Covering all important topics of business finance in a free-flowing and easy-to-read style, Yasaswy demystifies the various underlying concepts, illustrating key principles with real-life examples, including:

• How to understand the balance sheet and the profit and loss account.

• Key financial ratios that help you figure out how well a business is doing.

• How cost leadership gives a business a competitive advantage.

• Cost analysis for decision-making; cost reduction and cost control.

• Sources and cost of capital, including both equity and debt.

• What is working capital � and how to manage it efficiently.

• How to make sound pricing and dividend decisions.

• How to appraise the financial implications of "big-buys" and new projects.

• Insights into venture capital, mergers and acquisitions.

• How Indian and global financial system work,

. . . and much more.

N. J. Yasaswy (1950-2011) had a brilliant academic career throughout: B.Com (Andhra University 1969 — First Rank), C.A. Inter (May 1971 — First Rank), C.A. Final (May 1973 — First Rank), ICWA Inter (July 1970 — First Rank) and ICWA Final (July 1972 — First Rank). He was the recipient of Basu Foundation Award for the Best Student of the Year from both — The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (in 1972) and The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (in 1973).

Till 1980, Mr. Yasaswy was associated as a Faculty Member with Administrative Staff College of India. In 1981, he started his consultancy firm, Yasaswy Management Associates (P) Limited.

Mr. Yasaswy served on the Board of Studies of Nagarjuna University (1978-80). He was appointed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh as Chairman, Andhra Pradesh State Trading Corporation (1985-88) and Vice-Chairman, Public Enterprises Management Board (1986-88). He was a visiting faculty at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (1986-88). and was nominated as a Member on SEBI Committee on Accounting Standards.

Mr. Yasaswy was Founder-Member and Governor of the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) and ICFAI University . He authored several books on finance and investments.