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The Alchemists: Inside the secret world of central bankers
by Neil IrwinWhen the first rumblings of the coming financial crisis were heard in August 2007, three men who were never elected to public office suddenly became the most powerful men in the world. They were the leaders of the world's three most important central banks: Ben Bernanke of the U.S. Federal Reserve, Mervyn King of the Bank of England, and Jean-Claude Trichet of the European Central Bank. Over the next five years, they and their fellow central bankers deployed trillions of dollars, pounds and euros to try and contain the waves of panic that threatened to bring down the global financial system.Neil Irwin's The Alchemists is both a gripping account of the most intense exercise in economic crisis management we've ever seen, and an insightful examination of the role and power of the central bank. It begins in Stockholm, Sweden, in the seventeenth century, where central banking had its rocky birth, and then progresses through a brisk but dazzling tutorial on how the central banker came to exert such vast influence over our world. It is the story of how these figures and institutions became what they are - the possessors of extraordinary power over our collective fate. What they chose to do with those powers is the heart of the story Irwin tells.Irwin covered the financial crisis for the Washington Post, enjoying privileged access to leading central bankers and the people close to them. His account, based on reporting that took place in 27 cities in 11 countries, is the holistic, truly global story of the central bankers' role in the world economy we have been missing. It is a landmark reckoning with central bankers and their power, with the great financial crisis of our time, and with the history of the relationship between capitalism and the state. Definitive, revelatory, and riveting, The Alchemists shows us where money comes from--and where it may well be going.
Alchemists of Loss
by Dowd Kevin K. Hutchinson MartinAn engaging look at how modern finance almost destroyed our global economy Over the last thirty years, capital markets have been restructured through the tenets of modern finance. This has been enormously profitable for the financial services sector. However, these innovations, coupled with unsound risk and regulatory practices have proved disastrous for the global economy. In a clear and accessible style, ex-investment banker and financial journalist Martin Hutchinson, and highly respected academic, Kevin Dowd show how modern finance combined with easy money threatened to bring down the world financial system. At the heart of the book is modern finance as a U. S. invention, the theories and practices associated with them, and the changes they made in business models and risk management on Wall Street and other major financial centers. Breaks down the events involved in the 2007-08 financial collapse Reveals how botched policy response made a bad situation worse Focuses on lessons that the practice of finance must learn from recent events The Alchemists of Loss will help you to understand how our financial system crashed and show you what it will take to make sure this won't happen again as we move forward.
Alchemy: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life
by Rory SutherlandHOW DOES MAGIC HAPPEN? The Ogilvy advertising legend—“one of the leading minds in the world of branding” (NPR)—explores the art and science of conjuring irresistible products and ideas."A breakthrough book. Wonderfully applicable to about everything in life." —Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of The Black Swan“Veins of wisdom emerge regularly and brilliantly from these pages. Don't miss this book.” —Robert B. Cialdini, author of InfluenceWhy is Red Bull so popular, though everyone—everyone!—hates the taste? Humans are, in a word, irrational, basing decisions as much on subtle external signals (that little blue can) as on objective qualities (flavor, price, quality). The surrounding world, meanwhile, is irreducibly complex and random. This means future success can’t be projected on any accounting spreadsheet. To strike gold, you must master the dark art and curious science of conjuring irresistible ideas: alchemy.Based on thirty years of field work inside the largest experiment in human behavior ever conceived—the forever-unfolding pageant of consumer capitalism—Alchemy, the revolutionary book by Ogilvy advertising legend Rory Sutherland, whose TED talks have been viewed nearly seven million times, decodes human behavior, blending leading-edge scientific research, absurdly entertaining storytelling, deep psychological insight, and practical case studies from his storied career working on campaigns for AmEx, Microsoft, and others.Heralded as “one of the leading minds in the world of branding” by NPR, Sutherland is a unique thought leader, as comfortable exchanging ideas with Nobel Prize winners Daniel Kahneman and Richard Thaler (both interviewed in these pages) as he is crafting the next product launch. His unconventional and relentlessly curious approach has led him to discover that the most compelling secrets to human decision-making can be found in surprising places:What can honey bees teach us about creating a sustainable business?How could budget airlines show us how to market a healthcare system?Why is it better to be vaguely right than precisely wrong?What might soccer penalty kicks teach us about the dangers of risk-aversion?Better “branding,” Sutherland reveals, can also be employed not just to sell products, but to promote a variety of social aims, like getting people to pay taxes, improving public health outcomes, or encouraging more women to pursue careers in tech. Equally startling and profound, Sutherland’s journey through the strange world of decision making is filled with astonishing lessons for all aspects of life and business.
Alchemy for Managers: Turning Experience Into Achievement
by Tom ReevesAlchemy for Managers demonstrates how you can develop yourself through the actual experience of managing. Alchemy for Managers shows: - how you can use your practical experience as a self-contained means to develop yourself - without having to go on a course - how your own projects can develop your competence in both leadership and management - how managing external actions and your internal thought processes can be brought together in an integrated, holistic way.
Alchemy of Change: Managing Transition through Value-Based Leadership
by H N Arora Rajan SinhaChange is inevitable and usually painful. A spoonful of empathic leadership, a smattering of new tools and a few sachets of foundational values boil together to create organizational transformation. However, not all change efforts are successful. Alchemy of Change shows that value-based institutions, which evolve from the wisdom of the soil, can bring about enduring change. Introducing the Indian Model of Change, which is based on Indian values of leadership, dialogue, mutual respect, and goal setting, the authors explain how the nuances and distinctions of the Indian mindset and cultural backdrop can help to keep pace with today’s fast-changing world. Through real case studies and references from diverse literature, the book shows that change management cannot be treated as a mechanical exercise because change affects and is affected by human emotions, both at an individual and collective level. It is an insightful read for senior management and HR professionals, for all stakeholders who are entrusted with the task of facilitating or bringing about change in an organization, as well as students of change. For the general reader, the book can be a journey in self-awareness and growth.
The Alchemy of Fear
by Kay GilleyThe dramatic effects of downsizing, mergers, and reengineering have created a climate of fear in the workplace, fears that generally go unacknowledged. The Alchemy of Fear teaches us how to accept our emotions in order to become empowered and to take back our power over these fears. Our emotions are rich with information which could make our organizations run effectively, while freeing creativity, energy, and joy into our workplaces.The Alchemy of Fear is a handbook for action. Drawn from the author's extensive experience, it examines workplace fear, what emotional competence looks like at work, how we handle fears at work, and the love and energy that result when we do these things. Nothing improves a group's effectiveness or their spirit more quickly than changing the relationship members have with fear. Kay Gilley brings nearly 30 years experience working in general and human resource management to her current work as a leadership and organizational development consultant, specializing in guiding the development of leaders and what she calls "intentional organizations."
The Alchemy Of Finance
by George SorosEminent investor and philanthropist Soros reveals the investment strategies that have guided his career. According to Soros, "the belief that financial markets tend toward equilibrium and it is only government interference that prevents them from assuring the best allocation of resources. . . [is] both false and misleading. " The book was first published in 1987. This reprint includes a new introduction.
Alcoa's Bid for Alcan (A)
by Penelope Rossano Paul M. HealyIn spring 2007, Alcoa CEO Alain Belda was concerned about the company's market position in light of increased competition from developing markets. China's recent entry into the aluminum market was affecting both supply and demand. Furthermore, downstream and upstream product was coming on-line from other parts of the world, including Russia. As a result, Alcoa had lost its historical market dominance and stock premium. Belda was convinced that for Alcoa to regain its leadership position, the company would have to increase efficiencies by expanding its scale, diversification and reach. The acquisition of a large competitor presented the best opportunity to achieve this goal and, as a result, he was particularly intrigued by Canadian rival, Alcan because its assets would complement Alcoa's portfolio and enhance its reach. Further, Alcan had sold off non-aluminum assets, essentially making it a pure play in aluminum. That and its access to relatively cheap Canadian hydro power made it an even more intriguing acquisition opportunity for Alcoa. However, another major competitor, Rio Tinto, was also interested in Alcan; the company was in play.
Alcoa's Bid for Alcan (B)
by Penelope Rossano Paul M. HealyIn spring 2007, Alcoa CEO Alain Belda was concerned about the company's market position in light of increased competition from developing markets. China's recent entry into the aluminum market was affecting both supply and demand. Furthermore, downstream and upstream product was coming on-line from other parts of the world, including Russia. As a result, Alcoa had lost its historical market dominance and stock premium. Belda was convinced that for Alcoa to regain its leadership position, the company would have to increase efficiencies by expanding its scale, diversification and reach. The acquisition of a large competitor presented the best opportunity to achieve this goal and, as a result, he was particularly intrigued by Canadian rival, Alcan, because its assets would complement Alcoa's portfolio and enhance its reach. Further, Alcan had sold off non-aluminum assets, essentially making it a pure play in aluminum. That and its access to relatively cheap Canadian hydro power made it an even more intriguing acquisition opportunity for Alcoa. However, another major competitor, Rio Tinto, was also interested in Alcan; the company was in play.
Alcohol Advertising and Young People’s Drinking
by Barrie Gunter Anders Hansen Maria TouriThere is widespread and growing concern about the use of alcohol in society, especially by young people. Although overall volumes of alcohol consumption may be levelling off, the occurrences of excessive or 'binge' drinking, especially among teenagers and young adults, are increasingly commonplace. Tackling irresponsible drinking, which is linked to other antisocial behaviour and health problems, has focused attention on the promotion of alcohol by its producers as an important causal factor. This has led to calls for tougher regulation of alcohol marketing, including restrictions on where it can occur and the form it is allowed to take. Empirical research evidence, often emanating from government funded enquiries and endorsed by health lobbies, has been cited in support of an allegedly primary role played by advertising in triggering interest in and the onset of alcohol consumption among young people and in encouraging regular and heavy drinking. Close examination of this evidence, however, reveals that the research is not always as cut and dried as it may first appear. Methodological weaknesses abound in studies of the purported effects of alcohol advertising and other forms of marketing and the significance specifically of advertising as an agent that shapes young people's alcohol consumption could be weaker than often thought. This book sets out a review and critique of the evidence on alcohol advertising and marketing effects on young people and considers this evidence in relation to codes of advertising and marketing practice.
Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Law
by Colin Manchester Susanna Poppleston Jeremy AllenThis comprehensive and authoritative guide to licensing law is co-authored by the UK’s only professor of licensing law and two eminent licensing practitioners. It provides a detailed exposition and contextual analysis of the legal provisions governing the licensing of alcohol and entertainment under the Licensing Act 2003, encompassing both the legislative and decision-making framework of the Act as well as its implications for human rights. Fully updated and revised, it covers the various forms of authorization for licensable activities and licence and certificate conditions that might be attached as well as the enforcement and appeal provisions of the Act. This new edition, building on the highly acclaimed original work published in 2005, includes subsequent legislative changes and case law decisions. New additions to this edition include: expanded coverage of enforcement provisions and police powers a revised and extended chapter on appeals, in light of the practical and procedural developments that have evolved in the appeal process amendments to existing regulations and the revised Statutory Guidance issued in 2007. This book is essential reading for all local authorities, legal advisers, licensing policy advisors, operators and the police as well as those applying for licences.
Alcohol at Work: Managing Alcohol Problems and Issues in the Workplace
by Clive TobuttIn the European Union many individuals will partake in drinking a little wine with their lunch or dinner to aid their enjoyment of the meal or as an appetizer for food. Alcohol is also a drug of dependence. Some individuals will drink too much and some of them will become addicted. Access to alcohol, binge drinking, and younger drinkers can lead to unsafe workplaces, absenteeism, fraud and criminal behaviour. Alcohol at Work is a definitive guide to the problem, exploring its nature and scale and providing a complete range of ideas and techniques to help create a policy in the workplace and develop appropriate and effective measures for monitoring and tackling alcohol abuse. The key collective message is solve the problem - take the alcohol, not the person, out of the workplace. In the UK alone, research puts the cost of alcohol abuse in the workplace at £2 billion a year. This is a must-have reference for human resource, occupational health and risk managers, as well as those involved in tackling criminal behaviour such as fraud and violence at work resulting from alcohol abuse and addiction.
Alcoholic Beverages (Routledge Library Editions: Alcohol and Alcoholism)
by John Cavanagh Frederick F. ClairmonteFor most of the post-war period, alcohol problems had been viewed primarily as individual problems. During the 1970s and 1980s, research highlighted the importance of larger socio-economic factors in shaping drinking levels, patterns and problems. However, it largely ignored a paramount force which shaped this larger socio-economic environment: the modern multinational corporation. The aim of this book, originally published in 1985, was to demonstrate, on the basis of historical analysis, that transnational corporate structures and marketing strategies exercised a powerful impact on the availability and consumption of alcoholic beverages in both developed and developing marketing economies. While the authors did not want to suggest a single causal relationship between corporate strategies and the consumption of alcoholic beverages, the implications of their work were of the greatest significance to public health throughout the world. The book was an indispensable work for those interested in public health, alcoholism, and multinational business at the time. Today it can be read in its historical context.
Alden Products, Inc.: European Manufacturing
by Robert H. HayesThe European organization of Alden Products, Inc. is contemplating a doubling of unit sales over the next ten years. Their largest plant, located in Holland, was set up 25 years earlier to supply all demands of the EEC countries on the continent. It has since expanded six times. Should it expand again? Should it build a new plant in Southern Europe? Or should it increase subcontracting?
Aldi: The Dark Horse Discounter
by David Lane Eric J. Van Den SteenIn 2013, Aldi—the world's 8th largest retailer—planned to accelerate its US expansion. Aldi was a German-based hard discounter that sold a limited assortment of private-label groceries and household items in barebones stores. Despite its presence with 1200 stores in 32 states, Aldi was still relatively unknown in the US. But it was often cited as one of the reasons for Walmart's exit from Germany. Could it compete with Walmart in the US, Walmart's home market?
Aldrich Capital Partners
by Alys Ferragamo Jo TangoBy July 2016, the Aldrich Capital Partners team had spent over two years trying to raise their inaugural growth-equity fund. They had pitched to over 140 investors, but none had committed. Managing Partners Mirza Baig and Raz Zia each had extensive experience in the growth-equity space, but they did not have an investment track record together. Investors seemed hesitant to commit to a "blind pool" of capital with a new team. Now, the partners were contemplating an investment in a company code-named "Hollywood." The deal had several risks and was not a perfect fit with their investment thesis, but the partners wondered if this deal could prove their abilities and strategy to investors. Should Aldrich invest in Hollywood?
Alejandro magno su liderazgo
by Lance B. KurkeLíderes excepcionales son los que tienen la capacidad de analizar los problemas, optimizar los recursos, inspirar lealtad y ejecutar estrategias. No hay ejemplo tan impactante en la historia como el de Alejandro Magno, cuyas habilidades de liderazgo eran tan inmensas que resuenan todavía hoy, alrededor de 2.000 años después. Alejandro Magno su liderazgo, revela cuatro procesos de liderazgo que se extraen de la vida y los extraordinarios logros de Alejandro, Rey de Macedonia. Los lectores aprenderán como él: reencuadraba los problemas para abordar retos que parecían invencibles; construía alianzas usando su fuerza para generar confianza y respeto, no solo temor; estableció una identidad y se puso a sí mismo el "sello" de unificador, manteniendo así su territorio seguro mientras continuaba con la expansión del imperio; reconocía y asimilaba las culturas y símbolos de diferentes pueblos, lo que lo hacía una figura poderosa y confiada adondequiera que fuese. Alejandro Magno su liderazgo relata 34 fascinantes episodios de la expansión de Alejandro a través de Asia Menor, Egipto, Mesopotamia, el Medio Oriente, el Imperio Persa y la India. Cada ejemplo, ligado a un homólogo contemporáneo, provee valiosas lecciones, basadas en la inmortal leyenda de uno de los más grandes líderes de la historia.
Aleksandr Nikolaevich Engelgardt's Letters from the Country, 1872-1887
by Aleksandr Nikolaevich EngelgardtAleksandr Nikolaevich Engelgardt's first letter "From the Country" appeared in the May 1872 issue of the literary-political journal Notes of the Fatherland, published in St. Petersburg. It was an immediate hit, and the following letters, published over the next ten years, were the most important work of this progressive publication. These letters constituted the centerpiece of debate about the peasant and Russian agriculture in Russia's post-Emancipation era. Engelgardt provided an eyewitness account of the state of agriculture and the success of the land reform, relations between the gentry and the peasantry, the structure of rural existence, and the moral climate in the villages near his estate of Batishchevo in Smolensk Province. For contemporary, educated Russians, Engelgardt was the undisputed authority and best source of information on the countryside. As the agricultural editor of the neo-Slavophile journal Rus' conceded in 1881, there was no one in Russia who could match Engelgardt's knowledge, force of argument, and precision in presentation and for that reason, the letters stood beyond criticism. This translation is ideal for anyone interested in Russian history and peasant studies.
Aleph Farms: A New Culture of Meat
by Elie Ofek Jeff HuizingaAleph Farms, an Israeli food-tech start-up, was hoping to play a major role in disrupting the conventional meat sector. Compared to intensive agricultural practices, Aleph's cultured (or lab-grown) meat solution held the promise of considerably reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the use of land and water, while providing a new source of food for a rapidly growing world population. With much of the science already worked out, the company was now facing a host of challenges as it planned to launch its first product-a cultured steak. In particular, Aleph's CEO, Didier Toubia, and his management team had to figure out the best way to position and bring to market its innovative steaks, with a debut expected in late 2022 in Singapore. Management fully recognized potential barriers to consumer adoption and strived to build a relevant brand image. On the production side, the company knew it had to scale quickly and continue to bring down costs so that its steaks approached price parity with conventional meat. Yet given the intensive capital expenditures involved, this was no simple feat. Planning for the longer term, the company was beginning to consider its next product line.
Alere
by Catherine Slater Channing Spencer Raffaella SadunThe Board of Alere, Inc, a leading medical diagnostic firm, is evaluating the offer made by Ron Zwanziger, the firm's founder and former CEO, to acquire the company and take it private. The offer arrives at the end of a tumultuous year for the company, which saw Zwanziger fighting and ultimately losing a confrontation with activist investors Coppersmith Capital. How should the board evaluate this offer? Should they reject it, on the basis that Zwanziger's decision to expand into integrated healthcare solutions was the main reason behind the company's poor stock performance, as Coppersmith claimed? Or should they once more place their trust in Zwanziger's leadership, and in Alere's ability to effectively implement his vision?
Alert: Developments in Preparation, Compilation, and Review Engagements, 2017/18
by AicpaThis annual Alert covers the latest developments in the preparation, compilation and review engagements, including current exposure drafts from Accounting and Review Services Committee (ARSC), and common deficiencies identified during peer reviews. Reviewed by ARSC chair, it also addresses the latest and emerging practice issues, and provides valuable information regarding accounting and reporting developments. Key benefits of this title include: Discussion of two new exposure drafts. Current practice issues in SSARS engagements. Ethics updates. Peer review common findings. Additional SSARS engagement resources
Alert and Ready: An Organizational Design Assessment of Marine Corps Intelligence
by Harry J. Thie Christopher Paul Colin P. Clarke Stephanie Young Katharine Watkins WebbOver the past decade, especially, U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) intelligence has had to tailor its organization to meet the evolving demands of the operational environment. This has resulted in a number of ad hoc arrangements, practices, and organizations. A broad review of the organizational design of USMC intelligence examined how to align it efficiently and effectively with current and future missions and functions.
Alessandro Torlonia: The Pope’s Banker (Palgrave Studies in the History of Finance)
by Daniela FelisiniThis book provides a vivid biography of a towering Italian banker, pioneer and entrepreneur. It weaves the entrepreneurial ventures of Alessandro Torlonia (1800-1886) through the narratives of business and politics in the Nineteenth century, the growth of European financial markets and the decline of Papal power during the Italian Risorgimento. The discussion is founded in rigorous historical research using original sources such as the Archivum Secretum Vaticanum papers and other official documents; the archives of the Torlonia family, and of the Rothschild bank in Paris; memoirs; correspondences, and newspapers. Through this book readers learn that Alessandro Torlonia was a man of many faces, who was one of the most complex and influential characters of Italian economic life in the nineteenth century. Felisini also provides an expert critique of the financial history of the papacy: an area of heightened interest given the notoriety of relations between the Holy See and its bankers in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Focal topics such as the history of European elites and the history of European financial markets will have an interdisciplinary appeal for scholars and researchers.