Customer Reviews

Financial Models Using Simulation and Optimization II: Investment

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The example files were not included in the CD-Rom and the trial software expires in 10 days. Not enough time to go through a fraction of the material. Don't waste your time with this book.

I have just received this book and had a look at. It is not what I had expected before buying. The author shows excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel and does not care about explanations where he takes formulas from. There is very little about the underground Real Options technology. There is almost nothing about "Financial Models" themselves - just how to make calculations using ready to use formulas and Excel.

In my opinion it is not a big deal to use Excel when you know formulas.

What I was really after by buying this book was how to build mathematical models in finance, what kind of numerical methods they use and how they use Excel for getting results. I still believe that Excel is not the best tool for resolving systems of differential equations using numerical methods (Particularly big systems).

I myself am a Russian rocket scientist who has spent more the 15 years in building mathematical models in mechanical engineering. To my surprise differential equations that they use in finance are same type as we have used in mechanical engineering. Now I live in New Zealand and I am trying to enter finance world by building math models in this area. I decided to introduce myself for proving that I know the subject that I am talking about

I am sorry but this book is waste of money- at least for me.

The book gives great examples and functionality as long as you have the software needed. For example, make sure to have "complete" copy or @Risk...not just a trial version.