This book explores methods and techniques to predict and eventually prevent financial distress in corporations. It analyzes the effects of the global financial crisis on Italian manufacturing companies and, more specifically, whether the crisis has increased the number of firms that are likely...

In light of demographic change and the growing problems of traditional old-age security systems, this book discusses two essential instruments in connection with privately providing for old-age security: (1) savings in private pension schemes and (2) building up equity for home-ownership....

This book explores the role of national fiscal policies in a selected group of Euro-area countries under the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). In particular, the authors characterize the response of output to fiscal consolidations and expansions in the small Euro-area open economies...

1 Italy’s Top Products in World Trade. The Fortis-Corradini Index -- 2 Production Districts and Their Relevance in the Italian Economy: A Few Analytical Profiles -- 3 Development Profiles of the Italian Industrial System and its Exports from the Unification of Italy to the Present: The Case of...

Discussing the economics of entrepreneurship, this book views that it should establish a framework of analysis that integrates the understanding of the determinants and the effects of entrepreneurship and innovation without neglecting the functioning of the inducement mechanisms. For this...

Taxes on the highly skilled are an important cost factor for companies competing internationally for talent. This book provides an international comparison of the effective level of taxes and social security charges imposed on highly qualified employees. Based on a newly developed inter-temporal...

International Insurance Markets: Between Global Dynamics and Local Contingencies—An Introduction -- The United States Insurance Market: Characteristics and Trends -- The Japanese Insurance Market and Companies: Recent Trends -- The UK Insurance Industry—Structure and Performance -- The...

The past decade has been a time of drastic developments, both in financial markets and in related academic research. Among the most striking developments are the expanded stockholder base, the increased popularity of mutual funds among households, and the growing importance of private pension...