Description: The purpose of this paper is to explore pension plan metrics— – measuring the behavior of a defined- benefit pension plan in an uncertain environment. Our goal is to measure and evaluate the quantitative impact of competing policy choices. We proceed by investigating some basic pension metrics, evaluating the characteristics of each using a simulated pension plan. We find that some typical metrics— – such as the mean and standard deviation— – are useful only in certain circumstances and that other less traditional measurements are sometimes better suited to evaluating policy choices.

Description: Paper examines some of the current difficulties faced by defined benefit plans, and poses some solutions. From The Future of Pension Plan Funding and Disclosure Monograph, M-RS05-1.

Description: Expert discussion of several symposium papers. From The Future of Pension Plan Funding and Disclosure Monograph, M-RS-05-1.

Description: This paper seeks to construct a new system for pension funding that balances the needs of all the pension stakeholders. It presents a system that supports plan sponsors’ needs for predictable and relatively smooth contribution streams with the needs of the PBGC, pensioners, and taxpayers for a well-funded system. From The Future of Pension Plan Funding and Disclosure Monograph, M-RS05-1.

Description: Introduction and overview. From The Future of Pension Plan Funding and Disclosure Monograph, M-RS05-1.

Description: This paper proposes principles to serve as the basis for revising the pension funding rules established in 1974, and also suggests a set of revised rules. From Current Pension Actuarial Practice in Light of Financial Economics Symposium, M-RS04-1.

Description: A Towers Perrin proposal for pension funding reform.

Description: Paper that discusses a new funding method that would make the recommended contribution for funding purposes for public DB plans subject to an overriding minimum contribution OMC calculation.

Description: This paper, in light of inadequate and misdirected ERISA reforms, offers a new direction in defined benefit plan regulation in the area of plan termination insurance, minimum and maximum finding rules, and plan design restrictions. From The Future of Pension Plan Funding and Disclosure Monograph, M-RS05-1.

Description: The purpose of this paper is to explore pension plan dynamics— – the behavior of a defined- benefit pension plan over time in an uncertain environment. We proceed by simulating the behavior of a model plan in a stochastically varying economic environment. While both the model and its environment are simplified, the model displays interesting behavior suggesting policy considerations that should be included in the design and funding of these plans.