Finance and Financial Management Commons^™

Modeling Size-Of-Loss Distributions For Exact Data In Winbugs, David P.M. Scollnik

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

This paper discusses how the statistical software WinBUGS can be used to implement a Bayesian analysis of several popular severity models applied to exact size-of-Ioss data. The particular models targeted are the gamma, inverse gamma, loggamma, lognormal, (two-parameter) Pareto, inverse (two-parameter) Pareto, Weibull, and inverse Weibull distributions. It is possible to implement additional size-of-Ioss models (including those for truncated data) using methods analogous to those described herein.

Unearned Premiums And Deferred Policy Acquisition Expenses In Automobile Extended Warranty Insurance, Joseph Cheng

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

A prorata formula is commonly used to calculate unearned premium reserves in property-casualty insurance. I believe, however, that an exposure-adjusted formula is more appropriate in automobile extended warranties. This paper describes the exposure-adjusted approach to calculate the unearned premium reserves of an automobile extended warranty insurance program, to test the adequacy of the calculated reserves, and to determine the allowable deferred policy acquisition expenses from an insurance company's perspective.

Can Utility-Maximization Models Assist With Retirement Planning?, Zaki Khorasanee

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

Utility-maximization models for optimizing portfolio choices can be subdivided into two classes: those based on maximizing the expected utility of lifetime consumption and those based on maximizing the expected utility of retirement wealth. It is argued that the first type of model, which optimizes both saving and investment decisions, is difficult to apply in practice because of inadequate (or unreliable) information about individual preferences. Although the second type of model only optimizes investment decisions, it is of greater practical value because fewer data on individual preferences are required. The second type of model is used to derive formulae for the …

Some Comments On The Pricing Of An Exotic Excess Of Loss Treaty, Jean-Francois Walhin

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

This paper uses a multivariate analog of Panjer's algorithm to develop a method for pricing a complex excess of loss treaty. The treaty is such that some layers inure to the benefit of other layers. The structure of this treaty is discussed. Numerical examples are provided.

Communicating Effectively With Words, Numbers, And Pictures: Drawing On Experience, Karolina Duklan, Michael A. Martin

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

In this paper, we discuss techniques for developing effective communication skills, focusing in particular on technical writing, the use of graphics, and presentation. The key principles of effective communication that we propose to actuaries are as follows:

• Identify your audience and consider their needs and abilities;

• Focus on substantive content;

• Choose appropriate communication tools;

• Use language that is simple, concrete, and familiar;

• Integrate text, numbers, and graphics;

• Respond to information complexity creatively.

We focus in particular on the use of graphics as a communications tool as they are an efficient and potentially highly effective …

Further Remarks On Risk Sources Measuring: The Case Of A Life Annuity Portfolio, Mariarosaria Coppola, Emilia Di Lorenzo, Marilena Sibillo

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

The paper considers a model that allows the actuary to measure the riskiness connected to the randomness of projected mortality tables in evaluating a portfolio of life annuities, obtaining a measure to reflect the risk associated with the randomness of the projection. The coherence of the risk parameters with the specific nature of the considered risk sources is also discussed. Numerical examples illustrate the results, showing the importance of the risk components in terms of the number of policies and comparing measure tools obtained by means of two procedures.

A Note On The Parallelogram Method For Computing The On-Level Premium, David P.M. Scollnik, Wai Man Sara Lau

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

This paper discusses the differences appearing in the descriptions of the parallelogram method for the determination of earned premium at current rate levels given by McClenahan (1996) and Brown and Gottlieb (2001). It observes that the former is consistent with the method of extending exposures while the latter is not. An illustration is provided. This paper also discusses two other approaches to the determination of the earned premium.

Dynamic Funding And Investment Strategy For Defined Benefit Pension Schemes: A Model Incorporating Asset-Liability Matching Criteria, Shih-Chieh Chang, Cheng-Hsien Tsai, Chia-Jung Tien, Chang-Ye Tu

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

This paper studies the dynamic funding policy and investment strategy for defined benefit pension plans using one of the most comprehensive dynamic pension models to date. The model includes three investable assets: one risk free and two risky. The optimal plan decisions are formulated as a stochastic control problem that is solved using dynamic programming. The objective function uses performance measures to take into account the stability and solvency of the plan. The model is then applied to a Taiwanese pension.

Analisis Keuntungan Perbankan Islam Di Malaysia Dengan Tumpuan Kepada Pengurusan Aset Dan Liabiliti, Hadenan Towpek

Student Works (2000-2009)

Kajian disertasi ini menyentuh tentang konseptualiti dan signifikasi konsep keuntungan dalam pelbagai perspektif termasuklah perspektif ekonomi tulen, ekonomi Islam, perbankan konvensional dan perbankan Islam. Fungsi dan pengaruhi konsep ini amat signifikan sehinggakan ia ditanggapi sebagai kayu pengukur bagi pencapaian matlamat dalam perti.mbangan berekonomi. Kajian disertasi ini meneliti terperinci kadar keuntungan dalam perbankan dwi-sistem di Malaysia dalarn suasana perubahan kadar faedah pasaran. Pendekatan yang dibuat dengan mengenalpasti fonnulasi strategik segmen-segmen dalam pengurusan aset dan liabiliti dalam perbankan dwi-sistem yang mampu menjanakan margin-margin keuntungan yang optimum dalam apa jua suasana kadar faedah sekalipun. Bagi perbankan konvensional yang mengaplikasikan kadar faedah terapung boleh …

Model Risks And Surplus Management Under A Stochastic Interest Rate Process, Jennifer L. Wang, Rachel J. Huang

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

This paper uses simulations to explore the effects of incorrectly identifying the underlying interest rate process on assets, liabilities, and surplus levels. We show that mismodeling the interest rate (called model risk) could not only lead to a misstatement of the company's surplus, but could also cause a mismatch between the company's assets and liabilities. Our simulations demonstrate that three aspects of interest rates affect model risk: (i) volatility, (ii) level of long-term interest rate, and (iii) the speed at which the drift rate adjusts. We conclude that asset-liability managers should not ignore the impact of the model risks, regardless …

Journal Of Actuarial Practice Volume 10 (2002) -- Contents And Masthead

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

Contents

Editorial Policy: Topics suitable for this journal include AIDS, annuity products, asset-liability matching, cash-flow testing, casualty rate making, credibility theory, credit insurance, disability insurance, expense analysis, experience studies, FASB issues, financial reporting, group insurance, health insurance, individual risk taking, insurance regulations, international issues, investments, liability insurance, loss reserves, marketing, pensions, pricing issues, product development, reinsurance, reserving issues, risk-based capital, risk theory, social insurance, solvency issues, taxation, valuation issues, and workers' compensation

Review Process

Editor - Colin Ramsay, University of Nebraska

Associate Editors: Robert Brown, University of Waterloo ○ Cecil Bykerk, Mutual of Omaha ○ Ruy Cardoso, …

Journal Of Actuarial Practice, Volume 10, 2002, Colin Ramsay , Editor

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

ARTICLES

Communicating Effectively with Words, Numbers, and Pictures: Drawing on Experience • Karolina Duklan and Michael A. Martin

Unearned Premiums and Deferred Policy Acquisition Expenses in Automobile Extended Warranty Insurance • Joseph Cheng

Can Utility Maximization Models Assist With Retirement Planning? • Zaki Khorasanee

Dynamic Funding and Investment Strategy for Defined Benefit Pension Schemes: A Model Incorporating Asset-Liability Matching Criteria • Shih-Chieh Chang, Cheng-Hsien Tsai, Chia-Jung Tien, and Chang- Ye Tu

Model Risk and Surplus Management Under a Stochastic Interest Rate Process •Jennifer L. Wang and Rachel J. Huang

Some Comments on the Pricing of an Exotic Excess of …

Improving Mortality: A Rule Of Thumb And Regulatory Tool, John H. Pollard

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

We develop a simple exact formula for determining cohort life expectancies under constant continuous uniform improvement in mortality using only a cross-sectional (period) Gompertz life table for the lives concerned and a simple approximation applicable to all life tables. The present values of annuities for such lives can be determined simply and accurately across the whole age span.

Ua9 Investing In The Spirit, Wku Development & Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

Development office newsletter regarding donors and donations to Western Kentucky University.

Value Based Management: Some Perspectives, Prasanna Chandra

IIMB Management Review

gained widespread acceptance in the US in the last two decades or so. With the globalisation of capital markets, intensification of competition, and massive privatisation initiatives, shareholder value is gaining the attention of executives all over the world, including India. The interest in value creation has been stimulated by several developments:

Ua9 Investing In The Spirit, Wku Development & Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

Development office newsletter regarding donors and donations to Western Kentucky University.

2000-2001 Financial Summary, Morehead State University. Budget & Financial Planning Office.

Morehead State University Financial Summaries Archive

2000-2001 Financial Summary of Morehead State University.

Linear Empirical Bayes Estimation Of Survival Probabilities With Partial Data, Mostafa Mashayekhi

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

In this paper we consider linear empirical Bayes estimation of survival probabilities with partial data from right-censored and possibly left-truncated observations. Such data are produced by studies in which the exact times of death are not recorded and the length of time that each subject may be under observation cannot exceed one unit of time. We obtain asymptotically optimal linear empirical Bayes estimators, with respect to the squared error loss function, under the assumption that the probability of death under observation in a unit time interval is proportional to the length of observation. This assumption is sometimes implied by Balducci's …

Controlling The Solvency Interaction Among A Group Of Insurance Companies, Alexandros Zimbidis, Steven Haberman

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

Pooling of risks is an efficient risk management technique used by large employee benefit schemes of multinational companies to self-insure their retirement and other benefit obligations. This technique forms a basis for formulating a general control theoretic model for the interaction between insurance companies within a pooling network. The objective of these insurance companies is to avoid insolvency yet maintain stable premium and surplus processes. A general control system of equations that is used as a model for the interaction of m insurance companies within the network is first analyzed. An analytic solution is provided. Questions concerning the stability and …

Exponential Bonus-Malus Systems Integrating A Priori Risk Classification, Llufs Bermudez, Michel Denuit, Jan Dhaene

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

This paper examines an integrated ratemaking scheme including a priori risk classification and a posteriori experience rating. In order to avoid the high penalties implied by the quadratic loss function, the symmetry between the overcharges and the undercharges is broken by introducing parametric loss functions of exponential type.

Premium Earning Patterns For Multi-Year Policies With Aggregate Deductibles, Thomas Struppeck

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

MUlti-year policies with large aggregate deductibles or multiple triggers raise some interesting issues about the correct amount of unearned premium reserve that a company should carry. Examples in this paper illustrate some of the difficulties that arise when trying to establish such reserves. The basic approach taken here is that the pure premium portion of the unearned premium reserve should always be adequate to cover the remaining risk. This approach, however, can lead to some unusual and controversial earning patterns; there are even situations where a negative premium is earned. In addition, the earning pattern for a particular loss scenario …

Analyzing Management Fees Of Pension Funds: A Case Study Of Mexico, Tapen Sinha

Journal of Actuarial Practice (1993–2006)

Though the rates of return for public pension funds have been high over the past two decades, one critical aspect of the financing of this type of fund is often overlooked: high management fees. As a result, the rates of return for workers who have invested in these funds have not necessarily been high. Management fees charged on pension funds in Mexico result in a leakage of funds in the order of 20-30% of the fund. That is, the amount at retirement would have been 20-30% higher had there been no fees. A model is developed that includes all the …

A Study On Customer Relationship Management In The Banking Sector In Malaysia, Donny Yhew Chjuan Lim

Student Works (2000-2009)

In this era of marketing, which is known as the relationship era, customers are identified as the main determinant of success for a business. Hence, corporations are tailoring their products and services to suit their customers' need and demand. This leads to the introduction of Customer Relationship Management (CRM). CRM is best defined as a technology based business strategy whereby companies leverage increased customers' knowledge to build profitable relationships, based on optimising value delivered and realised from their customers. With the introduction of the CRM concept to the banking industry, it was perceived that the responses to customers' queries have …

Survival Strategy Of Sunway Construction Berhad In 1997 Financial Crisis, Kok Leong Chow

Student Works (2000-2009)

Over dependence on the domestic market and government projects and lack of international exposure are the weaknesses of Sunway Construction Berhad, (SWCB), leading to being hit badly by the 1997 financial crisis. The financial crisis has only help to expose such weaknesses . The lack of marketing strategy and over-emphasis on closing of sale (Bidding of tender) do not help to face the challenges of the new business environment, such as trade liberalization ,merger and acquisitions, new entrants and Gatt's and protectionism. To survive well and to maintain growth, it is essential for SWCB to strengthen its competitive advantages and …

Bridging The Gap Between Business And Technology : Bumiputra-Commerce's Approach, Anitha Poopalasingam

Student Works (2000-2009)

This paper studies the approaches Bumiputra-Commerce Bank (BCB) used to bridge, transform and reposition itself after the recent merger. The reason BCB was chosen was because it was the first bank to complete the merger exercise and because of the various challenges faced due to the size and complexities of its operations. The evolution of the banking and financial industry is addressed in the paper and evaluates how BCB has repositioned and re-aligned itself in the industry's financial landscape. The transformation of BCB from the 41h to the 5th Generation of Banking to the E-Banking initiatives is also identified. In …

A Comparative Study Of Islamic Unit Trust And Conventional Unit Trust In Malaysia : An Emphasis On Its Performance, Suhaili Sarif

Student Works (2000-2009)

The emergence of Islamic unit trust in the Malaysian unit trust industry is reflection of a strong desire among Muslims in general and investors in specific, to have a fund intermediary which is in compliance with Syariah principles. However, its implementation has only come into success after continuous effort and commitment from the government. Unfortunately after almost 10 years of operation in the market, Islamic unit trust has only managed to capture a minuscule proportion in the unit trust market, besides receiving several negative perceptions. This study tries to determine the significant similarities and differences between Islamic and conventional un …

Lembaga Tabung Haji : Suatu Kajian Sumbangan Terhadap Ekonomi Umat Islam Di Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Tengku Aziz Raja Abdullah

Student Works (2000-2009)

TENGKU AZIZ BIN RAJA ABDULLAH - Pilgrimage Fund: An analysis on its contribution to Muslim community in Federal Territory, Kuala Lumpur. Dissertation for Usuluddin Faculty, Islamic Academy University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. Pilgrimage Fund is a statutory body established to provide services among Muslim community in Malaysia especially in the haj management. The fund was set to assist Muslim in saving their money gradually to eventually perform haj or umrah. It was also responsible in expanding the saving through profitable investment for the benefit of depositors. Indirectly it has assisted in improving the economic level of Muslim community. To achieve this, …

Time-Of-The-Month Effect In The Trading/Services Sector Of The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, Say Yong Ng

Student Works (2000-2009)

Numerous studies have reported the existence of calendar anomalies in stock returns. In this study, we investigate the calendar anomalies of forty stocks of the trading/services sector in the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) over the period of 3 January 1995 to 2 November 2000. The calendar anomalies such as the pre-holiday effect, half-monthly effect, and time-of-the-month effect are examined. The parametric and nonparametric tests are used in this study for testing the existence of calendar anomalies. Nonparametric tests are resorted to when the assumption of normality is not satisfied. The results of this study indicate that there is no …

The Performance Of Local Majority Equity Companies (Lmecs) And Foreign Majority Equity Companies (Fmecs) In The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange : Before And During The Financial Crisis, Fadillah Mansor

Student Works (2000-2009)

The financial crisis, which began in July 1997 in Malaysia, had affected both Local Majority Equity Companies (LMECs) and Foreign Majority Equity Companies (FMECs). The study attempts to examine and compare the performance of LMECs and FMECs listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) by looking at companies' stock return. The study is divided into two sub periods, namely "before the crisis" and "during the crisis'. The samples consisted of 21 LMECs and 21 FMECs, which were selected from the companies listed on the KLSE main board and second board. These samples of LMECs and FMECs were matched respectively …

The Strategic Management Of A Large Scale Information Technology Project In The Financial Services Sector, Foong Seng Chee

Student Works (2000-2009)

Information Technology (IT) is one of the essential building blocks of modern organizations. Increasingly, IT is being used by innovative organization to facilitate the re-engineering of their business processes and in some instances to radically change the way in which they conduct business. Therefore, IT is no longer a technical problem but a business issues. IT strategy should be created to serve as a tool to implement an organization's business strategy and provide the company strategic advantage. The main purpose of this dissertation is to explore the issues surrounding IT strategy formulation and implementation especially in term of merging in …