The purpose of this book is to describe and explain the concepts, measures, and relationships which are fundamental to the process of setting financial goals and controlling the fulfilment of these goals at various levels of management responsibility. The book describes how rates of return on assets, capital employed and stockholders' equity are measured; how the relationships among these measures are dependent upon the method by which operations are financed; and how the financial capacity to grow can be analysed within a comprehensive financial goal system. The reader should be familiar with basic accounting concepts. The book focuses, however, on the use rather than the preparation of accounting information. Essential reading for students and academics in the fields of accounting and finance. It is also valuable for professionals (business administrators, accountants, managers, etc.).