ICRFS-Plus™ Training videos for new users
If for any reason you are unable to view the training or demonstration videos, please contact our support staff at support@insureware.com and we will arrange to send you a copy of the videos on CD-Rom. You will be able to run the videos from the CD.
The training videos should be used for hands on training. We suggest you run the videos on a separate computer using a data projector, and train as a group.
The only way you will learn all the new concepts and be able to exploit all the immense benefits is by using the system. Experiential learning is imperative.
It is important that you study the videos in sequential order as set out below.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to ICRFS-Plus™ 10.2 and modelling modules
- 1.1 Introduction to ICRFS-Plus 10.2 and database structure
- 1.2 Overview of ICRFS-Plus 10.2 Modelling frameworks
- 1.3 Uncertainty and Variability
- 1.4 Manual creation of Triangle Groups
2. Modelling using the Link Ratio Techniques and Extended Link Ratio Family modules
3. Introduction to the Probabilistic Trend Family modelling framework
4. Modelling real data (CTP) in the PTF modelling framework
8. Further PTF Modelling Examples
10. Uneven Sampling periods, updating, and various other topics
1. Introduction to ICRFS-Plus™ 10.2 and modelling modules
1.1 Introduction to ICRFS-Plus 10.2 and database structure
The database functionality and navigation is studied. Data, models and links to reports all reside in one relational database. A database can either be remote (on server that is shareable) or local. Communication between two databases has the same intuitive feel as using Windows Explorer for communicating between two sub-folders. The objects in the database are Triangle Groups (TG) and Composite Triangle Groups (CTG). TGs (and CTGs) also contain objects, namely, triangles, exposures, premiums, data sets, models and links to reports.
This video demonstrates:
- database manipulation
- database structure
- triangle group structure
- using variables and values to filter triangle groups
- system navigation
This introduction to the ICRFS-Plus database video is approximately 20 minutes long.
1.2 Overview of ICRFS-Plus 10.2 Modelling frameworks
In this video, a brief overview of the modelling frameworks included in ICRFS-Plus 10.2 is presented.
These frameworks include:
- Link Ratio Techniques (LRT) including Bornhuetter-Ferguson
- Extended Link Ratio Family (ELRF) as discussed in the paper "Best Estimate for Reserves"
- Probabilistic Trend Family (PTF) modelling framework
- Multiple Probabilistic Trend Family (MPTF) modelling framework
There is a paradigm shift between link ratio techniques (LRT) and the probabilistic modelling frameworks PTF and MPTF. The ELRF module provides the bridge between the two frameworks.
An identified model in the PTF modelling framework gives a succinct description of the volatility in the data. The description of the volatility is represented by four graphs, which tell a story about the data.
Benefits of the ICRFS-Plus software package include:
- A user configured, easily navigated database
- The database is a repository for the data, models, and forecast scenarios
- Uneven sampling periods: for example, Accident year reserves versus quarterly evaluations.
- Models are saved in the triangle groups
- Monitoring and updating every review period is a seamless operation
- Diagnostics for existing link ratio methods
- Pricing both retrospective and prospective reinsurance structures
- Pricing for different limits for different years
- Future accident (underwriting) period segmentation pricing
- Understandable probabilistic models summarised by four interrelated pictures.
- Correlations (all three types: process, parameter, and reserve) and trends are measured from the data.
- Economic Capital: risk charges for combined reserve and underwriting risks. (Note there is usually additional diversification credit obtained for the combined risk charge on reserves and underwriting).
- Modelling wizard
- Reinsurance evaluation
Modelling multiple triangles simultaneously in the MPTF module has additional applications and benefits including risk diversification analysis, capital allocation analysis, credibility modelling, and many other applications as seen in subsequent chapters.
This modelling frameworks overview video is approximately 20 minutes long.
1.3 Uncertainty and Variability
Variability and uncertainty are two distinct concepts and cannot be used interchangeably. Variability is an observed phenomenon that is to be measured and where appropriate explained. Uncertainty, on the other hand, refers to knowledge about variability.
This is easiest to explain by way of example. We demonstrate by comparing two games of chance where the parameters of the games are known. In this case, we have no uncertainty in our knowledge about either game. We 'know' the mean and standard deviation of the distributions.
A confidence interval for the parameter is described to illustrate that while we have no uncertainty about our experiments, we cannot reduce the inherent variability of the process.
A second example shows the importance of measuring the process variability. An incorrect assumption made about the variability when all parameters of the distribution are 'known' can be disastrous.
This video on the distinction between variability and uncertainty is approximately 10 minutes long.
1.4 Manual creation of Triangle Groups
In this video, manual creation of a triangle group is illustrated. Although triangle groups are usually created via an importing macro, it can be useful to cr+eate triangle groups and triangle manually for small projects.
Creating triangle types and triangles are also demonstrated along with transferring data and models between similarly sized triangle groups.
Manual creation of a triangle group is discussed in this short (10 minute) video.