Managing the Risks of Payments Systems

Book Description

Provides a comprehensive overview of sources of corporate risk and major control measures.

Identifies risks inherent in corporate payments systems.
Shows how to assess credit risk, develop policies, and control the entire risk management process.

Customer Reviews:

Helpful Primer on Managing Payment System Risk.......2003-08-12

Experienced financial professionals with years of practical operating experience wrote this recently published book. Therefore, it is not surprising that this book methodically covers the principal payment systems (checks, ACHs, wires and global transfer systems - CHIPS and SWIFT), their basic workings, risk, and how to manage those risks. The subject matter of this book is critical for corporate financial managers - CFOs, Treasurers, Cash Managers, Controllers - as well as bank operations officers, and bank and corporate auditors.

Since check fraud is currently a $10 billion a year problem an entire chapter is devoted to checks, their characteristics, the prevailing regulations, the risk parameters, and how to manage that risk including using internal controls, bank controls, check stock controls, and positive pay controls. The authors warn corporations that they should be alert to "gross negligence and willful conduct clauses" in bank agreements which may put undue and unnecessary risk on them.

Wire transfer, defined to include FedWire, CHIPS and SWIFT, are covered in two chapters. The first chapter covers the transfer from the originating bank to the receiving bank. The next topics reviewed include: liability for fraudulent transfers, managing risks in the links of the wire systems, and the bank's perspective on wire transfer risk. The second chapter on wire transfers focuses on completing the transfer and the rules for handing errors.

The Automated Clearing House (ACH), the second type of electronic funds transfer, in addition to wires, is covered in a separate chapter. A basic discussion of this payment type is provided along with a definition of the types of ACHs and how they are processed. The ACH origination process is covered and the warranties and liabilities of the originating bank are examined.

Other topics reviewed in this section include ACH prenotification, reversal of duplicate and erroneous payments. The authors then examine the receipt of entries, returns, change and acknowledgements. Lastly, settlement and accountability, cross-border payments, US Government payments, and ACH payment system risks are reviewed.

[In light of the recent coverage in an August 2003 issue of the American Banker newspaper, corporate treasury managers should make sure that they setup special ACH debit blocks on their bank accounts to reduce the risk of ACH fraud.]

An entire chapter is devoted to Electronic Commerce and Internet payments. Corporate financial managers are well advised to bone up on this material to ensure that they protect their corporate assets from potential fraud in these two exploding areas. There are a cyber crooks and hackers who are looking to defraud any company that doesn't protect itself on the Internet. Also included in the book is an 8-page glossary.

The last chapter covers the specifics of controlling corporate payment system risks as opposed to risks faced by financial institutions. Included in this chapter is a 5-page "Risk Management Crime Coverage Checklist." Additional material covered in this chapter are pointers on handling payment systems disruptions, managing check, wire, and ACH fraud.

In conclusion, this book covers all the bases on payments system risk. The readers will obtain a comprehensive view of the entire subject matter and be better prepared to face the challenges ahead once they realize the importance and understand the vulnerabilities in the existing payments systems.

Average customer rating:
Managing payment system risk during the transition from a centrally planned to a market economy (IMF working paper)
Andrew T Hook
Manufacturer: International Monetary Fund
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Risk Analysis & Management | Environmental | Civil | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006OYAZQ

Book Description

How does emotional intelligence as a competency go beyond the individual to become something a group or entire organization can build and utilize collectively? Written primarily by members of the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations, founded by recognized EI experts Daniel Goleman and Cary Cherniss, this groundbreaking compendium examines the conceptual and strategic issues involved in defining, measuring and promoting emotional intelligence in organizations. The book's contributing authors share fifteen models that have been field-tested and empirically validated in existing organizations. They also detail twenty-two guidelines for promoting emotional intelligence and outline a variety of measurement strategies for assessing emotional and social competence in organizations.

Customer Reviews:

Valid Scientific Writing - misses detailed "How To" answers.......2001-10-17

After being disappointed by Cary Cherniss' book on "promoting" emotional intelligence, I was rather reluctant to spend money on this one, so I ordered a used copy through Amazon (very satisfactory: the copy I got was as good as new). I must say that I find my money well spent. In fact, the only reason why this book doesn't get 5 stars is that it's too scientific for practical application.

For instance, chapter 5 is correct to point out that most tests don't measure emotional intelligence, BUT emotional competence, and then goes on to warn us that a test as Bar-on's EQi test certainly has disadvantages, given it is a self-administered test (In my experience, self-administration of EQ-like tests is particularly dangerous for recruiting and other forms of evaluation). Of course, then the question becomes: BUT I want to test EQ in the context of work, how can I do this in a reliable fashion? You'll find the answer halfway chapter 6, which indicates that Behavior Event Interviews will do the trick (I agree with this, since that's what I experienced as well). Unfortunately, you won't find what kind of questions to ask during such an interview, let alone examples of how to do it.

Also, I was glad that the author of chapter 8 pointed out the same pitfalls of hiring senior executives I have been warning companies for. The suggestions that were outline come close to what we have been doing for several customers, but again the real, practical how to's are missing.

The chapters on training emotional intelligence in part three of the book were more useful than the book "Promoting E.I.", so there is no need at all to buy that other book anymore. Once again, these 4 chapters contain many of the messages one should have when working to develop EQ.

My critique: Except the scientific parts, I found that many of the more practical things this book covers, are "old messages" that can be found in works of Boyatzis, McClelland, Prochaska, Spencer and Spencer, ...

Conclusion? Buy this book if you need a solid scientific basis for your knowledge of emotional intelligence. As far as the how-to's are concerned, this book will serve very well as an outline and a checklist by which one can evaluate the quality of work delivered by a consultant - however, it's not enough to really go out there and "just do it". On the other hand, if you are a consultant recruiting or training for emotional intelligence, this is a MUST READ. Don't get caught not knowing what's in here!...

Book Description

If you oversee benefits in more than one state, this is the comparative guide you need. For every kind of question, from looking up a single state's rule on health benefits for domestic partners, to comparisons of occupational safety enforcement, there's no more convenient, authoritative reference available. And, regular updates keep you in touch with fast-changing regulations across the board:

* Taxation of benefits
* Health Benefits
* Disability & Leave Benefits
* Life Insurance
* Workers Comp
* And much more.

From the fundamentals of state laws, to emerging trends in regulation, the Multistate Guide To Benefits Law is a reference that will more than pay for itself with each use.

Customer Reviews:

An outstanding resource, very well-researched.......2002-07-06

The 2002 Multistate Guide to Benefits Law is an informative, well-written, and highly useful tool for human resources and legal professionals. As an attorney who works in the Human Resources field full-time, I appreciate the accuracy and timeliness of this and Mr. Buckley's other works. John Buckley actually has an entire library of publications relating to various aspects of employment law, many of which are designed to assist HR professionals, while others are created for attorneys practicing in specialized areas. Clearly, an enormous amount of expert research coupled with attention to detail have enabled the author to produce voluminous works of unparalleled accuracy. I give the Multistate Benefits Guide and all of John Buckley's publications my heartiest recommendation.

Book Description

Space experiments have opened practically all electromagnetic windows on the Universe. A discussion of the most important results obtained with multi-frequency photonic astrophysics experiments will provide new input to advance our knowledge of physics, very often in its more extreme conditions.
A multitude of high quality data across the whole electromagnetic spectrum came at the scientific community's disposal a few years after the beginning of the Space Era. With these data we are attempting to explain the physics governing the Universe and its origin, which continues to be a matter of the greatest curiosity for humanity.
In this book we describe the latest steps of the investigations born with the advent of space experiments. We highlight the most important results, identify unsolved problems, and comment on perspectives we can reasonably expect.
This book aims to provide a useful tool for the reader who is not specialized in space astrophysics and for students. Therefore, the book is written in the form of a review with a still reasonable length, taking into account the complexity of the arguments discussed. We do not claim to present a complete picture of the physics governing the Universe, but have rather selected particular topics for a more thorough discussion. A cross section of essays on historical, modern, and philosophical topics is offered and combined with personal views into tricks of the space astrophysics trade.

Book Description

Plants, marine organisms, and microorganisms have evolved complex chemical defense and signaling systems that are designed to protect them from predators and provide other biological benefits. These organisms thus produce substances containing novel chemotypes that may have beneficial effects for humans. As collection methods improve and new screening techniques and molecular targets proliferate, natural products are once again taking a central part of modern pharmaceutical research. Anticancer Agents from Natural Products analyzes current clinically-used anticancer agents that are natural products or clearly derived from natural product leads. This multi-authored volume provides a historical, biochemical, and chemical rationale to the search for plant, marine, or microbial sources that may provide future templates for drug lead optimization and synthetic drug design. Grouped by source organism, each chapter includes the history of the drug and a discussion of its mechanism in action, medicinal chemistry, and biochemistry. The authors characterize each compound by its structure, genetics, molecular biology, synthesis, and possible derivatives. They also discuss \approaches to drug discovery and development, including the use of combinatorial biosynthetic techniques, testing methods, and ways to obtain economically viable amounts of the drug. The final chapter covers drug candidates that are in preclinical or clinical development and may be used in the future. Edited by leading scientists who have contributed enormously to natural product development and potential anticancer natural products, Anticancer Agents from Natural Products is a convenient summary of the current status of research and development of some of the most effective anticancer agents available today. It is an ideal foundation for scientists engaged in developing new and improved drugs based on natural sources.

Book Description

The origin of species has fascinated both biologists and the general public since the publication of Darwin's Origin of Species in 1859. Significant progress in understanding the process was achieved in the "modern synthesis," when Theodosius Dobzhansky, Ernst Mayr, and others reconciled Mendelian genetics with Darwin's natural selection. Although evolutionary biologists have developed significant new theory and data about speciation in the years since the modern synthesis, this book represents the first systematic attempt to summarize and generalize what mathematical models tell us about the dynamics of speciation.

Fitness Landscapes and the Origin of Species presents both an overview of the forty years of previous theoretical research and the author's new results. Sergey Gavrilets uses a unified framework based on the notion of fitness landscapes introduced by Sewall Wright in 1932, generalizing this notion to explore the consequences of the huge dimensionality of fitness landscapes that correspond to biological systems.

In contrast to previous theoretical work, which was based largely on numerical simulations, Gavrilets develops simple mathematical models that allow for analytical investigation and clear interpretation in biological terms. Covering controversial topics, including sympatric speciation and the effects of sexual conflict on speciation, this book builds for the first time a general, quantitative theory for the origin of species.

Customer Reviews:

Comprehensive survey of mathematical fitness landscape theory.......2006-01-06

Gavrilets' survey of fitness landscape models and their role in understanding the mechanisms and nature of speciation is indispensable to anyone (with a sufficient mathematical background) wishing to understand this relatively neglected area of population genetics. The text is thorough, well-organized, and well-written. It is a must-read for students of population biology.

Average customer rating:

Should be called "How Non-Catholic etiquette shapes white American Catholicism"

Catholic Etiquette

VERY DISAPPOINTED

For Generation X

Catholic Etiquette

Catholic Etiquette: What You Need to Know About Catholic Rites and Wrongs
Kay Lynn Isca
Manufacturer: Our Sunday Visitor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Catholicism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Roman Catholicism | Catholicism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You

Catholicism for Dummies

Why Do Catholics Do That?

What Catholics Really Believe-Setting the Record Straight: 52 Answers to Common Misconceptions About the Catholic Faith

Catholic Book of Prayers: Popular Catholic Prayers Arranged for Everyday Use

ASIN: 0879735902

Customer Reviews:

Should be called "How Non-Catholic etiquette shapes white American Catholicism".......2007-07-25

I bought this book for help in raising my own children. For this, I found it somewhat limited. There are a handful of useful bits of information to put into practice. But, mostly, in reading it, I was a bit put off by Kay Lynn Isca's strong opinions about proper and improper, opinions that I suspect were formed somewhere in her life and upbringing, but not inside the Church. From my perspective, this book is really an illustration about how the values, opinions, ethical ideas, and etiquette of a specific community in a time and place (oh, probably contemporary Indiana or somthing similar) have influenced a certain kind of mainstream middle class Catholicism. Throughout the book, Ms. Isca distinguishes between what she calls "ethnic churches" (generally, any Catholic community that doesn't conform to her standards of etiquette) and "mainstream churches". While in my family we attend a "mainstream" church (if by mainstream, she means, mass in English, majority of parish members are white, middle to upper class, in a parish located in a predominantly non-Catholic city), my wife and I each come from what Ms. Isca would consider fringe, marginal "ethnic churches" (her term) and have participated in parishes that are not islands surrounded by a sea of Protestantism, both in the US and abroad. As a result, I found myself over and over reading her descriptions of certain aspects of her experience in American catholicism and saying to myself "not so fast. Not necessarily." or "Not in my opinion" The important thing to keep in mind is that Catholicism is not an American church, but a universal church. From Italy, to Gabon, to Mexico, to Quebec to Australia, one is bound to find variations in what Ms. Isca calls "Catholic etiquette." The title of Ms. Isca's book is misleading, in that it suggests that what Ms. Isca describes as "right" is necessarily a "rite." Much of what Ms. Isca considers "right" catholicism is definitely note a rule of the Church but is rather a reflection of contemporary American social attitudes finding their way into the church itself (for example, her comments on children and the church). (Ms. Isca seems to acknowledge as much when she recognizes that some "ethnic churches" might tolerate some otherwise unacceptable etiquette, but it is definitely "wrong" in her Catholic etiquette. My point is that what Ms. Isca's notions of right and wrong in Church are much more a symptom and reflection of what self-identified "mainstream" Americans think about Catholicism than it is a reflection of what is universally "Catholic" about Catholic etiquette.

Catholic Etiquette.......2006-11-05

I was very pleased with the book. It helped me to understand what is going on and I didn't feel that everyone was watching me.

VERY DISAPPOINTED.......2006-09-23

I STARTED TO READ THE BOOK WITH MUCH ENTHUSIASM, WHICH QUICKLY CAME TO A HALT. THE AUTHOR BREEZED OVER THE REALLY IMPORTANT PARTS OF MASS SUCH AS THE EUCHARIST, COMMUNION, WHAT MASS IS ALL ABOUT AND EXTENDED THE CHAPTERS ON PLANNING WEDDINGS, AND PARTIES FOR WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS, COMMUNION, ETC. THE AUTHOR NEVER GOT INTO WHAT EACH RITE OF PASSAGE IS ALL ABOUT, WHY WE CELEBRATE THE RITE. I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHY WE DO THE THINGS WE DO IN CHURCH, NOT HOW TO PLAN THE PARTY AFTER THE WEDDING OR BAPTISM. I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS BOOK AND WISH I COULD GET MY MONEY BACK. IF YOU WANT A MORE IN DEPTH EXPLANATION FOR WHY WE DO THE THINGS WE DO IN CHURCH AND WHAT MASS IS ALL ABOUT, THIS IS NOT THE BOOK FOR YOU.

For Generation X.......2006-07-09

Catechesis in the seventies and eighties left out much of the reasons for our Catholic Traditions and this text helps fill in some of the gaps! It's light reading but very informative.
Karen Estock Yash, DIrector of Religous Education

Catholic Etiquette.......2006-03-27

As a converted Catholic, there were many things that were never explained to me. This book breaks it down in simple and understandable language. This book has been extremely helpful to me.

Average customer rating:

The Wrong Rite
Alisa Craig
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0688086438

Masonic Rites and Wrongs: An Examination of Freemasonry

Average customer rating:

Reply to Mr. Poll
Anti-Masonic Book

Masonic Rites and Wrongs: An Examination of Freemasonry
Steven Tsoukalas
Manufacturer: P & R Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Freemasonry | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Religious Warfare | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0875524575

Customer Reviews:

Reply to Mr. Poll.......2006-06-07

Contrary to what Mr. Poll writes in his "review," my book is well documented from rituals and monitors of various Grand Lodges from the United States, Canada, England, Ireland and Scotland. After quoting from these sources, which reveal that Freemasonry is a religion, affirms belief in a deity, and teaches a way to heaven ("The Celestial Lodge Above," for example,), I critique from the Bible. I do indeed recommend Mr. Poll's recommended books, but it is curious that neither these authors nor any other Mason have critically engaged my book.

Anti-Masonic Book.......2006-03-15

Beware! This is an anti-Masonic book and should not be looked upon as a book to provide actual facts concerning Freemasonry. This book is recommended only if one wishes to see what the anti-Masons are saying about Freemasonry.
For more balanced and factual aoounts of the nature of Freemasonry, read: 'Is it True what they Say about Freemasonry?' by Arturo de Hoyos & S. Brent Morris, 'Masonic Questions and Answers' by Paul M. Bessel & 'A Pilgrim's Path: Freemasonry and the Religious Right' by John J. Robinson.

A Bill of Rites, A Bill of Wrongs, A Bill of Goods

Average customer rating:

A Bill of Rites, A Bill of Wrongs, A Bill of Goods
Wright Morris
Manufacturer: University of Nebraska Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Essays | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0803281072

High School Hazing: When Rites Become Wrongs (Single Title: Teen)

Average customer rating:

Such an important topic!
High School Hazing

High School Hazing: When Rites Become Wrongs (Single Title: Teen)
Hank Nuwer
Manufacturer: Franklin Watts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Health, Mind & Body | Teens | Subjects | Books

School & Education | Reference & Nonfiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0531164659

Customer Reviews:

Such an important topic!.......2000-05-30

Hazing is an often neglected but important topic that deserves the serious treatment given by author. A victim and perpetuator of hazing himself, Nuwer depicts hazing as a "tradition of deceit," and a series of dangerous acts designed to foster bonding and acceptance.

In a startling mix of information, photographs and personal accounts, the book describes hazing as an ancient practice that has endured and become increasingly deadly. Hazing encompasses more than binge drinking and paddling; it spans all ages, and stems from the need to control others and the need to be accepted. Hazing can begin as early as grammar school, and has been documented in the military, in secret societies, in gangs, on sports teams, and even in some professions. Some of the violations committed include performing sex acts, shoplifting, paddling, alcohol abuse, sleep deprivation, and confinement.

Nuwer's description of hazing is shocking and disturbing, as it should be. High School Hazing will enlighten and inform readers about this phenomenon. One area of the book that could be stronger is the conclusion, which provides preliminary suggestions on how to stop hazing. The points serve more as "things to keep in mind," or as warning signs to identify hazing, but much more description and guidance is needed before a participant could successfully stop a hazing ritual or organization.

This book would be an important addition to both school and public libraries. This is an imperative piece of knowledge young adults should be exposed to as soon as possible.

High School Hazing.......2000-04-02

Who thought high school hazing was a problem? An excellent factual resource for all school administraters, teachers, coaches, students and parents. How to identify hazing and how to deal with it. Why are so many people OK with some forms of hazing, is assualt and harrassment OK? Those that were hazed and now haze--does that make it ok? I didn't know it was even a high school problem until it was exposed in our school. A must for every high school library. A vivid and heartbreaking account of hazing, a real educational resource. An excellent and much needed book, read it and make sure it's in your school library.

The Amazing Spider-Man #337 : Rites and Wrongs (The Return of the Sinister Six - Marvel Comics)

Average customer rating:

The Amazing Spider-Man #337 : Rites and Wrongs (The Return of the Sinister Six - Marvel Comics)
David Michelinie
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Marvel | Publishers | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Spider-Man | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Antiquarian & Rare Books | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

A Bill of Rites, a Bill of Wrongs, a Bill of Goods
Wright Morris
Manufacturer: The New American Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000V4NOTY

Land Rites and Wrongs: The Management, Regulation and Use of Land in Canada and the United States

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Land Rites and Wrongs: The Management, Regulation and Use of Land in Canada and the United States
Elliot J. Feldman
Manufacturer: Lincoln Inst of Land Policy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0899462227

Average customer rating:

mind player!

Rites & Wrongs
Lesley J. Zobian
Manufacturer: Writers Club Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0595167446

Book Description

RITES AND WRONGS is a humorous fantasy novel in the tradition of Fritz Leiber and, latterly, Tom Holt. It is the story of one small god’s battle for fame and power. His fight for existence against apathy, greed and blatant atheism. He leaves Earth in search of another, less sophisticated, world where his unique talents will be better appreciated. His ambition is to set up an adoring congregation who will love and worship him and only him, and to have mighty heroes stride the world on holy quests searching for relics with which to adorn his magnificent temple.

OK, so he’ll settle for a little respect and the odd orgy or two.

What he ends up with is a corpulent and miserly High Priest, a mute acolyte, and two reluctant crusaders who are more interested in having a good time than gaining points on the karmic scoreboard.

But Banish is not a god to give up easily.

Customer Reviews:

mind player!.......2001-05-05

I read this book and it certainly is one that plays with the mind! It keeps you grip on the edge of your seat , in the same way a movie would do! throughout the book it gives you a insight to the weird and wonderful ways of which way to turn and what to do, even if it means taking huge risks. This book ceratinly keeps you entertained and is a must read!

Rites and wrongs: Worship in the worst and best of times

Average customer rating:

Rites and wrongs: Worship in the worst and best of times
Barry L Ralph
Manufacturer: C.S.S. Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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