Students
ACST832 – Actuarial Control Cycle 2
2016 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Shauna Ferris
Contact via shauna.ferris@mq.edu.au
e4a 617
by appointment - send an email to Shauna to arrange a meeting
Lecturer
Peter Carroll
Contact via peter.carroll@mq.edu.au
Lecturer
Bruce Edwards
Contact via bruce.edwards@mq.edu.au
Administrator
Hong Xie
Hong Xie
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ACST831
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit, in conjunction with ACST831, develops and applies the actuarial principles and practices underlying the design, assessment, management and control of financial systems in the areas of life insurance, general insurance, and superannuation, as well as other less traditional areas of actuarial practice. The two units consider the process of actuarial and financial management including: product design, pricing, marketing, monitoring of experience, reserving, financing, solvency, surplus, and enterprise risk management. The commercial environment and professionalism are discussed. Students gaining a credit or higher in this unit will satisfy part of the requirements for exemption from Part IIA of the professional exams of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Discuss and apply an Actuarial Control Cycle in a variety of practical commercial situations
- Apply a Risk Assessment Framework to identify and assess the risks in a range of commercial situations
- Apply relevant approaches and techniques to the valuation of liabilities
- Measure and report emerging profits and/or costs
- Measure, report, and manage Solvency
- Monitor and Assess Experience; understand how the management of the business should be responsive to the experience
- Provide written and oral presentations, which may be either individual or group work
General Assessment Information
It is the responsibility of students to view their marks for each within session assessment on iLearn within 20 working days of posting. If there are any discrepancies, students must contact the unit convenor immediately. Failure to do so will mean that queries received after the release of final results regarding assessment marks (not including the final exam mark) will not be addressed.
Assessment criteria for all assessment tasks will be provided on the unit iLearn site
The Macquarie University units Actuarial Control Cycle 1, Actuarial Control Cycle 2, and Investment Management are accredited by the Actuaries Institute.
The Actuaries Institute sends external examiners to review the performance of borderline students and to verify that appropriate exemption standards have been maintained.
It is the responsibility of the student to apply to Macquarie University to recommend them to the Actuaries Institute for professional exemptions. For information about this process please refer to http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/current_students/undergraduate/how_do_i/exemptions_for_professional_examinations
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Assessed Coursework | 5% | Weeks 2 to 12 (see Schedule) |
| Presentation | 10% | See Instructions |
| Major Assignment | 15% | Monday Sept 19 midnight |
| Final Examination | 70% | University Exam Timetable |
| Postgraduate Students Report | 0% | Week 13 |
Assessed Coursework
Due: Weeks 2 to 12 (see Schedule)
Weighting: 5%
Textbook Chapter Tasks
Submission: You must submit textbook chapter tasks from time to time during the term. Submit electronically via iLearn before 9 am on Monday (Sydney time) as per the schedule on iLearn.
What is required to complete the unit satisfactorily: Each textbook chapter task requires you to read a chapter of the textbook or a related reading and provide a one-page answer to a question based on the chapter's topic. A sample of these chapter tasks will be marked.
Please use the first chapter tasks as an indicator of your progress in the unit. If you have difficulties in satisfactorily completing these tasks, please talk to the Unit Convenor and consider withdrawing from the unit before the census date on Friday of week 4.
Extensions: No extensions will be granted. Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which an application for disruptions to studies is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Discuss and apply an Actuarial Control Cycle in a variety of practical commercial situations
- Apply a Risk Assessment Framework to identify and assess the risks in a range of commercial situations
- Apply relevant approaches and techniques to the valuation of liabilities
- Measure and report emerging profits and/or costs
- Measure, report, and manage Solvency
- Monitor and Assess Experience; understand how the management of the business should be responsive to the experience
Presentation
Due: See Instructions
Weighting: 10%
Submission of written material: You should submit the executive outline and a copy of your presentation slides before midnight Monday October 3. This gives the unit administrator time to distribute your materials to the presentation markers before the presentations on Tuesday/Wednesday. Please submit via iLearn (instructions will be posted).
Submission relating to oral presentation : Students must register their group and topic via iLearn before midnight on Wednesday 7 September. Students will make their presentations during Week 8 (the week commencing Monday October 3), at an appointed time. The schedule of presentation times will be posted on iLearn.
What is required:
(a) Written material to be handed in: Preparation of Materials for Class Presentation. Slides and a handout, executive summary for a presentation; and
(b) An oral presentation
Extensions: No extensions will be granted. Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which an application for disruptions to studies is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Discuss and apply an Actuarial Control Cycle in a variety of practical commercial situations
- Apply a Risk Assessment Framework to identify and assess the risks in a range of commercial situations
- Apply relevant approaches and techniques to the valuation of liabilities
- Measure and report emerging profits and/or costs
- Measure, report, and manage Solvency
- Monitor and Assess Experience; understand how the management of the business should be responsive to the experience
- Provide written and oral presentations, which may be either individual or group work
Major Assignment
Due: Monday Sept 19 midnight
Weighting: 15%
Submission: Submit electronically via iLearn before midnight on Monday September 19
What is required : 1750 word report.
Extensions: No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of studies is made and approved. No submission will be accepted after solutions have been posted.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Discuss and apply an Actuarial Control Cycle in a variety of practical commercial situations
- Apply a Risk Assessment Framework to identify and assess the risks in a range of commercial situations
- Apply relevant approaches and techniques to the valuation of liabilities
- Measure and report emerging profits and/or costs
- Measure, report, and manage Solvency
- Monitor and Assess Experience; understand how the management of the business should be responsive to the experience
Final Examination
Due: University Exam Timetable
Weighting: 70%
Examination conditions: The exam will be 3 hours long, with ten minutes reading time.
Normal University examination rules apply. Calculators will be allowed in the final examination but a clear indication of the steps involved in every calculation must be shown. Any machines that have a text-retrieval capacity, specifically those with a full alphabet on the keyboard, are not allowed. Calculators may be checked at the commencement of the examination, and the make/model may be recorded.
Dictionaries are not permitted in the final exam, and no reference materials are allowed to be taken into the final exam.
You should ensure that your handwriting in the final examination is legible. Sections of work that are not legible will not be marked
Date and location of Examination: The Examination will be conducted during the University examination period. The examination timetable will be published on the University website later in the term. The exam timetable will be available in Draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of the examinations and in Final form approximately four weeks before the commencement of the examinations.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Discuss and apply an Actuarial Control Cycle in a variety of practical commercial situations
- Apply a Risk Assessment Framework to identify and assess the risks in a range of commercial situations
- Apply relevant approaches and techniques to the valuation of liabilities
- Measure and report emerging profits and/or costs
- Measure, report, and manage Solvency
- Monitor and Assess Experience; understand how the management of the business should be responsive to the experience
Postgraduate Students Report
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 0%
Pass/Fail. This assignment is compulsory for ACST832 students (postgraduate students). ACST403 (Undergraduate) students are not required to do this assignment. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.
Submission: Submit electronically via iLearn before midnight on Monday in week 13
What is required: 1000 word report
Extensions: No extensions will be granted.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Discuss and apply an Actuarial Control Cycle in a variety of practical commercial situations
- Apply a Risk Assessment Framework to identify and assess the risks in a range of commercial situations
Delivery and Resources
Classes
The Actuarial Control Cycle 2 is a co-taught unit, available to both ACST403 and ACST832 students. Lectures are offered in three modes – campus classes (North Ryde), city classes (Sydney CBD) and distance education (students can be located anywhere).
Please refer to the University timetable at: https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2016/ to look up the times and locations for lectures for on-campus students.
Evening classes are held at the Portside Centre, 207 Kent Street at 5:30 to 8:30 pm on Tuesdays.
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials
Required texts : Bellis, C, Lyon, R, Klugman, S & Shepherd, J (2010) Understanding Actuarial Management: the actuarial control cycle, 2nd edition, Institute of Actuaries of Australia.
Copies of the textbook are available in the Special Reserve section of the library.
There is a Learning Guide for each section of work. You should read the Learning Guide before the lectures, and bring a copy with you to classes.
Additional readings will be posted on iLearn.
Technology Used and Required
In this unit, you will need to have access to and to be able to use software to produce overhead slides, software to produce pdf documents, and word-processing software to produce reports.
Downloadable lecture recordings
The University audio-visual team makes recordings of on-campus lectures. These will be available via iLearn (use the Echo360 tab on the right hand side of the home page).
Some additional recordings will be posted on iLearn in MP4 format.
Unit web page
The web page for this unit can be accessed via the “login” button on http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
You should check the website regularly (at least twice a week) to read announcements posted by University staff. Announcements are also posted to your University email account, and you should check your email regularly. This is your responsibility and we cannot make allowances for students who miss important information.
Teaching and Learning Strategy
We assume that you have acquired the knowledge and skills included in the syllabi for the Part I (Core technology) subjects and Actuarial Control Cycle I.
You should prepare for each lecture by reading the relevant chapter of the textbook, the Learning Guide, and any other readings posted on iLearn. We encourage all students to actively participate in class discussions and group work.
Unit Schedule
|
Week |
|
Topic |
Lecturer |
|
1 |
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Professionalism |
Peter Carroll |
|
2 |
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Valuing Liabilities |
Bruce Edwards |
|
3 |
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Profit |
Bruce Edwards |
|
4 |
|
Solvency 1 |
Shauna Ferris |
|
5 |
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Solvency 2 |
|
|
6 |
Managing an Insolvent Insurer Regal / Occidental Case study |
Bruce Edwards |
|
|
7 |
Risk Management | Bruce Edwards | |
|
Break |
September 19 |
Assignment Due; Presentation Registration due |
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|
Break |
September 26 |
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|
8 |
Class Presentations |
Bruce Edwards, Peter Carroll, Shauna Ferris |
|
|
9 |
|
Monitoring Experience 1 | Shauna Ferris |
|
10 |
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Monitoring Experience 2 |
Bruce Edwards |
|
11 |
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Responding to Experience 1 |
Bruce Edwards |
|
12 |
Responding to Experience 2 |
Bruce Edwards |
|
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13 |
Revision |
Shauna Ferris |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Supplementary Exams
Further information regarding supplementary exams, including dates, is available here
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Discuss and apply an Actuarial Control Cycle in a variety of practical commercial situations
- Apply a Risk Assessment Framework to identify and assess the risks in a range of commercial situations
- Apply relevant approaches and techniques to the valuation of liabilities
- Measure and report emerging profits and/or costs
- Measure, report, and manage Solvency
- Monitor and Assess Experience; understand how the management of the business should be responsive to the experience
Assessment tasks
- Assessed Coursework
- Presentation
- Major Assignment
- Final Examination
- Postgraduate Students Report
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Discuss and apply an Actuarial Control Cycle in a variety of practical commercial situations
- Apply a Risk Assessment Framework to identify and assess the risks in a range of commercial situations
- Apply relevant approaches and techniques to the valuation of liabilities
- Measure and report emerging profits and/or costs
- Measure, report, and manage Solvency
- Monitor and Assess Experience; understand how the management of the business should be responsive to the experience
- Provide written and oral presentations, which may be either individual or group work
Assessment tasks
- Assessed Coursework
- Presentation
- Major Assignment
- Final Examination
- Postgraduate Students Report
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Discuss and apply an Actuarial Control Cycle in a variety of practical commercial situations
- Apply a Risk Assessment Framework to identify and assess the risks in a range of commercial situations
- Apply relevant approaches and techniques to the valuation of liabilities
- Measure and report emerging profits and/or costs
- Measure, report, and manage Solvency
- Monitor and Assess Experience; understand how the management of the business should be responsive to the experience
Assessment tasks
- Assessed Coursework
- Presentation
- Major Assignment
- Final Examination
- Postgraduate Students Report
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Provide written and oral presentations, which may be either individual or group work
Assessment task
- Presentation
Changes from Previous Offering
Research
RESEARCH
This units uses research in several ways:
* The unit uses research by Macquarie University researchers (e.g. current and former Macquarie staff members are editors and authors of the textbbok and other readings);
* This unit uses research from external sources (references will be provided);
* This unit gives you practice in applying research findings in your assignments.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 10/08/2016 | Presentation slides are now due before midnight Monday October 3. Group registration is now due before midnight Wednesday 7 September. |