Numbers Guide: The Essentials of Business Numeracy

by Richard Stutely, The Economist

Crucial to business success, numerical methods are often viewed as too complex to understand, much less use. They are, in fact, far less complicated, able to be broken down into step-by-step instructions and processed by basic computing devices. This invaluable resource from the publishers of The Economist, the leading international business journal, simplifies and demystifies the numbers game, illustrating just how straightforward—and relatively easy—it really is. Taking you clearly and concisely through numerous fundamental functions, both elementary and advanced, The Economist Numbers Guide arms you with the tools necessary to not only approach numbers with more confidence, but solve financial problems more easily, analyze information more accurately, and make decisions more effectively. Covering finance and investment, forecasting techniques, hypothesis testing, linear programming, and a host of other important topics, it shows you how to handle everything from figuring interest and quantifying risk to projecting inflation and evaluating investment opportunities. In addition to the basic mechanics of numerical techniques, the Guide takes a look at their practical applications, including their role in stock control, simulation, and project management. To help you sidestep potentially costly mistakes, it also highlights common errors to avoid, such as rounding incorrectly and bypassing time series selection. Along with sample calculations, concise definitions, and clear explanations, as well as more than 100 charts, graphs, and tables, The Economist Numbers Guide features an A-to-Z dictionary that encompasses key terms—from autocorrelation to zero sum game—and provides useful reference material on such essentials as conversion factors and formulae for calculating areas and volumes. In-depth and easy-to-use, this is an indispensable reference for business and numbers success. From the publishers of the renowned international business journal, The Economist Numbers Guide helps you grasp key numerical methods, as well as apply them simply and effectively. Taking you step by step through a host of fundamental functions, from basic techniques to advanced concepts, it brings together all the information you need to use numerics in making better decisions, analyzing data, maximizing business potential, and a host of other important areas. Packed with sample calculations, clear explanations, and numerous charts and graphs, this invaluable resource

Genres: Business, Economics, Finance, Nonfiction, Mathematics, Reference, Buisness

237 pages, Hardcover

First published May 22, 1998

Reviews

[Alaeddin Hallak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some interesting insights:

A percentage increase followed by the same percentage decrease does not leave you where you started; it leaves you worse off.

Take care to only round the numbers after making any calculations. It makes a difference.

A straight line between two points on a chart can conceal a winding path between them.

[Tim Nowotny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book to get an overview. Years and years of school in a couple of hundred pages.

[Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book started off being quite basic, but then it introduced more financial maths and decision making skills which were greatly helpful for me who had no experience in finance. I shall be using it until I familiarize myself with the terms.

[Pablitomix Online · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is most interesting in the world

[Lolo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very brief overview. It could help someone to remember some of the basics, but I’m not sure it will help someone not familiar with these concepts.

I wouldn’t recommend this book

[Ying Ying · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that covers basic math concepts, statistics and decision making maths. While it does a great job explaining fundamental arithmetics, algebra and statistics, when it covers decision making maths, it feels too condensed. I would have loved more examples and applications.
It contains a useful A-Z dictionary and a good index.

[Tim Nowotny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good guide through all the mathematics you will need in normal business life. The writing is even a bit entertaining in parts.
The only problem that I found was that you are really easily lost between the methods you already know (skimmed through them) and the ones you do not know (read obviously with more intensity)

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended, based what I've read so far. I'm not a quant jock, but this covers all the gaps I needed to fill.

[Kiragu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely essential. Well done!