DEPARTMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE

Robinson College of Business

Georgia State University

 

2004 - 2005 Assessment Procedures

 

 

 

BBA in Actuarial Science

2004 - 2005 Assessment Procedures

 

 

 

Outcomes Assessed

Elements of Assessment

Data Collected

Our graduates will be knowledgeable with respect to the Actuarial Models, including the essential tools for the practice of actuarial science.

Graduates' technical mastery of life contingencies and risk theory. 

 

Graduates' mastery of actuarial modeling techniques under the 2005 actuarial exam structure.

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

Graduates' scores on Course M: Models for Quantifying Risk, and Course C: Construction and Evaluation of Risk Models under the 2005 professional exam syllabus.

 

Our graduates will be able to apply analytical and technical skills in structuring solutions to real-world problems.

Graduates' ability to structure and solve actuarial and related business problems with sound analytical techniques.

Capstone Course (BusA 4980)

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

 

Our graduates will be knowledgeable with respect to actuarial science theory and its applications as represented in actuarial journals.

Graduates' ability to comprehend the theoretical and technical material in appropriate actuarial journals.

Life Contingencies Courses (AS 4340 and 4350)

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

 

Our graduates will progress through the professional examinations of the Society of Actuaries and/or the Casualty Actuarial Society.

Graduates' passage of at least two professional examinations within three months after graduation. 

 

Pass lists distributed semi-annually by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society.

 

 

Notes re: Data Collected

     

      General

      See Attachment A for survey data summaries.

 

Capstone Course and Life Contingencies Course

Evaluation of student performance in the Capstone Course and on the graduating student competency exam administered in the course, as well as student performance on assignments and exams in the Life Contingencies Course will be completed each September for the prior academic year. 

 

Scores on the Course M and Course C under 2005 professional exam syllabus

Official lists of candidates passing professional actuarial exams will be scanned for names of GSU students.  These lists are published in January and July.  The 2005 lists will be used to develop a base-line ratio of passing candidates to related course enrollment.  Future ratios will be monitored to evaluate student performance.

 

Graduating Student/Alumni Survey

On an annual basis, a written questionnaire survey will be administered to graduating students and alumni.  The questions will survey student and alumni attitudes toward the content of the program, as well as their assessments of the program’s strengths and weaknesses, and suggestions for change. 

 

Data Analysis:

     

A.   Graduates' technical mastery of life contingencies and risk theory:

 

            Graduating Student Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

            Alumni Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

            Graduates' scores on Course M of actuarial exam: Initial data under the 2005 exam structure will not be available until July 2005.

            Graduates' scores on Course C of actuarial exam: Initial data under the 2005 exam structure will not be available until July 2005.

 

      B.   Graduates' mastery of actuarial modeling techniques under the 2005 actuarial exam structure:

 

            Graduating Student Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

            Alumni Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

            Graduates' scores on Course M of actuarial exam: Initial data under the 2005 exam structure will not be available until July 2005.

            Graduates' scores on Course C of actuarial exam: Initial data under the 2005 exam structure will not be available until July 2005.

     

      C.   Graduates' ability to structure and solve actuarial and related business problems with sound analytical techniques:

     

            Capstone course evaluation: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

            Graduating Student Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

            Alumni Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

 

      D.   Graduates' ability to comprehend the theoretical and technical material in appropriate actuarial journals:

 

            Life Contingencies courses evaluations: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

            Graduating Student Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

            Alumni Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

 

      E.   Graduates' passage of at least two professional examinations within three months after graduation:  

 

            Overall, the GSU pass rates on the fall 2004 exams (most recent exam results available) approximated the national average on Exams 2 and 3 and exceeded the national average on Exam 4.  Of those graduating with a BBA-AS in June 2004 and August 2004, none had passed at least two exams as of the fall 2004 exam and 50% had passed one exam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BBA in Risk Management and Insurance

2004 - 2005 Assessment Procedures

 

 

Outcomes Assessed

Elements of Assessment

Data Collected

Our graduates will provide leadership as risk managers in business.

Graduates' careers as: risk analysts; brokers/agents providing professional risk management/insurance/employee benefits counseling and market placement services for clients; as consultants and personal financial planners; in government; and in the underwriting, marketing, claims adjusting, planning, governmental relations, information systems, and financial management activities of insurers.

 

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

Employer Survey

Our graduates will be able to apply analytical and technical skills in structuring solutions to real-world problems.

Graduates' ability to structure and solve risk management and related business problems with sound analytical techniques.

Senior RMI Assessments within Coursework

Employer Survey

Faculty Survey

Our graduates will be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a business setting.

Graduates' ability to speak effectively to articulate their ideas one-on-one and in meetings as well as structure business correspondence that is both meaningful and technically proficient.

Senior Course Presentations

Senior Course Writing Requirements

Required RCB Communications Coursework

Employer Survey

Alumni Survey

Faculty Survey

 

 

Notes re: Data Collected

 

      General

      See Attachment A for survey data summaries.    

 

Graduating Student/Alumni Survey

On an annual basis, a written questionnaire survey will be administered to graduating students and alumni.  The questions will survey student and alumni attitudes toward the content of the program, as well as their assessments of the program’s strengths and weaknesses, and suggestions for change.

 

Employer Surveys

On an annual basis, a written questionnaire survey will be administered to employers that regularly hire our continuing students as interns and our graduates to discern attitudes toward the content of the program, as well as their assessments of the program’s strengths and weaknesses, and suggestions for change.

 

Faculty Surveys and In-Course Assessments

On an annual basis, a written questionnaire survey will be administered to RMI faculty members that teach in the BBA-RMI program and analytical assessment tools will be used in at least two of the senior RMI courses to obtain the faculty’s perspectives regarding the achievement of the program’s learning outcomes.

 


Data Analysis:

 

A.   Graduates' careers as risk analysts; brokers/agents providing professional risk management/insurance/employee benefits counseling and market placement services for clients; as consultants and personal financial planners; in government; and in the underwriting, marketing, claims adjusting, planning, governmental relations, information systems, and financial management activities of insurers:

 

      Employer survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis. 

      Alumni survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.           

      Graduating student survey: See Attachment A; all areas show good/excellent student satisfaction levels except for limited satisfaction with “Career/Placement” assistance.

 

B.   Graduates' ability to structure and solve risk management and related business problems with sound analytical techniques:

 

In-course Assessments:  In course assessment of student learning in RMI 4530 indicated that 52% of the RMI majors struggled with the course material (see comments in faculty survey summary—Attachment A)

Employer survey:  Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

Faculty survey: Evaluation of BBA-RMI student learning indicates that it was below expectation (i.e. - at least 3.00 average) in problem solving and critical thinking as well as in most risk management-related content areas.

 

C.   Graduates' ability to speak effectively to articulate their ideas one-on-one and in meetings as well as structure business correspondence that is both meaningful and technically proficient:

 

      Senior Course Presentations: Initial evaluation to be completed in September 2005, per schedule in approved assessment plan.

      Senior Course Writing Requirements: Initial evaluation to be completed in September 2005, per schedule in approved assessment plan.

      Required RCB Communications Coursework:  All graduating students had completed this requirement.

      Employer Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

      Alumni Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

      Faculty Survey: Student learning was indicated as acceptable for oral communications and marginally-acceptable for presentation skills, but was unacceptable for written communications and negotiations.

           
Assessment Plan for Masters of Actuarial Science

2004 - 2005 Assessment Procedures

 

 

 

Outcomes Assessed

Elements of Assessment

Data Collected

Our graduates will be knowledgeable with respect to the Actuarial Models, including the essential tools for the practice of actuarial science.

Graduates' technical mastery of life contingencies and risk theory.   

 

Graduates' mastery of actuarial modeling techniques under the 2005 actuarial exam structure.

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

Graduates' scores on Course M: Models for Quantifying Risk, and Course C: Construction and Evaluation of Risk Models under the 2005 professional exam syllabus.

 

Our graduates will be able to apply analytical and technical skills in structuring solutions to real-world problems.

Graduates' ability to structure and solve actuarial and related business problems with sound analytical techniques.

Capstone Course (AS 8500)

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

 

To be knowledgeable with respect to actuarial science theory and its applications as represented in actuarial journals.

Graduates' ability to comprehend the theoretical and technical material in appropriate actuarial journals.

Life Contingencies Courses (AS8340 & AS8350)

Capstone Course (AS 8500)

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

 

To enhance the communication skills of the MAS student.

Graduates' ability to explain technical concepts to non-actuarial associates or clients.

 

Capstone Course (AS 8500)

Our graduates will progress through the professional examinations of the Society of Actuaries and/or the Casualty Actuarial Society.

Graduates' passage of at least two professional examinations within three months after graduation.

 

Pass lists distributed semi-annually by the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society.

 

 

Notes re: Data Collected

 

      General

      See Attachment A for survey data summaries.

 

Capstone Course and Life Contingencies Course

Evaluation of student projects in the Capstone Course and the student performance on assignments and exams in the Life Contingencies Course will be completed each September for the prior academic year. 

 

Scores on the Appropriate Professional Actuarial Examinations

Official lists of candidates passing professional exams will be scanned for names of GSU students.  These lists are published in January and July.  The 2005 lists will be used to develop a base-line ratio of passing candidates to related course enrollment.  Future ratios will be monitored to evaluate student performance.

 


Graduating Student/Alumni Survey

On an annual basis, a written questionnaire survey will be administered to graduating students and alumni.  The questions will survey student and alumni attitudes toward the content of the program, as well as their assessments of the program’s strengths and weaknesses, and suggestions for change. 

 

 

Data Analysis:

 

      A.   Graduates' technical mastery of life contingencies and risk theory: 

 

            Graduating Student Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

            Alumni Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

            Graduates' scores on Course M of actuarial exam: Initial data under the 2005 exam structure will not be available until July 2005.

            Graduates' scores on Course C of actuarial exam: Initial data under the 2005 exam structure will not be available until July 2005.

 

      B.   Graduates' mastery of actuarial modeling techniques under the 2005 actuarial exam structure.

 

      C.   Graduates' ability to structure and solve actuarial and related business problems with sound analytical techniques:

     

            Capstone course evaluation: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

            Graduating Student Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

            Alumni Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

 

      D.   Graduates' ability to comprehend the theoretical and technical material in appropriate actuarial journals:

 

            Life Contingencies courses evaluations: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

            Graduating Student Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

            Alumni Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

 

      E.   Graduates' ability to explain technical concepts to non-actuarial associates or clients:

 

            Capstone course evaluation: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

 

      F.   Graduates' passage of at least two professional examinations within three months after graduation:  

 

            Overall, the GSU pass rates on the fall 2004 exams (most recent exam results available) approximated the national average on Exams 2 and 3 and exceeded the national average on Exam 4.  Of those graduating with a MAS in June 2004 and August 2004, 50% had passed at least two exams as of the fall 2004 exam and 100% had passed at least one exam.

 


Masters of Science in Personal Financial Planning

2004 - 2005 Assessment Procedures

 

 

 

Outcomes Assessed

Elements of Assessment

Data Collected

Our graduates will have the knowledge, skills, and desire to help clients meet their financial objectives.

 

Graduates' analytical, technical, communication and research skills required to perform as a financial planning professional.

 

CFP Examination

Capstone Course (PFP 8520)

 

Graduates' ability to compile and summarize financial data, to formulate quantifiable objectives from information given by a client, and to communicate financial advice effectively.

Capstone Course (PFP 8520)

 

Graduates' ability to recommend appropriate courses of action to implement a financial plan to achieve client objectives.

 

Capstone Course (PFP 8520)

 

Graduates' ability to produce high-quality comprehensive financial plans.

 

Capstone Course (PFP 8520)

 

 

Our graduates will pursue continued learning and professional development during and after completion of the program.

Graduates' awareness of relevant professional designations and participation in professional societies.

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

 

Graduates' awareness and use of professional periodicals and other sources of personal financial planning information and literature.

Capstone Course (PFP 8520)

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

Our graduates will understand and appreciate the importance of the qualities of professionalism and integrity.

Students' knowledge of the standards of practice and ethical rules and considerations involved in the practice of financial planning.

 

Introductory Course (PFP 8400)

Capstone Course (PFP 8520)

Our graduates will have attained appropriate communication skills.

 

Graduates' ability to explain technical concepts to financial planning associates and clients.

Capstone Course (PFP 8520)

 

 

Notes re: Data Collected

 

General

See Attachment A for survey data summaries.

 

Capstone Course (PFP 8520) and Introductory Course (PFP 8400)

A capstone course and an introductory course will be required of all graduate PFP students.  To pass the capstone course, a student must demonstrate the ability to integrate the skills and knowledge offered in the program by producing and effectively communicating a comprehensive, professional quality financial plan.  The course will include instruction in and hands-on practice with client-planner oral and written communication.  Students will be required to take a comprehensive “mock” examination similar to the actual Certified Financial Planner (“CFP® Exam”)  In addition, students will be exposed to current standards of practice and ethical considerations as promulgated by appropriate industry and governmental organizations in both PFP 8520 and PFP 8400.  Students in both courses will engage in discussions and exercises to enhance knowledge in one or more areas of financial planning practice, including such topics as regulation, establishing a practice, becoming an investment advisor, among others.  Evaluation of student performance on exercises, case studies, written assignments and examinations in the PFP 8520 and PFP 8400 will be completed each September for the prior academic year. 

 

CFP Examination

The CFP Examination is administered three times each year.  Many of the program’s graduates take this examination and the CFP Board of Standards reports the results to the Program Director. This examination tests competence to become a CFP certificant.  The percentage of our graduates passing the examination will be compared to the national average to assess mastery of the technical and analytical skills necessary to practice as a financial planner.  The long-range passing percentage for program graduates will be kept and compared with the most recent performance of the graduates and the national performance averages.  Each year, the Program Director will analyze the data received from the CFP Board.

 

The Program Director also will use his or her best efforts to monitor the frequency, bases and nature of any disciplinary action taken by the CFP Board against any graduate of the program.  The results of this monitoring effort will be shared with the Review Panel prior to any assessment meeting by the panel.

 

Alumni Survey

The written survey also will be sent to each graduate, three years after graduation.  At least once per year, the surveys will be tabulated and reviewed by the Program Director.  Copies of each of the surveys will be provided to the Review Panel before its meeting date.

 

Graduating Student Survey

The written questionnaire will be administered to all students in the Capstone Course.  At least once per year, the surveys will be tabulated and reviewed by the Program Director.  Copies of each of the surveys will be provided to the Review Panel before its meeting date.

 

 

Data Analysis:

 

A.   Graduates' analytical, technical, communication, and research skills required to perform as a financial planning professional:

           

      CFP Exam: For the assessment period, the pass rate for GSU graduates was 75%, as compared to an overall pass rate of 60% for all who the exam during that period.

 

      Capstone Course evaluation: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

 

B.   Graduates' ability to compile and summarize financial data, to formulate quantifiable objectives from information given by a client, and to communicate financial advice effectively:

     

      Capstone Course evaluation: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

 

C.   Graduates' ability to recommend appropriate courses of action to implement a financial plan to achieve client objectives:

           

      Capstone Course evaluation: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

 

D.   Graduates' ability to produce high-quality comprehensive financial plans:

           

      Capstone Course evaluation: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

 

E.   Graduates' awareness of relevant professional designations and participation in professional societies:

     

      Graduating Student Survey:  Rated very good (4.38 out of 5)

      Alumni Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

 

F.   Graduates' awareness and use of professional periodicals and other sources of personal financial planning information and literature:

           

      Capstone Course evaluation: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

      Graduating Student survey:  Rated good (4.00 out of 5).

      Alumni Survey: Insufficient response rate to permit meaningful analysis.

 

G.   Students' knowledge of the standards of practice and ethical rules and considerations involved in the practice of financial planning:

     

      Introductory Course evaluation: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

      Capstone Course evaluation: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

 

H.   Graduates' ability to explain technical concepts to financial planning associates and clients:

           

      Capstone Course evaluation: Initial evaluation to be performed in September 2005, per approved assessment plan.

 


Masters of Science in Risk Management and Insurance

2004 - 2005 Assessment Procedures

 

 

RISK AND INSURANCE SPECIALIZATION

 

Outcomes Assessed

Elements of Assessment

Data Collected

Our graduates will be knowledgeable with respect to the sources of risk for individuals, business organizations, and societies.

Graduates' ability to identify sources of risk for individuals, business organizations, and societies and be able to articulate their implications for decision making.

 

Exercises and examinations in RMI 8000

Our graduates will be able to identify how to most efficiently manage individual, business, and societal risk exposures.

Graduates' ability to recommend, from a variety of contractual, governmental, or market-based approaches, how to most efficiently manage individual, business, and societal risk exposures.

 

Case study exercises in RMI 8000

Our graduates will be knowledgeable with respect to mathematical and statistical theory associated with risk and its management.

Graduates' ability to quantify and analyze financial and operational stochastic risk exposures with statistical and probability distribution theory and to recognize the strengths and limitations of a modeling exercise and recommend future enhancements.

 

Exercises and examinations in RMI 8050

Our graduates will have attained appropriate communication skills.

Graduates' ability to prepare concise, focused, logical, and well-written documents that effectively communicate the author’s message to both technical and non-technical audiences.

 

Written assignments in RMI 8000 and RMI 8050

 

Notes re: Data Collected

 

RMI 8000 and RMI 8050

Evaluation of student performance on exercises, case studies, written assignments and examinations in the RMI 8000 and on exercises, written assignments and examinations in the RMI 8050 will be completed each September for the prior academic year. 

 

 

Data Analysis:

 

A.   Graduates' ability to identify sources of risk for individuals, business organizations, and societies and be able to articulate their implications for decision making:

     

RMI 8000 evaluation: Generally acceptable learning is this area; some need for improved learning in the application of concepts (see report by Dr. Klein—Attachment B). 

 

B.   Graduates' ability to recommend, from a variety of contractual, governmental, or market-based approaches, how to most efficiently manage individual, business, and societal risk exposures:

     

      RMI 8000 evaluation: Generally acceptable learning is this area; some need for improved learning in the application of concepts (see attached report by Dr. Klein—Attachment B). 

 

C.   Graduates' ability to quantify and analyze financial and operational stochastic risk exposures with statistical and probability distribution theory and to recognize the strengths and limitations of a modeling exercise and recommend future enhancements:

           

      RMI 8050 evaluation: Student learning, as reflected by the absolute and relative course GPA of the RMI masters students during the assessment was very good (see attached report by Dr. Phillips—Attachment C).

 

D.   Graduates' ability to prepare concise, focused, logical, and well-written documents that effectively communicate the author’s message to both technical and non-technical audiences:

     

      RMI 8000: Writing was generally acceptable, but improvements needed in the level of original thought and insights (see attached report by Dr. Klein—Attachment B).

      RMI 8050 evaluation: Student learning, as reflected by the absolute and relative course GPA of the RMI masters students during the assessment was very good (see attached report by Dr. Phillips—Attachment C).

 

 

MATHEMATICAL RISK MANAGEMENT SPECIALIZATION

 

 

Outcomes Assessed

Elements of Assessment

Data Collected

Our graduates will be knowledgeable with respect to economic foundations that underlie models used in financial and operational risk management.

Graduates' understanding of the micro-economic foundations of risk sharing and equilibrium price determination. 

 

Exercises and examinations in MRM 8600.

Our graduates will be knowledgeable with respect to the quantification and analysis of various financial and operational stochastic risk exposures.