Principles of actuarial modelling Flashcards

1
Q

14 Key Steps in a modelling process

A
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2
Q

Advantages of models
(Time, Comparion, Control of experiment, Simulation Modelling)

A

Time: Models allow us to investigate the future behavior of a process in compressed time

Control of Experimental Conditions: Models allow control over experimental conditions so that we can reduce the variance of the output without affecting the mean values

Simulation Modelling: Complex systems with stochastic elements cannot be properly described by a mathematical or logical model that is capable of producing results that are easy to interpret. Simulation modelling is a way of studying these complex systems

Comparison: Different future policies or possible actions can be compared to see which best suits the requirements or constraints of the user

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3
Q

Disadvantages

A

Time and Expertise: Model development requires a considerable investment of time and expertise

Runs: In a stochastic model, for any given set of inputs each run only gives estimates of the output. So to study outputs for any given set of inputs, several independent runs of the model are needed.

Usefulness: Models are useful for comparing results of input variations than optimising outputs

Confidence: Model can look impressive when run on a computer so there is also a danger that one gets lulled into false sense of confidence.

Data: Models rely heavily on the data input. If the data quality is poor or lacks credibility then the output from the model is likely to be flawed.

Blackbox: There is a danger of using a model as a ‘black box’ from which it is assumed that all results are valid (without considering the appropriateness of using the model for the input data and the output is expected. )

Possibility: It is not possible to include all future events in a model

Interpretation: It may be difficult to interpret some of the outputs of the model.They may only be valid in relative rather than absolute terms.

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4
Q

Suitability of a model
OV3 PC3 C2RAE

A

O: objectives of the modelling exercise

V: validity of the model for the purpose to which it is be put

validity of the data to be used

validity of the assumptions

P: the possible errors associated with the models or parameters used not being a perfect representation of the real-world situation being modelled

C: impact of correlations between the random variables that drive the model

the extent of correlations between the various results produced from the model

current relevance of the models written and used in the past

C: credibility of the data input
credibility of the results output

R: Regualation requirements

A:: dangers of spurious accuracy

E: ease with which the model and its results are can be communicated

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5
Q

Turing Test

A

experts on the real world system are asked to compare several sets of real world and model data without being told which is which

if an expert can differentiate between the real world and model data their technique for doing could be used to improve the model

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6
Q

What to consider when communicating the results

A

KVVDL2

Take into consideration the knowlegde and the viewpoint of the target audience.

ensure the client accepts the model as being valid and useful tool in decision making,

ensure that any limitations on the use and validity of the model are fully appreciated

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7
Q

Deterministic vs Stochastic (Randomness and Output and Scenario)

A

Randomness: A stochastic model is one that recognises the **random nature **of the input components
A model that does not contain any random component is deterministic in nature

Output: In a deterministic, the output is determined once the** set of fixed inputs** and the** relationship** between them is defined.
In a stochastic model, the output are random in nature (like the inputs which are random variables). Output is merely a estimate of the characteristics of the model given the set of inputs

Scenario: A deterministic model will give one the results of the relevant calculations for a single scenario; a stochastic gives **distributions of the relevant results **for a distribution of scenarios

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8
Q

Issues/parameters to consider when modelling a life office
(think about which ones have to do with policyholder and ones have to do with insurer, external) three of each btw

A

regulations, taxation, cancellation terms, future events affecting returns, inflation, new business, lapses, mortality and expenses

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9
Q

Scenario Based

A

would take into consideration a particular scenario; that is a series of input parameters based on this scenario. Different scenario would be useful in decision making as one can evaluate the impact of a course of action

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10
Q

Proxy

A

used to replace monte carlo simulations (used to project assests and liabilities)

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11
Q

Example of when you would use scenario based

A

we could model the financial performance of a company under different future scenarios such recession or economic boom. The value of any input paramters (inflation,interest rate or level of taxation) would be select to be appropriate to the specific scenario under consideration

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12
Q

Sensitivity analysis/testing

A

involves testing the robustness of the model by making small changes to the input parameters. This should result in small changes to the output from the model that consistent with the real world behaviour of the situation we are modelling

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13
Q

Advantages of stochastic model over the deterministic

A

It reflects reality as accurately as possible as it imitates the random nature of the variables involved

can provide information about the distribution of the results, not just a single estimate figure

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14
Q

How are a stochastic model and a deterministic model investigated?

A

A stochastic model can be investigated using Monte Carlo simulation, which provides a large number of different deterministic models, each of which is equally likely. It can also be investigated using analytical methods which is much quicker than the Monte Carlo.

The results of a deterministic can be obtained by direct calculations or numerical approximations (integrate and solve differential equations)

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15
Q

Stochastic model can be done via analytical approach or monte carlo simulation. Advantage and disadvantage of both

A

Analytical: (POCCS)
Precision: if a stochastic model is sufficiently tractable, analytical methods will produce more precise results which is preferable

Speed: much quicker than Monte Carlo simulation. One can analyse the effectsof changes to assumptions more readily.

Optimisation: can sometimes be used to provide the optimum set of assumptions that maximises or minimises the results

Check: can be used as a check on the Monte Carlo simulation

Complexity: some problems are too complicated for analytical methods

Monte Simulation:
Complexity: problems that are too complicated for analytical methods can be solved using Monte carlo simulation

Proxy: monte carlo provides a range of results, which can be replaced by proxy models, which are expected to be faster

Fake: produces only pseudo-random output not truly random

Accuracy: less accurate than analytical models

Time: cannot be used for continuous time problems as the time step has to be discretised

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16
Q

How can the analytical methods supplement the Monte Carlo Simulations

A

Provides a check on any simulation methods used by providing an alternative method for calculating some value e.g the mean and median

17
Q

Describe why a model that accurately predicts the mean claim amount, may not be the best
model for predicting the future claims experience of the insurance company

A

When the claims distribution has scattered data in the tails, a model which appears to accurately fit the mean may end up underestimating claims received in the tails of the
distribution.

This may be a particular problem for large claims because the impact of
underestimating large claims may be much more significant than the benefits of accurately
modelling the average (or small) claims.

Thus, in this instance, a model that may be less accurate for the mean claim, but which gives
more weight to the tails, may be preferable. This would particularly be true if the purpose of
the modelling exercise is to set solvency reserves.

18
Q

Outline a proxy model

A

developed to provide results with reasonable accuracy
subsitute for running the full model
used to replace the Monte Carlo simulation
providers faster but less accurate results