Description: This Fellowship credit research paper describes the use of fuzzy sets applications to the selection of group health risks. In general, fuzzy set theory is implemented to describe collections of objects whose boundaries are not precisely defined, as in the judgment of what constitutes a good risk group. First, single-plan underwriting is considered, then the work is extended to multiple-option plans.

Description: The two-parameter Pareto distribution is a commonly used model in reliability and risk modeling. Minimum variance unbiased estimates of the parameters of Pareto distribution are not known. In this paper, we propose and investigate a method of estimation of the parameters of the Pareto distribution. This method is based on minimization of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov distance between the empirical cumulative distribution function [cdf] and the cdf of the Pareto distribution.

Description: An updated and expanded translation of the 1863 Theory of Life Insurance Premium Reserves by Dr. August Zillmer, Stettin, Prussia. This is a seminal paper for the life insurance reserve method used extensively in Europe.

Description: Private defined benefit pension plans must, by law, pre-fund the retirement benefits. This requires the periodic valuation of liabilities and calculation of contributions. Because valuation assumptions are seldom borne out by reality, a surplus [or deficit] ensues and varies over time. When the surplus becomes sizable, there often arises a desire to distribute part of it so as to bring it down to a more reasonable level. This paper provides a brief overview of cooperative game theory and, in particular, sharing rules. Then, using certain sharing rules, it determines how to split the surplus or deficit among the plan participants and sponsor. In general, the participant's share in the surplus depends on the total of his contributions. Other considerations, such as the actual investment income received on his contributions or the years of service, may influence the distribution of the surplus. It may even appear desirable to take account of the accrued liability. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1998, Vol. 1.

Description: This presentation defines the risks in the context of pension plans and reviews their relationship. From 2000 ARCH, Quebec City, Canada., January 2000.

Description: This is the announcement of the 26th annual Actuarial Research Conference which is scheduled for August 8-10, 1991. It lists the conference coordinators.

Description: Genetic algorithms [GAs] and neural networks [NNs] are currently being used in actuarial and financial modeling. Nonetheless, while there is a general awareness of the nature of these techniques, there is often only vague familiarity with the details of how they are implemented. This paper is intended to help alleviate this situation. Its purpose is to present an overview of GAs and NNs, which includes an explanation of what they are, how they work, and an example of how they are implemented.

Description: This paper stresses the importance and value of information databases. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1993, VOL. 3.

Description: This paper introduces the symbolic valuation, a stochastic valuation which allows flexible interest rate and cash flow assumptions, and provides an illustration which values a simple SPDA product. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1992, Vol. 1.

Description: This paper represents an attempt to formulate a cohesive and consistent approach to the analysis of claim liabilities. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the methodology. From the Actuarial Research Clearing House ARCH 1990 Vol. 1.