The Anti-Corruption Handbook. How to Protect Your Business in the Global Marketplace

As businesses continue to expand globally into new and emerging markets, bribery and corruption risks have increased exponentially. Bribery and Corruption offers a comprehensive look at this growing problem, and at the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other international anti-bribery and corruption conventions. Presenting hypothetical examples of situations companies will face, along with practical solutions, the book offers detailed global guidance on a region and country-specific basis. The FCPA prohibits US companies and their subsidiaries from bribing foreign officials, either directly or indirectly through intermediaries, for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. It also requires companies to keep accurate records of all business transactions and maintain an effective system of internal accounting controls. Internationally, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD's) anti-bribery convention has been adopted by 38 countries and creates legally binding standards related to bribery of foreign public officials. Written by renowned accounting fraud experts Richard A. Sibery and Brian P. Loughman, and providing an introduction and overview of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and international bribery laws, Bribery and Corruption considers: How to conduct FCPA risk assessments and investigations How to consider FCPA specific financial controls How to implement an FCPA compliance program and how to measure FCPA compliance The risk of bribery and corruption continues to be an area of concern for companies around the world, but armed with Bribery and Corruption, it is easier than ever to understand the challenges that exist and how to deal with them.

A straightforward guide to inventing, patenting, and technology commercialization for scientists and engineers Although chemists, physicists, biologists, polymer scientists, and engineers in industry are involved in potentially patentable work, they are often under-prepared for this all-important field. This book provides a clear, jargon-free, and comprehensive overview of the patenting process tailored specifically to the needs of scientists and engineers, including: Requirements for a patentable invention How to invent New laws created by President Obama's 2011 America Invents Act The process of applying for and obtaining a patent in the U.S. and in foreign countries Commercializing inventions and the importance of innovation Based on lecture notes refined over twenty-five years at The University of Akron, How to Invent and Protect Your Invention contains practical advice, colorful examples, and a wealth of personal experience from the authors.

The second edition of Benefits Management has been updated with current examples, further insights from experience and recent research. It shows how the enduring challenges achieving business value from information systems and technology projects can be addressed successfully. The approach, which is synthesized from best practices, sound theories and proven techniques from a range of management disciplines, is exemplified from the authors' extensive experience of working with a wide range of organizations. The book includes examples from a wide variety of projects including non-IT projects. The book is written in an accessible style, ideal for practicing managers, and includes check lists and templates for using the processes, tools and techniques and real-life case studies of their application and impacts. The book now also includes: International survey results that reinforce the importance of the topic, the key management issues and evidence of how the more successful organizations' practices are closely aligned with those described in the book. A Benefits Management Maturity diagnostic which enables organizations to understand the reasons for their current investment success levels and then how to increase them. Discussion of the role and contribution Project Management Offices (PMOs): how they can improve the delivery of value IT projects. Further practical advice and guidance on Program and Portfolio Management, including findings from the authors’ recent research in several large organizations.

Crowdsource funding is the new way to finance start-ups in a networked world Entrepreneurs, small business owners, investors, artisans, or those who merely have a good idea for a business venture have a new and attainable means of securing capital to grow their dreams. Gone are the days when the only options to raise funds for a new business were venture capitalists, angel investors, or Wall Street. Web-based crowdfunding services are now plentiful and offer a variety of options for the aspiring entrepreneur. However, these services are not typically as well-understood as the more traditional means of raising capital. In The Crowdsource Funding Services Handbook, author Jason R. Rich offers a step-by-step overview of the various crowdsource funding services available on the Web, as well as the necessary documentation required to launch a successful crowdfunding campaign. Contains details on how to evaluate and select the best online platform for crowdfunding efforts Provides details on creating a business plan to the specifications require to raise capital via crowdfunding Provides an overview of the financial projections that will be required for a crowdfunding initiative Proposes a specific approach to creating a «pitch video» to succeed with a crowdsource funding campaign The Crowdsource Funding Services Handbook is a thorough, well-developed resource for those seeking to raise capital to start a business or fund the development of an innovative idea. Author and crowdfunding expert Jason R. Rich provides this definitive, hands-on guide to raising capital in the new economy.

Get up to speed quickly on the world's fastest growing financial sector The Islamic Finance Handbook: A Practitioner's Guide to the Global Markets is the definitive report for the Islamic finance industry. Written by the industry's leading practitioners, the book provides a country-by-country breakdown of the current state of the Islamic market, including league tables by region and by country. Relevant case studies are used throughout to illustrate the practical aspect of the information presented. Organized for easy navigation, each chapter features sub-sections that allow instant comparison between countries in a specific area of interest. The Islamic finance industry is the world's fastest growing sector, valued at over U.S. $1.3 trillion by the UK Islamic Finance secretariat, with an annual growth of 24% for the past five years. To compete globally, practitioners need a true understanding of key markets within the industry. The Islamic Finance Handbook paints a clear picture of where each country stands in its development and role within the market, and provides a straightforward comparison between markets. Features include: Current macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions Regulatory and political situations Recent transactions, key participants, and the investor climate Real-world cases, as opposed to speculative scenarios The book places a clear focus on current conditions versus past performance, and on practical applications versus theoretical speculation. Each chapter is authored by a leading practitioner from within each country, allowing a true glimpse inside the day-to-day workings of the Islamic markets. For finance professionals who need to get up to speed on this rapidly growing sector, The Islamic Finance Handbook: A Practitioner's Guide to the Global Markets is a clear, comprehensive guide.

Discover how you can run the practical side of your practice more profitably. This comprehensive guide to managing an interior design business gives you an arsenal of proven procedures and practical tools and techniques perfected over the course of some thirty years. New to this edition are sections on establishing an electronic office, the pros and cons of working alone and creating partnerships, hiring and working with off-site employees, and more. It also includes more than fifty sample forms and letters, such as an existing conditions survey and a letter of transmittal, that can easily be adapted to your own uses.

Comprehensive coverage of what it takes to be a responsible member of an investment committee In a clear, organized, and easy-to-understand manner, this handbook explains the responsibilities and expectations of investment committee fiduciaries for pension funds, endowment funds, and foundations. Emphasizing all the do's and don'ts to follow for prudent investment management, this invaluable resource covers topics ranging from investment policy, asset allocation, and risk assessment to understanding information presented at committee meetings, asking meaningful and productive questions, and voting on recommendations knowledgeably. This book will empower readers with all the knowledge they need to feel confident in the investment decisions they make for their organizations

Twenty-three top advisors from leading firms show entrepreneurs how to transition their business The Entrepreneur's Transition provides an all-in-one handbook for entrepreneurs and corporate insiders seeking advice on their personal financial planning prior to selling or taking a business public. It provides a concise, easy-to-read blueprint that can help business leaders navigate before and after a transaction-so they are well positioned and can avoid costly mistakes. The Entrepreneur's Transition is organized chronologically beginning with the issues a business owner should be concerned with prior to a transaction. It then moves, step by step, through the transaction process and into post transaction diversification, reinvestment, and philanthropy. Louis Crosier (Boston, MA) is a principal at Windward Investment Management and serves as a member of Windward's Investment Committee. His responsibilities include managing client portfolios and overseeing the firm's investment consulting practice.

Thousands of interior design professionals have come to rely on The Interior Design Business Handbook for comprehensive, accessible coverage of the essential procedures, tools, and techniques necessary to manage a successful interior design business. The Fifth Edition of this essential resource has been revised to address the latest trends and changes in the field, with new and updated material on business size and structure, building a brand, client development, social networking and Internet marketing, finances, purchasing, technology and software programs, and other key areas. Complete with more than 75 sample forms and letters, this Fifth Edition is a one-stop resource for all aspects of establishing and running an interior design business—from choosing a location and managing day-to-day operations to growing a business and putting it up for sale. All of the techniques and procedures in the book are rooted in real-world experience and are used daily in successful design firms throughout the United States. Filled with valuable information for solo practices and small firms as well as larger businesses, this book is an indispensable resource for seasoned professionals as well as interior designers who are at the start of their career.

Professional-level guidance on effectively trading ETFs in markets around the world The ETF Handbook is a comprehensive handbook for using Exchange Traded Funds, designed specifically for institutional investors and professional advisors seeking to improve ETF profitability. While ETFs trade like stocks, they are not stocks—and the differences impact every aspect of their use. This book provides full guidance toward effectively monitoring, analyzing, and executing ETFs, including the technical details you won't find anywhere else. You'll learn how they work, where they fit, and who is using them, as well as the resources that exist to provide access for investors. This new second edition includes updated coverage on how business has moved from niche to mainstream, ETF performance and issuers around the world, and changes to the users of ETFs in the US. The companion website features instructional video, as well as ready-to-use spreadsheets for calculating NAV and IIV. Most of the literature surrounding ETFs is geared toward individual investors or traders, but this book is written from the professional perspective—complete with the deeper mechanical information professionals require. Learn the analysis and execution methods specific to ETFs Discover why ETFs require a sophisticated level of skill Consider how ETFs perform in different market environments Examine the impact of managed ETF portfolio growth ETFs are incredibly flexible and valuable tools, but using them effectively demands a more sophisticated skillset, even among professional money managers and traders. Daily volumes and spreads do not tell the full story regarding availability and liquidity, and treating ETFs just like stocks can dramatically impact profits. The ETF Handbook is the professional's guide to the ETF markets worldwide with expert insight on the technical details that matter.