Raw data can be hard to make use of unless it can be arranged into something more organized. Data analysis is a way to take this information and turn it into something that is far more useful. By working the data correctly it is possible to get the most value from it. There is also a dark side to data analysis though. In the hands of an expert it is possible to use the raw data to support almost any agenda. For this reason it is always important to think critically when dealing with this type of statistics. This involves understanding a bit about how such analysis is conducted and how it can be manipulated.

Read the rest of this entry »

Economic statistics is not only a subject of relevance to those in an academic setting but practically anyone who hopes to understand how economies function. There have been some great books written on this subject in recent years. Some of these texts are aimed at the complete novice while others would benefit the more advanced economy watcher. Here are just five of the best economic statistics books reviewed.

Read the rest of this entry »

Different countries around the world have trade agreements with other countries. The most important and influential of all trading agreements is the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The members of NAFTA are the US, Canada, and Mexico and it is sometimes referred to as a trilateral trading block. The reason why NAFTA is so important is that between the three of these members there is the largest GDP of any trading block in the world.

Read the rest of this entry »

If a business is intending to tack some type of action they will not want to go in to this blind. This would involve too much risk so the safest approach would be to do a bit of research first. SWOT analysis involves closely examining the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats involved in any plan. This tool is used by most businesses and organizations that are serious about increasing the likelihood of success for their plans. This type of analysis provides information about the strengths and weaknesses of any plan. Once this information is known it is possible to proceed with a lot more confidence. Read the rest of this entry »

An allonge is something that may sound quite exotic, but it is actually quite a simple document. It is generally just a slip of paper where people can add their signature. The reason for having an allonge is that it makes it possible for the reader to confirm that they agree with the contents of a main document. In a lot of cases this slip of paper will be added to something like a contract or other agreement.  Even though this slip of paper is a separate physical document it is considered the same as the main document for legal purposes. The name of this piece of paper comes from the French word ‘allonger’ which means to draw out. Read the rest of this entry »

In the United States banks use an electronic network for dealing with financial transactions. The Automatic Clearing House (ACH) offers a secure way for these institutions to deal with each other. The system has been in operation since the 1970s. It is regulated by the National Automated Clearing House Association and the Federal Reserve. It was established as a more effective way of dealing with transactions between banks; it has largely replaced check payments which was the old way of doing things.

Read the rest of this entry »

Frictional unemployment is also sometimes referred to as search unemployment. It refers to the unemployed period when people are between jobs or looking for their first job. This is the one type of unemployment that is probably impossible to eradicate completely. It is far less serious than the chronic lack of work that some people are faced with. In a lot of instances frictional unemployment will be voluntary because people are trying to find the work that offers them the best pay and conditions.

Read the rest of this entry »

Competent business leadership is crucial for a successful economy. Those individuals who provide leadership will have the success of a business in their hands. If they fail to do their job properly then it could easily lead to failure for the company they work for. There have been some great books written on this topic over the years, but it would not be possible to review all of these. Here we will be reviewing just the top 6 business leadership books.

Read the rest of this entry »