In practice it is sometimes implied, with the remark “These are theoretical subjects, professor,” that what is being explained has no counterpart in real life. In business and finance, however, theory and practice are not two disconnected worlds.

In my academic work and in advisory processes I prepared, over the years, a large number of short studies and briefing notes in order to understand the problems I encountered more clearly, to deepen the knowledge I needed and to keep what I already knew up to date.