Customer Reviews

Scientific Financial Management: Advances in Financial Intelligence Capabilities for Corporate Valuation and Risk Assessment (with CD-ROM)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The book covers many interesting topics starting from general statistical analysis and linear regression to some more complex topics such as neural networks. Also some Monte Carlo is covered. I read a lot of books on same topics but in much more depth, which is why this book was not a big contribution to my current knowledge. The text is certainly good for a beginner or to refresh your memory, but I think to be a very good CEO of CFO you need to know more in detail than just some of these topics, as described in the book. Some chapters such as the one on Monte Carlo I think is not presented in a best manner. The whole chapter looks more like a user guide for Monte Carlo for Chrystal Ball software. The technique of Monte Carlo usage is not descibed in a detail at all , but rather it is just presented of how it is done in this software. Moreover, the chapter on Nerual Networks in a summary chapter on some general topics but there are no precise examples of how things can be done. These are some of the reasons why I didn't really like the book, it is more less like a summary of the most important topics that one should know if in finance. As I said this book is probably good introductory text to get acquainted with the general topics, prior to getting into some more detailed text, becuase from this you really can not say you know the material in depth.

This text provides an intuitive introduction to various techniques. Nothing more, nothing less. Each chapter is about 30 pages long and is just about right for the busy executive. Those who actually need to implement models might want to look at Simon Benninga's 'Financial Modeling' and Wayne Winston's 'Practical Management Science.'

I wonder what the other reviewers see in this book as it seems not highly valuable to me. The book presents more a general overview of different techniques such as Monte Carlo simulation or Neural Networks without going into the necessary depth. Moreover, most of the explanations and expamples in the book can be found in a similar way on the web pages of the software companies mentioned in the book - for free.
I regret having bought this book - having learned nothing but not to trust too much euphoric reviewers.

Mort Glantz has written a very practical and helpful book tohelp managers apply modern techniques of finance to real lifesituations. The book is excellent value for money because of itsdemystifying discussions and step by step application of all those socalled sophisticated analytical techniques we hear about but areafraid to use. For example, we hear a lot said about using optionpricing theory to project analysis and capital budgeting."Scientific Financial Management" takes this theory andapplies it to project assessment using real option theory in a valueenhancing way. The book not only takes you step by step through thetheory but also includes software to help apply it from the verybeginning. Now the manager who was just absorbing the implications ofdiscounted cash flow analysis can find easy ways to use real optionstechniques in assessing investment decisions plus other sophisticatedtechniques such as monte carlo simulation. The combination ofpractical handbook and application software is a unique opportunityfor any financial manager wanting to close knowledge gaps but alsoimprove the decision making process in assessing capital budget andproject risk.

This text provides the tools necessary to make an informed decision as a member of the financial senior management team. The most valuable element of the book is its current and future approach to valuation. The modeling techniques allow the reader to properly access and implement innovative methods for proper and precise valuation. Thank you Mr. Glantz for making me look smarter to my boss and other senior members of my large capitalization company.

In sharp contrast to the anonymous reviewer from Toronto, I found the book to be highly instrumental for a busy professional who found the "loosely-connected" chapters to be highly helpful as each unit serves as a complete stand-alone section loaded with very useful insights.

Without particular understanding into Prof. Morton's background or motives in writing the book, reviewers, such as the mysterious reader from Canada, are well-advised to refrain from cynical, flippant and irrational commentaries. Smug remarks, wholly unjustified, referring to the book as nothing more than a "coffee-table book" are only helpful...in the kindergarten playground.

Highly challenging, thorough presentation of state-of-the-art financial techniques for corporate valuation and risk assessment. The focus of this book is necessary and long overdue in today's fast changing business environment. It does not only discuss theory, but teaches the reader practical methods for deployment of these scientific applications. A great addition to any business reference library. I highly recommend it.

Morton Glantz brilliantly bridges the gap between advanced mathematical theory and real word applications. "Scientific Financial Management" is an extremely valuable source for all levels of an organization - junior analyst through CEO. The author provides thorough explanations of topics ranging from the traditional quantitative models of econometrics, statistics and optimization to the more modern techniques of neural networks and real options. He presents and describes the techniques that are most applicable for solving today's complex business problems quickly, easily, and accurately. It is a must for staying informed and competitive in today's ever-changing "e-society."

Most importantly, Mr. Glantz provides a comprehensive explanation of each technique without the detailed mathematical theory and applies the techniques to practical business problems. These examples are an excellent source and supplement for learning each described technique.

"Scientific Financial Management" is a great reference source for practitioners or anyone with an interest in mathematics and business. It is a must for any Financial Analyst.

In sharp contrast to the anonymous reviewer from Toronto, I found the book to be highly instrumental for a busy professional who found the "loosely-connected" chapters to be highly helpful as each unit serves as a complete stand-alone section loaded with very useful insights.

Without particular understanding into Prof. Morton's background or motives in writing the book, reviewers, such as the mysterious reader from Canada, are well-advised to refrain from cynical, flippant and irrational commentaries. Smug remarks, wholly unjustified, referring to the book as nothing more than a "coffee-table book" are only helpful...in the kindergarten playground.

As a senior analyst at a prominent Wall Street firm, I found this book extremely helpful in advising my Fortune 500 clients on their valuation strategies. The interactive CD demonstrates that the author does not only have the powerful tools of knowledge and insight, but offers cutting edge technology that helps the reader put insightful words into immediate action. This highly acclaimed book provides extremely useful techniques for senior managers whose ultimate goal is to maximize shareholder value.