DEPARTMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE

Robinson College of Business

Georgia State University

  

Department Vision

To be the world’s leader in risk management scholarship and education.

 

Through the collaboration of experts in multiple disciplines, we will be recognized internationally as leaders in

·      the development of integrated applications of economics, law, mathematics, and probability theory to the quantitative and qualitative measurement of risks;

·      the selection and design of individual, organizational, and societal strategies for the efficient management of risk; and

·      the dissemination of this knowledge.

 

Department Mission

To enhance social well being by developing knowledge and providing education in risk and its management.

 

Support of University Mission

See Department 2003 Self-study (http://www.rmi.gsu.edu/news/RMISelfStudy_2003_rev1.pdf)

 

Department Degree Programs

Actuarial Science, BBA

Risk Management and Insurance, BBA

Masters of Actuarial Science

Personal Financial Planning, MS

Risk Management and Insurance, MS

Masters of Business Administration

Doctoral of Philosophy

 

 

 

Assessment Plan for BBA in Actuarial Science

September 2004

 

Mission Statement: Actuarial Science is a discipline that employs mathematics and statistics in modeling the financial impacts of risk and uncertainty in various sectors of the economy, and in designing solutions of managing risks. A majority of professional actuaries work in careers that are associated with the insurance industry, though growing numbers work in other fields. The mission of the BBA-AS degree program is to educate students in the theory and practice of actuarial science through a specialized program of study.  The program is designed to teach students both the core actuarial theory and the latest development in actuarial practice.

 

Robinson College of Business BBA Assessment Plan for Core Learning Outcomes

 

Program Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Assessment Methods

To provide a program that is considered by our stakeholders as making a valuable contribution to Actuarial college education.

Employers find the program relevant to their needs.

Industry Panel

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

 

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

BBA-AS graduates will demonstrate the technical mastery of life contingencies and risk theory.  Under the 2005 actuarial exam structure, the graduate will demonstrate a mastery of actuarial modeling techniques

Scores on the appropriate professional actuarial examinations covering life contingencies and risk theory.  (Course M: Models for Quantifying Risk, and Course C: Construction and Evaluation of Risk Models under the 2005 professional exam syllabus.)

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

 

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

BBA-AS graduates will be able to structure and solve actuarial and related business problems with sound analytical techniques.

Industry Panel

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.

BBA-AS graduates will be able 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.

Within three months after graduation, BBA-AS graduates will have been successful on a least two professional examinations. 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Notes re: The Assessment Methods

 

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

 

Industry Panel

The industry panel will include representation of the four major areas of actuarial practice: life & health insurance, employee benefit consulting, property/casualty insurance, and finance & risk management.  Accordingly, the panel will include a minimum of four members.  An Industry Panel will be recruited, representing the four major areas of actuarial practice.  The Panel will meet once every two years.  Starting in the spring of 2005 and at two-year intervals thereafter the Panel’s agenda will include a formal assessment of the contributions of the Actuarial Science Program to actuarial education, including suggestions for improvement and areas of possible future development.

 

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. 

 

 

Continuous Improvement: The data from the above assessment tools will be reviewed at least annually by the AS faculty, the AS Program Director, and the RMI Department chairperson to 1) verify consistency with program objectives, 2) identify program strengths and weaknesses, and 3) propose necessary modifications to program, courses, and/or assessment methods.

 

 


Assessment Plan for BBA in Risk Management and Insurance

September 2004

 

Mission Statement: The mission of the BBA-RMI degree program is to prepare qualified and motivated students for positions of leadership and responsibility in the management of risk, across a variety of services and career paths.

 

Robinson College of Business BBA Assessment Plan for Core Learning Outcomes

 

Program Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Assessment Methods

To provide a program that is considered by our stakeholders as offering a premier risk management undergraduate education.

Employers find the program relevant to their needs.

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

Employer Survey

 

Our graduates will provide leadership as risk managers in business.

Our graduates will find 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.

Our graduates will be able 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.

Our graduates will be able 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: The Assessment Methods

 

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.

 

Continuous Improvement: The data from the above assessment tools will be reviewed at least annually by the RMI faculty, the BBA-RMI Program Coordinator, and the RMI Department chairperson to 1) verify consistency with program objectives, 2) identify program strengths and weaknesses, and 3) propose necessary modifications to program, courses, and/or assessment methods.


Assessment Plan for Masters of Actuarial Science

September 2004

 

Mission Statement: Actuarial Science is a discipline that employs mathematics and statistics in modeling the financial impacts of risk and uncertainty in various sectors of the economy, and in designing solutions of managing risks. A majority of professional actuaries work in careers that are associated with the insurance industry, though growing numbers work in other fields. The mission of the MAS degree program is to educate students in the theory and practice of actuarial science through a specialized program of study.  The program is designed to teach students both the core actuarial theory and the latest development in actuarial practice.

 

Program Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Assessment Methods

To provide a program that is considered by our stakeholders as making a valuable contribution to Actuarial graduate education.

Employers find the program relevant to their needs.

Industry Panel

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

 

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

The MAS graduate will demonstrate the technical mastery of life contingencies and risk theory.  Under the 2005 actuarial exam structure, the graduate will demonstrate a mastery of actuarial modeling techniques

Scores on the appropriate professional actuarial examinations covering life contingencies and risk theory.  (Course M: Models for Quantifying Risk, and Course C: Construction and Evaluation of Risk Models under the 2005 professional exam syllabus.)

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

 

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

The MAS graduate will be able to structure and solve actuarial and related business problems with sound analytical techniques.

Industry Panel

Capstone Course (AS 8500)

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

 

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

The MAS graduate will be able 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

 

Our graduates will have attained appropriate communication skills.

The MAS graduate will be able to explain technical concepts to non-actuarial associates or clients.

 

Industry Panel

Capstone Course (AS 8500)

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

Within three months after graduation, the MAS graduate will have been successful on a least two professional examinations.

 

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

 

 

Notes re: The Assessment Methods

 

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. 

 


Industry Panel

The industry panel will include representation of the four major areas of actuarial practice, life & health insurance, employee benefit consulting, property/casualty insurance, and finance & risk management.  Accordingly, the panel will include a minimum of four members.  An Industry Panel will be recruited, representing the four major areas of actuarial practice.  The Panel will meet once every two years.  Starting in the spring of 2005 and at two-year intervals thereafter the Panel’s agenda will include a formal assessment of the contributions of the Actuarial Science Program to actuarial education, including suggestions for improvement and areas of possible future development.

 

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. 

 

 

Continuous Improvement: The data from the above assessment tools will be reviewed at least annually by the AS faculty, the AS Program Director, and the RMI Department chairperson to 1) verify consistency with program objectives, 2) identify program strengths and weaknesses, and 3) propose necessary modifications to program, courses, and/or assessment methods.

 

 


Assessment Plan for Masters of Science in Personal Financial Planning

September 2004

 

Mission Statement: The mission of the MS-PFP degree program is to offer an educational environment of excellence wherein students can learn to provide professional quality comprehensive personal financial planning and services designed to meet clients’ psychological and financial goals.  The program content stresses the development and integration of knowledge in all facets of comprehensive financial plans.  Emphasis is placed on integrity and the fiduciary nature of the process while the student gains the analytical, technical, research and communication skills necessary and appropriate for a professional financial planning practice.

 

Program Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Assessment Methods

To provide a program that is considered by our stakeholders as making a valuable contribution to graduate education in personal financial planning.

Faculty find the program academically sound in theory, pedagogy and rigor.

 

Review Panel

Employers find the program relevant to their needs.

 

Review Panel

MS-PFP graduates value the program.

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

 

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

 

MS-PFP graduates will be able to demonstrate the analytical, technical, communication, and research skills required to perform as a financial planning professional.

 

CFP® Exam

Capstone Course (PFP 8520)

 

MS-PFP graduates will demonstrate the 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)

Review Panel

MS-PFP graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to recommend appropriate courses of action to implement a financial plan to achieve client objectives.

 

Capstone Course (PFP 8520)

Review Panel

MS-PFP graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality comprehensive financial plans.

 

Capstone Course (PFP 8520)

Review Panel

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

MS-PFP graduates will be aware of relevant professional designations and be encouraged to obtain them and to participate in professional societies.

Graduating Student Survey

Alumni Survey

 

MS-PFP graduates will be aware of and use 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.

Each MS-PFP student will demonstrate 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.

MS-PFP graduates will be able to explain technical concepts to financial planning associates and clients.

 

Review Panel

Capstone Course (PFP 8520)

 

           


Notes re: The Assessment Methods

 

Capstone Course

A capstone course will be required of all graduate PFP students.  To pass the 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 Examination (“CFP® Exam.”)  In addition, students will be exposed to current standards of practice and ethical considerations as promulgated by appropriate industry and governmental organizations.  Students with 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.

 

CFP® Exam

The CFP® Exam 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

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

 

Graduating Student Survey

A written survey 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 the tabulations and respondent comments will be provided to the Review Panel before its meeting date.

  

Review Panel

A panel of not fewer than three financial planning professionals and three faculty, preferably faculty teaching in the program, will evaluate the graduate PFP programs program at least once every five years.  The Program Director, with the advice and approval of the Department Chairperson, will select the panel.  The panel will be asked to determine the appropriateness of the program in meeting the needs of students, employers, clients, and the general public.  The panel also will assess the pedagogy and the academic rigor of the program. 

 

The Program Director will provide each panel member with the analyses of all surveys, CFP examination results, and such other information as would be of assistance to the panel in its efforts.  The Program Director will provide an agenda and will chair the meetings of the panel or designate a substitute chair.  The role of the panel will be advisory only, but a report of all meetings of the panel and any recommendations by the panel will be provided to the Department Chairperson for discussion and review with the Program Director.

 

 

Continuous Improvement: The data from the above assessment tools will be reviewed at least annually by the PFP faculty, the PFP Program Director, and the RMI Department chairperson to 1) verify consistency with program objectives, 2) identify program strengths and weaknesses, and 3) propose necessary modifications to program, courses, and/or assessment methods.

 

Assessment Plan for Masters of Science in Risk Management and Insurance

September 2004

 

RISK AND INSURANCE SPECIALIZATION

 

Mission Statement: The mission of the MS-RMI degree with a specialization in Risk and Insurance [MS-RMI (R & I)] is to educate students in the theory and practice of risk management and insurance at an advanced level through a customized program of study. Further concentration within this specialization is possible – although not required – through selection of one of three tracks: risk management, insurance, or employee benefits. The program is designed to prepare students for analytical and technical staff, consulting, and applied research positions in risk management, employee benefits, and insurance. The program is suited especially to the needs of students who have undergraduate business degrees or MBA degrees and who desire further coursework in risk and insurance to enhance their professional careers.

 

Program Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Assessment Methods

To provide a program that is considered by our stakeholders as making a valuable contribution to Risk Management graduate education.

Our stakeholders find the MS-RMI (R & I) program to be current and relevant in its content and delivery

 

RMI Business Advisory Committee

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

The MS-RMI (R & I) graduate will be able 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.

The MS-RMI (R & I) graduate will be able 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.

The MS-RMI (R & I) graduate will be able to quantify and analyze financial and operational stochastic risk exposures with statistical and probability distribution theory and be able 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.

The MS-RMI (R & I) graduate will be able 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: The Assessment Methods

 

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. 

 

RMI Business Advisory Committee

By the end of 2004, an RMI Business Advisory Committee will be established.  It will be comprised of the RMI Program Director, at least one other RMI professor, and successful professionals from the RMI industry and will meet at least once per year.  A report of the advisory group will be forwarded to the departmental executive committee and would become part of the program director's annual faculty evaluation.

 

 

Continuous Improvement: The data from the above assessment tools will be reviewed at least annually by the RMI faculty, the RMI Program Director/Coordinators, and the RMI Department chairperson to 1) verify consistency with program objectives, 2) identify program strengths and weaknesses, and 3) propose necessary modifications to program, courses, and/or assessment methods.

 

 

 

 

MATHEMATICAL RISK MANAGEMENT SPECIALIZATION

 

 

Mission Statement: The mission of the MS-RMI degree with a specialization in Mathematical Risk Management [MS-RMI (MRM)] is to educate students in the application of mathematics in economics and finance to address contemporary risk management problems. Emphasis is placed on the diagnosis, analysis, pricing, and customization of solutions to risk management problems and opportunities, broadly defined to include both financial and operational risk exposures.  Students will be prepared for risk management and financial engineering careers in technical positions in a variety of organizational settings including financial institutions, risk management consultancies, and in the treasury departments or non-financial corporations.

 

 

Program Objectives

Expected Outcomes

Assessment Methods

To provide a program that is considered by our stakeholders as making a valuable contribution to Risk Management graduate education.

Faculty find the MS-RMI (MRM) program to be a rigorous and current in its treatment of financial risk management concepts.

 

MRM Faculty

Employers find the MS-RMI (MRM) graduates to be highly s