Includes bibliographical references and index.

What is an alternative asset class? -- Why alternative assets are important: beta drivers and alpha drivers -- The beta continuum -- Classic beta, bespoke beta, alternative beta, fundamental beta, cheap beta, active beta, and bulk beta -- Alpha vs. beta separation in the asset management industry -- The calculus of active management -- Real estate investment trusts -- Introduction to NCREIF and the NCREIF indices -- Real estate as an investment -- Core, value added and opportunistic real estate -- Introduction to hedge funds -- Establishing a hedge fund investment program.