Author: Dimitris N. Chorafas
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080461646
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 391
Book Description
Wealth Management has two themes: Private Banking and investment decisions regarding Structural Financial Products. Dr. Dimitris Chorafas examines in a rigorous way whether structured financial products are advisable investments for retail and institutional investors and, if yes, which risks they entail. As our society becomes increasingly affluent, and state-supported pension schemes find it difficult to survive, a growing number of high net-worth individuals, and families, have become retail investors – looking for ways and means to optimize wealth management, and Private Banking deals with these sorts of clients. Private banking also deals with clients that are institutional investors, such as pension funds, mutual funds, and insurance companies, as well as not-for-profits, foundations and companies explicitly set up for wealth management. Both institutional and retail investors are being offered by the banks they work with structured products. Typically, these are securities that provide them with a redemption amount, with may be either with full or partial capital protection, and some type of return. The book examines structured financial products, their polyvalent nature, and the results which could be expected from them. Return on structural instruments, which are essentially derivatives, is paid in function of a specific investment strategy on selected underlying asset(s). This essentially means on the performance of the underlyings, obtained by asset managers, which may be banks or hedge funds, through purchase or sale of embedded options. But there are risks. Both risk and return from structured products are related to three main issues: the volatility of future value of an underlying, the uncertainty of future events, and the exposure of the product. Every type of investment is subject to market forces, and the more leveraged a portfolio is, the greater will probably be both the assumed risk and the expected reward. The fact that structured financial products appeal, or at least are being marketed, to both retail investors and institutional investors makes the dual approach deliberately chosen in this book most advisable. This book addresses all these issues in a practical manner with numerous case studies and real-world examples drawn from the author's intensive research. - Because it is based on intensive research, the book is rich in practical examples and case studies - Addresses the growing trend towards the use of structured financial instruments in private banking - Thorough treatment of structured financial products that keeps maths to a minimum
Wealth Management
Author: Dimitris N. Chorafas
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080461646
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 391
Book Description
Wealth Management has two themes: Private Banking and investment decisions regarding Structural Financial Products. Dr. Dimitris Chorafas examines in a rigorous way whether structured financial products are advisable investments for retail and institutional investors and, if yes, which risks they entail. As our society becomes increasingly affluent, and state-supported pension schemes find it difficult to survive, a growing number of high net-worth individuals, and families, have become retail investors – looking for ways and means to optimize wealth management, and Private Banking deals with these sorts of clients. Private banking also deals with clients that are institutional investors, such as pension funds, mutual funds, and insurance companies, as well as not-for-profits, foundations and companies explicitly set up for wealth management. Both institutional and retail investors are being offered by the banks they work with structured products. Typically, these are securities that provide them with a redemption amount, with may be either with full or partial capital protection, and some type of return. The book examines structured financial products, their polyvalent nature, and the results which could be expected from them. Return on structural instruments, which are essentially derivatives, is paid in function of a specific investment strategy on selected underlying asset(s). This essentially means on the performance of the underlyings, obtained by asset managers, which may be banks or hedge funds, through purchase or sale of embedded options. But there are risks. Both risk and return from structured products are related to three main issues: the volatility of future value of an underlying, the uncertainty of future events, and the exposure of the product. Every type of investment is subject to market forces, and the more leveraged a portfolio is, the greater will probably be both the assumed risk and the expected reward. The fact that structured financial products appeal, or at least are being marketed, to both retail investors and institutional investors makes the dual approach deliberately chosen in this book most advisable. This book addresses all these issues in a practical manner with numerous case studies and real-world examples drawn from the author's intensive research. - Because it is based on intensive research, the book is rich in practical examples and case studies - Addresses the growing trend towards the use of structured financial instruments in private banking - Thorough treatment of structured financial products that keeps maths to a minimum
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080461646
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 391
Book Description
Wealth Management has two themes: Private Banking and investment decisions regarding Structural Financial Products. Dr. Dimitris Chorafas examines in a rigorous way whether structured financial products are advisable investments for retail and institutional investors and, if yes, which risks they entail. As our society becomes increasingly affluent, and state-supported pension schemes find it difficult to survive, a growing number of high net-worth individuals, and families, have become retail investors – looking for ways and means to optimize wealth management, and Private Banking deals with these sorts of clients. Private banking also deals with clients that are institutional investors, such as pension funds, mutual funds, and insurance companies, as well as not-for-profits, foundations and companies explicitly set up for wealth management. Both institutional and retail investors are being offered by the banks they work with structured products. Typically, these are securities that provide them with a redemption amount, with may be either with full or partial capital protection, and some type of return. The book examines structured financial products, their polyvalent nature, and the results which could be expected from them. Return on structural instruments, which are essentially derivatives, is paid in function of a specific investment strategy on selected underlying asset(s). This essentially means on the performance of the underlyings, obtained by asset managers, which may be banks or hedge funds, through purchase or sale of embedded options. But there are risks. Both risk and return from structured products are related to three main issues: the volatility of future value of an underlying, the uncertainty of future events, and the exposure of the product. Every type of investment is subject to market forces, and the more leveraged a portfolio is, the greater will probably be both the assumed risk and the expected reward. The fact that structured financial products appeal, or at least are being marketed, to both retail investors and institutional investors makes the dual approach deliberately chosen in this book most advisable. This book addresses all these issues in a practical manner with numerous case studies and real-world examples drawn from the author's intensive research. - Because it is based on intensive research, the book is rich in practical examples and case studies - Addresses the growing trend towards the use of structured financial instruments in private banking - Thorough treatment of structured financial products that keeps maths to a minimum
Connected Strategy
Author: Nicolaj Siggelkow
Publisher: Harvard Business Press
ISBN: 1633697010
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 158
Book Description
Business Models for Transforming Customer Relationships What if there were a way to turn occasional, sporadic transactions with customers into long-term, continuous relationships--while simultaneously driving dramatic improvements in operational efficiency? What if you could break your existing trade-offs between superior customer experience and low cost? This is the promise of a connected strategy. New forms of connectivity--involving frequent, low-friction, customized interactions--mean that companies can now anticipate customer needs as they arise, or even before. Simultaneously, enabled by these technologies, companies can create new business models that deliver more value to customers. Connected strategies are win-win: Customers get a dramatically improved experience, while companies boost operational efficiency. In this book, strategy and operations experts Nicolaj Siggelkow and Christian Terwiesch reveal the emergence of connected strategies as a new source of competitive advantage. With in-depth examples from companies operating in industries such as healthcare, financial services, mobility, retail, entertainment, nonprofit, and education, Connected Strategy identifies the four pathways--respond-to-desire, curated offering, coach behavior, and automatic execution--for turning episodic interactions into continuous relationships. The authors show how each pathway creates a competitive advantage, then guide you through the critical decisions for creating and implementing your own connected strategies. Whether you're trying to revitalize strategy in an established company or disrupt an industry as a startup, this book will help you: Reshape your connections with your customers Find new ways to connect with existing suppliers while also activating new sources of capacity Create the right revenue model Make the best technology choices to support your strategy Integrating rich examples, how-to advice, and practical tools in the form of "workshop chapters" throughout, this book is the ultimate resource for creating competitive advantage through connected relationships with your customers and redefined connections in your industry.
Publisher: Harvard Business Press
ISBN: 1633697010
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 158
Book Description
Business Models for Transforming Customer Relationships What if there were a way to turn occasional, sporadic transactions with customers into long-term, continuous relationships--while simultaneously driving dramatic improvements in operational efficiency? What if you could break your existing trade-offs between superior customer experience and low cost? This is the promise of a connected strategy. New forms of connectivity--involving frequent, low-friction, customized interactions--mean that companies can now anticipate customer needs as they arise, or even before. Simultaneously, enabled by these technologies, companies can create new business models that deliver more value to customers. Connected strategies are win-win: Customers get a dramatically improved experience, while companies boost operational efficiency. In this book, strategy and operations experts Nicolaj Siggelkow and Christian Terwiesch reveal the emergence of connected strategies as a new source of competitive advantage. With in-depth examples from companies operating in industries such as healthcare, financial services, mobility, retail, entertainment, nonprofit, and education, Connected Strategy identifies the four pathways--respond-to-desire, curated offering, coach behavior, and automatic execution--for turning episodic interactions into continuous relationships. The authors show how each pathway creates a competitive advantage, then guide you through the critical decisions for creating and implementing your own connected strategies. Whether you're trying to revitalize strategy in an established company or disrupt an industry as a startup, this book will help you: Reshape your connections with your customers Find new ways to connect with existing suppliers while also activating new sources of capacity Create the right revenue model Make the best technology choices to support your strategy Integrating rich examples, how-to advice, and practical tools in the form of "workshop chapters" throughout, this book is the ultimate resource for creating competitive advantage through connected relationships with your customers and redefined connections in your industry.
Business Knowledge for IT in Private Wealth Management
Author: Essvale Corporation Limited
Publisher: Essvale Corporation Limited
ISBN: 0955412498
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 285
Book Description
Designed to bridge the gap in terms of business knowledge between IT and private wealth management /private banking .This book contains discussions on boutique PWMs and family offices; recent trends in the private management industry; portfolio constructi.
Publisher: Essvale Corporation Limited
ISBN: 0955412498
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 285
Book Description
Designed to bridge the gap in terms of business knowledge between IT and private wealth management /private banking .This book contains discussions on boutique PWMs and family offices; recent trends in the private management industry; portfolio constructi.
The Little Book That Builds Wealth
Author: Pat Dorsey
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118045394
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : de
Pages : 234
Book Description
Dieser praktische Leitfaden macht Anleger mit dem Economic Moat Konzept vertraut, der "Zauberformel" des Morningstar, mit der sich erstklassige Investmentchancen aufspüren lassen. Das Konzept ist keineswegs neu: Es wurde zunächst durch Benjamin Graham und Warren Buffett populär, wurde dann aber lange vernachlässigt. "The Little Book that Builds Wealth" erklärt ganz genau, wie man den Economic Moat, d.h. die Wettbewerbsbarriere bzw. den Wettbewerbsvorteil (wie z.B. geringe Produktionskosten, ausgebautes Vertriebsnetz, gutes Markenimage etc.) ermittelt, durch den sich ein Unternehmen deutlich von Konkurrenzunternehmen abgrenzt. Dabei geht es aber weder um reines Value Investing, noch um reines Growth Investing, sondern vielmehr darum, erstklassige Nischen-Wachstumswerte zu einem attraktiven Kurs zu kaufen. Das Buch demonstriert anschaulich Schritt für Schritt, was einen Economic Moat ausmacht, wie man ihn ermittelt, wie man verschiedene Moats gegeneinander abwägt, und wie man auf der Basis dieser Daten am besten eine Investmententscheidung trifft. Mit begleitender Website. Sie wird vom Morningstar betrieben und enthält eine Reihe von Tools und Features, mit deren Hilfe der Leser das Gelernte in der Praxis testen kann. Autor Pat Dorsey ist ein renommierter Finanzexperte. Er ist Chef der Morningstar Equity Research und Kolumnist bei Morningstar.com. Ein neuer Band aus der beliebten 'Little Book'-Reihe.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118045394
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : de
Pages : 234
Book Description
Dieser praktische Leitfaden macht Anleger mit dem Economic Moat Konzept vertraut, der "Zauberformel" des Morningstar, mit der sich erstklassige Investmentchancen aufspüren lassen. Das Konzept ist keineswegs neu: Es wurde zunächst durch Benjamin Graham und Warren Buffett populär, wurde dann aber lange vernachlässigt. "The Little Book that Builds Wealth" erklärt ganz genau, wie man den Economic Moat, d.h. die Wettbewerbsbarriere bzw. den Wettbewerbsvorteil (wie z.B. geringe Produktionskosten, ausgebautes Vertriebsnetz, gutes Markenimage etc.) ermittelt, durch den sich ein Unternehmen deutlich von Konkurrenzunternehmen abgrenzt. Dabei geht es aber weder um reines Value Investing, noch um reines Growth Investing, sondern vielmehr darum, erstklassige Nischen-Wachstumswerte zu einem attraktiven Kurs zu kaufen. Das Buch demonstriert anschaulich Schritt für Schritt, was einen Economic Moat ausmacht, wie man ihn ermittelt, wie man verschiedene Moats gegeneinander abwägt, und wie man auf der Basis dieser Daten am besten eine Investmententscheidung trifft. Mit begleitender Website. Sie wird vom Morningstar betrieben und enthält eine Reihe von Tools und Features, mit deren Hilfe der Leser das Gelernte in der Praxis testen kann. Autor Pat Dorsey ist ein renommierter Finanzexperte. Er ist Chef der Morningstar Equity Research und Kolumnist bei Morningstar.com. Ein neuer Band aus der beliebten 'Little Book'-Reihe.
The Taxable Investor's Manifesto
Author: Stuart E. Lucas
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119692032
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 176
Book Description
The Taxable Investor's Manifesto: Wealth Management Strategies to Last a Lifetime is written for every investor with taxable wealth and every advisor who serves them. The Taxable Investor's Manifesto guides readers through a series of related topics, bringing clarity to complexity with an economy of words, while providing valuable and actionable advice at every turn. This remarkable book combines the deep industry knowledge of a seasoned practitioner with the communication skills of a leading educator. Author Stuart E. Lucas is the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Wealth Strategist Partners, a firm that advises complex family enterprises, including his own. He also co-founded the University of Chicago’s Private Wealth Management program, now in its fourteenth year. Most investment books only address pre-tax headline returns, but individuals pay taxes. The incentives and disincentives of our tax system can have a dramatic impact on actual investment time horizons and returns. The Manifesto sensibly folds tax incentives into investment strategy in ways that can add profound value over a lifetime to actual results. It includes guidance on: How to keep a greater percentage of your profits with a higher probability of success and less effort Why it’s important to manage the intersection of investment, tax and estate planning How to compete for better long-term investment returns against tax-exempt investors. Whether you're a young professional or entrepreneur, a mid-career manager, a senior business executive, or a retiree this book will give you tools to enhance your net worth considerably. If you are an advisor, studying and implementing Lucas's advice will strengthen your business and make your clients happier.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119692032
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 176
Book Description
The Taxable Investor's Manifesto: Wealth Management Strategies to Last a Lifetime is written for every investor with taxable wealth and every advisor who serves them. The Taxable Investor's Manifesto guides readers through a series of related topics, bringing clarity to complexity with an economy of words, while providing valuable and actionable advice at every turn. This remarkable book combines the deep industry knowledge of a seasoned practitioner with the communication skills of a leading educator. Author Stuart E. Lucas is the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Wealth Strategist Partners, a firm that advises complex family enterprises, including his own. He also co-founded the University of Chicago’s Private Wealth Management program, now in its fourteenth year. Most investment books only address pre-tax headline returns, but individuals pay taxes. The incentives and disincentives of our tax system can have a dramatic impact on actual investment time horizons and returns. The Manifesto sensibly folds tax incentives into investment strategy in ways that can add profound value over a lifetime to actual results. It includes guidance on: How to keep a greater percentage of your profits with a higher probability of success and less effort Why it’s important to manage the intersection of investment, tax and estate planning How to compete for better long-term investment returns against tax-exempt investors. Whether you're a young professional or entrepreneur, a mid-career manager, a senior business executive, or a retiree this book will give you tools to enhance your net worth considerably. If you are an advisor, studying and implementing Lucas's advice will strengthen your business and make your clients happier.
Vault Career Guide to Private Wealth Management
Author: Michael J. Martinez
Publisher: Vault Inc.
ISBN: 1581314485
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 237
Book Description
Private wealth management, also called private banking, is a specialized branch of the investment community that provides one-stop shopping for products and services needed by the wealthy.
Publisher: Vault Inc.
ISBN: 1581314485
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 237
Book Description
Private wealth management, also called private banking, is a specialized branch of the investment community that provides one-stop shopping for products and services needed by the wealthy.
Strategy for the Wealthy Family
Author: Mark Haynes Daniell
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118179390
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
"An excellent and comprehensive approach to the strategies required to understand, protect and grow family wealth across generations." John Evans Managing Editor Private Banker International "Strategy for the Wealthy Family expands the field of wealth planning and management by exploring beyond just financial concerns to consider critical human issues such as philanthropy and family leadership." Professor Randel S. Carlock, Ph.D., INSEAD Business School Berghmans Lhoist Chaired Professor in Entrepreneurial Leadership Director, Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise "The first book I have ever seen which fully addresses the all-important human side of the wealthy family as well as the financial aspects of family wealth management...an important book for any family, no matter how much wealth they have." Vivian Imerman Entrepreneur "Strategy for the Wealthy Family is a brilliant source of insight and information covering all aspects of family wealth management. This book is a perfect companion for private bankers, wealth managers, and wealthy families." Christopher Wilson Managing Partner Family Office Trust "...a complete work of art for the wealthy." R Jayachandran Chairman Aquarius Investment Advisors
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118179390
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
"An excellent and comprehensive approach to the strategies required to understand, protect and grow family wealth across generations." John Evans Managing Editor Private Banker International "Strategy for the Wealthy Family expands the field of wealth planning and management by exploring beyond just financial concerns to consider critical human issues such as philanthropy and family leadership." Professor Randel S. Carlock, Ph.D., INSEAD Business School Berghmans Lhoist Chaired Professor in Entrepreneurial Leadership Director, Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise "The first book I have ever seen which fully addresses the all-important human side of the wealthy family as well as the financial aspects of family wealth management...an important book for any family, no matter how much wealth they have." Vivian Imerman Entrepreneur "Strategy for the Wealthy Family is a brilliant source of insight and information covering all aspects of family wealth management. This book is a perfect companion for private bankers, wealth managers, and wealthy families." Christopher Wilson Managing Partner Family Office Trust "...a complete work of art for the wealthy." R Jayachandran Chairman Aquarius Investment Advisors
Global Private Banking and Wealth Management
Author: David Maude
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470687819
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 571
Book Description
Wealth management is one of the areas in which banks and other personal financial services players are investing heavily. But the market is changing fast. Going forward, players therefore need to adapt their strategies to the new realities: what worked in the past will not, for the most part, be appropriate in the future. This unique book, written by a former McKinsey consultant, offers an up-to-date, detailed, practical understanding of this exciting area of financial services.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470687819
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 571
Book Description
Wealth management is one of the areas in which banks and other personal financial services players are investing heavily. But the market is changing fast. Going forward, players therefore need to adapt their strategies to the new realities: what worked in the past will not, for the most part, be appropriate in the future. This unique book, written by a former McKinsey consultant, offers an up-to-date, detailed, practical understanding of this exciting area of financial services.
Integrated Wealth Management
Author: Jean L. P. Brunel
Publisher: Euromoney Books
ISBN: 9781843742661
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 440
Book Description
This book is an examination of the management of portfolios of high net worth individuals (HNWIs). Jean L.P. Brunel identifies the factors which demand a different approach from that of traditional portfolio management strategy. He suggests a new approach to wealth management, proposing practical steps which will take you beyond the role of portfolio manager to that of "wealth manager". Punctuated by examples and case histories from the author's extensive experience, the book examines each aspect of wealth management in detail, such as the importance of investor psychology; how to maximize tax efficiency including a tax-efficient portfolio construction model; the implications of multiple asset locations; capital market opportunities and forecasting; strategic asset allocation; the importance of manager selection; and the multimanager approach. This ground-breaking book should show you the route to a more effective wealth management strategy. By understanding the needs of the individual investor, maximizing the tax efficiencies and applying a fully integrated approach you can become a successful "wealth manager." -- Publisher description.
Publisher: Euromoney Books
ISBN: 9781843742661
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 440
Book Description
This book is an examination of the management of portfolios of high net worth individuals (HNWIs). Jean L.P. Brunel identifies the factors which demand a different approach from that of traditional portfolio management strategy. He suggests a new approach to wealth management, proposing practical steps which will take you beyond the role of portfolio manager to that of "wealth manager". Punctuated by examples and case histories from the author's extensive experience, the book examines each aspect of wealth management in detail, such as the importance of investor psychology; how to maximize tax efficiency including a tax-efficient portfolio construction model; the implications of multiple asset locations; capital market opportunities and forecasting; strategic asset allocation; the importance of manager selection; and the multimanager approach. This ground-breaking book should show you the route to a more effective wealth management strategy. By understanding the needs of the individual investor, maximizing the tax efficiencies and applying a fully integrated approach you can become a successful "wealth manager." -- Publisher description.
Family Wealth Management
Author: Mark Haynes Daniell
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470824298
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 480
Book Description
Introducing a fresh perspective on wealth management, with proven solutions to the challenges of preserving wealth and investing well in turbulent times Family Wealth Management is coauthored by two experts in the field of private wealth - one, a former director of Bain & Company and the chairman of two of the world's largest family trusts, and the other, a CEO of a leading global family office and professor of finance from University of Toronto. The book introduces you to a unique model of wealth management that produces the desired return outcomes while being consistent with a family's overarching goals and values. The approach combines the best traditional investment and portfolio management practices with innovative new approaches designed to successfully navigate through economic climates both fair and foul. While the authors address the critical "hard" issues of asset management, they also emphasize important "soft" issues of working with families to ensure that actions are congruent with objectives, in alignment with family governance principles and designed to help sustain and grow family wealth over multiple generations. The authors provide clear guidance on how to master each component. How to establish clear family vision, values, and goals as a critical foundation to a sound wealth management strategy How to establish a practical, integrated investment framework that will ensure a consistent, disciplined approach in all environments How to set a long-term family wealth strategy and define an asset allocation model that will produce the desired results How to draft an annual investment policy statement and refine the investment tactics based on capital markets trends and changes in the family’s circumstance How to effectively monitor performance and respond to the need for change How to carefully select and manage an ecosystem of experienced, trusted financial advisors who will provide critical guidance through challenging period ahead How to successfully engage and educate the family to preserve and enhance the family’s financial wealth and human capital over the generations
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470824298
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 480
Book Description
Introducing a fresh perspective on wealth management, with proven solutions to the challenges of preserving wealth and investing well in turbulent times Family Wealth Management is coauthored by two experts in the field of private wealth - one, a former director of Bain & Company and the chairman of two of the world's largest family trusts, and the other, a CEO of a leading global family office and professor of finance from University of Toronto. The book introduces you to a unique model of wealth management that produces the desired return outcomes while being consistent with a family's overarching goals and values. The approach combines the best traditional investment and portfolio management practices with innovative new approaches designed to successfully navigate through economic climates both fair and foul. While the authors address the critical "hard" issues of asset management, they also emphasize important "soft" issues of working with families to ensure that actions are congruent with objectives, in alignment with family governance principles and designed to help sustain and grow family wealth over multiple generations. The authors provide clear guidance on how to master each component. How to establish clear family vision, values, and goals as a critical foundation to a sound wealth management strategy How to establish a practical, integrated investment framework that will ensure a consistent, disciplined approach in all environments How to set a long-term family wealth strategy and define an asset allocation model that will produce the desired results How to draft an annual investment policy statement and refine the investment tactics based on capital markets trends and changes in the family’s circumstance How to effectively monitor performance and respond to the need for change How to carefully select and manage an ecosystem of experienced, trusted financial advisors who will provide critical guidance through challenging period ahead How to successfully engage and educate the family to preserve and enhance the family’s financial wealth and human capital over the generations