Description: This abstract describes a paper that develops a saddlepoint approximation for the aggregate claims distribution and compares with some existing approximations.

Description: Much of enterprise risk management has its roots in portfolio management and corporate finance. The concepts of trading off risk and return and benefits of diversification are well understood and articulated in both the actuarial and economics fields, so I don’t believe there are significant knowledge gaps preventing actuaries from contributing to the field. In fact, actuaries may have an advantage in many situations where a large part of a firm’s overall risk arises from pension activities or other more typical actuarial risks.

Description: Evidence is building from the physical sciences that we are starting to reach some of earth’s limits. Unless we can find some technological solutions, once these limits are reached, we can expect to see a very changed world. Instead of having constantly increasing resources available to us, we can expect ever-decreasing resources to be available. Instead of seeing year after year of growth, increasing longevity and improving morbidity, we can expect the opposite.

Description: The authors take up two questions: • How do I create my Personal Development Plan? • How will the Competency Framework tool help me design my future?

Description: The chairperson discussed a number of Education and Research Section sponsored initiatives that are designed to support the strengthening the academic arm of the profession. Scholarships, Centers of Actuarial Excellence, and research prizes, among others were addressed.

Description: An Update on International Accounting Standards for Insurance by Bruce Moore from The Financial Reporter, June 2000, Issue No. 42.

Description: Applying GAAP to GMDBs in Variable Annuities. by Karen Sasveld and David Heavilin from The Financial Reporter, September 2001, Issue No. 47.

Description: Editorial highlighting outstanding articles in the Financial Reporter newsletter

Description: Learning To Cope with Complexity by Thierry C. Pauchant and Ian I. Mitroff

Description: Article focusing on points to consider to improve hiring.