation and wondering where it came from.

Hits: Duration, Convexity,Term Structure, Auctions, Treasuries, Corporates, Mortgages.

Misses: Futures, Unsightly 3-dimensional graphs

I also have Fabozzi's Handbook and Fabozzi's Bond Markets, Analysis and Strategies. This book is comparable to the latter.

technical book focused on the debt markets specificities
This very book provides a very objective detailed overview of the debt markets. The author is at his best discussing fixed income securities. Since it is the first edition, there are several minor technical mistakes which I am sure going to be corrected by the author in the second edition. I wish the author had focused more on the derivative side of the fixed income part of the paradise. I also expected to encounter more actual application coverage, i.e. hedging, speculation, arbitrage etc. One chapter in the end of the book encompassing advanced strategies with fixed income derivatives would be very helpful for various segments of readers. Otherwise, it is a very good non-textbook textbook. Vladi Shlepkov St.Petersburg, Russia ... Read more