The giant magnetocaloric properties of NiMnGa alloys can be enhanced by suitable composition
changes that make structural and magnetic transition temperatures to coincide. In this paper we
report results on critical temperatures, magnetic anisotropy, and magnetocaloric effect in Ni- and
Mn-rich alloys as a function of composition. A phenomenological phase diagram, useful for the
identification by thermomagnetic analysis of magnetic and structural transitions in the vicinity of
their coincidence, is proposed. Particular emphasis is given to the discussion of giant
magnetocaloric effect of those alloys showing a first order magnetostructural transition, the method
of its determination, and the potentialities for applications in the field of magnetic refrigeration.