Today more than ever it is evident that financial organizations that fail to heed the principles of sound financial management will rapidly find themselves in trouble. Over ten years ago, Robert Peck Christen observed this in the context of microfinance programs burgeoning in the late 1990's. His concern spurred the writing of this manual.

Developed to help microfinance program administrators manage for financial success, this best-selling manual today still offers practical and clear applications of traditional financial topics to microfinance institutions.

In this manual, Christen addresses interest rate policy, management of assets and liabilities, capital and portfolio risk, and strategic financial planning—all key issues for microfinance institutions and all important for the donors, consultants, and regulators who work regularly with microfinance institutions to understand. The manual presents the theoretical framework along with numerous examples, allowing the reader to deepen his or her understanding of the subject matter.

The present volume makes an important contribution to the rich literature on impact of trade reforms on growth and employment by undertaking an indepth investigation into relevant issues in the context of the developing economy of Bangladesh. The study tracks and investigates the various phases of trade reforms pursued by Bangladesh over the past years. By applying appropriate analytical and estimation techniques, the study captures how and to what extent trade reforms have impacted on growth of manufacturing sector of the country during the various stages of the reforms and how employment scenarios have changed in labour-intensive and export-oriented sectors of the country over the corresponding periods as a consequence of the reforms. The book argues that further trade reforms should be guided by concerns of employment creation and should be tailored to the demands of accelerated industrial growth as Bangladesh enters into a heightened pace of global integration of her economy.

Jobless growth is a major concern in today’s world. Over and above, employment becomes the first casualty of financial crises that seem to occur almost in a periodic manner. How well the countries have mainstreamed employment in their macro strategies? How coherent are the macro policies that countries follow from the perspective of centrality of Decent Work in the context of investment and growth?

The volume scans the macro-economic settings of the seven countries of South Asian subregion that include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and explores how well the macro economic strategies pursued by these countries cohere with the Decent Work objectives.

The papers contributed by various authors in this volume present elaborate research based empirical information and analyses for the readers, researchers, policy makers and multilateral institutions.

The analytical import in this volume also provides a perspective on globalization. Are these countries reaping the benefits of this process? Is globalization helping in achieving the Decent Work goals? The book raises many issues and opens up wide areas of debate.

The first in a new series of ILO reports focusing on wage developments, this volume reviews major trends in the level and distribution of wages around the world since 1995. It considers the effects of economic growth and globalization on wage trends, looking closely at the role of minimum wages and collective bargaining, and suggests ways to improve wage levels and to enable more equal distribution.

Wages are a major component of decent work, yet there is a serious knowledge gap in this increasingly important area which this report begins to address. Part one summarizes the main trends in average wages and distribution of wages, providing a statistical analysis of the links between wages and economic growth, along with wage forecasts for 2008 and 2009. Part two examines the relationship between minimum wage policies and collective bargaining, highlighting the effects of institutions on wage outcomes and the importance of coherent policy articulation. Part three concludes with concrete policy recommendations and identifies key issues for further research. The report includes full technical and statistical annexes.

This book reviews the history of labour relations in Nepal and considers criticisms of the existing industrial relations system. It reports on the re-emergence of the militant Maoist trade union and the recent upsurge in strikes and demonstrations in Nepal. A reduction in workplace tension is needed to cement in place the recent peace agreement, facilitate political stability and promote economic growth.

Focusing on broad economic developments since 1990, it sheds light on how labour legislation and labour institutions have influenced investment, growth and jobs over the long term. The views of those most directly affected by the labour legislation, institutions and attitudes that govern industrial relations in Nepal have been collected through surveys and interviews with managing directors and entrepreneurs, trade union leaders and hundreds of ordinary workers from a range of locations, industries and occupations. These views have heavily influenced the conclusions presented in this volume.

This authoritative compendium brings together the latest thinking of leading academics, actuaries, and development professionals in the microinsurance field. The result is a practical, wide-ranging resource which provides the most thorough overview of the subject to date.

The book allows readers to benefit from the valuable lessons learned from a project launched by the CGAP Working Group on Microinsurance analysing operations around the world. Essential reading for insurance professionals, practitioners and anyone involved with offering insurance to low-income persons, this volume covers the many aspects of microinsurance in detail, including product design, marketing, premium collection and governance.

It also discusses the various institutional arrangements available for delivery such as the community- based approach, insurance companies owned by networks of savings and credit cooperatives and microfinance institutions.

The roles of key stakeholders are also explored and the book offers insightful strategies for achieving the right balance between coverage, costs and price.

KEY FEATURES:

• Provides the only comprehensive, up-to-date account of the evolution of the industrial relations field
• Outlines the four pillars that led to the internationalization of industrial relations after World War II
• Includes substantive background on the roots of industrial relations in the Anglo-Saxon countries, including the role of the IIRA
• Traces the development of modern industrial relations in continental Europe, Japan, Republic of Korea, India, Africa and Latin America
• Discusses the future prospects for the field of industrial relations

Excerpts from the Preface:
"We believe the dominant perspective on globalization must shift more from a narrow preoccupation with markets to a broader preoccupation with people. Globalization must be brought from the high pedestal of corporate board rooms and cabinet meetings to meet the needs of people in the communities in which they live. The social dimension of globalization is about jobs, health and education – but it goes far beyond these. It is the dimension of globalization which people experience in their daily life and work: the totality of their aspirations for democratic participation and material prosperity. A better globalization is the key to a better and secure life for people everywhere in the 21st century.

"We also propose a process by which such a perspective can be realized at all levels, beginning with empowered local communities and improved and more accountable national governance; fair global rules applied fairly; and global institutions that are more pro-people.

In today’s global economy, corporate managers are in the front line when it comes to transforming management principles from an abstract vision into reality. International labour standards (ILS) can be effective and powerful tools around which managers can build their corporate policies and practices. ILS embody the principle that workers are an asset in which to invest, rather than a cost to be borne, and this book presents convincing evidence that the practical implementation of these standards can help a company develop its competitive edge by putting people first.

The book presents numerous case studies from both large and small companies all over the world, where the adoption of ILS has transformed working practices. It provides concrete examples of how implementing ILS on issues such as recruiting and hiring, employee involvement and labour relations, and health and safety, has helped organizations to create a healthy and positive working environment while at the same time reducing labour costs and increasing productivity.

Dealing with such contemporary contexts as the global economy, online recruiting, an ageing workforce, and HIV/AIDS in the workplace, this is a timely and important resource for managers who want to know how to treat their employees with dignity without compromising the bottom line. It shows how implementing ILS in any company is not only a wise code of conduct, but makes sound business sense as well.

Labour standards have long been upheld by the ILO as an essential pillar of development and peace at the national and international levels. Respect for fundamental rights at work is at the core of the ILO's decent work strategy. This important new book offers valuable insight on the content and application of the ILO's fundamental international labour standards and related standards.

These fundamental standards — on freedom of association collective bargaining, the abolition of forced and compulsory labour, equality of opportunity and treatment, and the protection of of children and young people — form the basis of the ILO's Declaration on Fundamental Princi-ples and Rights at Work and its Follow-up, 1998.

The book offers a detailed description of the relevant Conventions and their principles, along with specific problems encountered in their application at national level. Together, the information in this volume provides a thoughtful overview which can provide the basis for an ever more practical and fuller application of fundamental human rights worldwide. A crucial resource for labour authorities, lawyers, practitioners, and employers' and workers' organization.