Description: In this paper the ad-hoc Bayesian derivation of the Whittaker method is replaced with a formal Bayesian specification, and then it is shown that with this specification it is possible to complete the graduation without making an arbitrary selection of the smoothing parameter. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1992, VOL. 1.

Description: This paper examines some new Bayesian models for loss reserving inspired by a consideration of some of the methods and techniques appearing in the traditional chain ladder literature. This includes a possibly order restricted hierarchical Bayesian model for the year over year development factors. The issues of reserve variability and ranges of reasonable reserve estimates are considered. A new Bornhuetter-Ferguson styled Bayesian method of estimate revision is also discussed. These Bayesian models can be implemented using Markov chain Monte Carlo MCMC methods in a variety of programming languages, and can serve as starting points for more advanced models. This paper describes their implementation in WinBUGS a specialized software program for MCMC simulations. Illustrative WinBUGS code is included.

Description: In this paper we propose a model that can be used to analyze correlated claims data. In the process we introduce a class of multivariate generalized Poisson distributions. Then we present posterior distributions of its parameters. These distributions are difficult to manipulate, so we employ Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to draw random numbers from posteriors and predictive distributions. We present a collection of EXCEL VBA functions and subroutines to perform the simulations.

Description: The purpose of this paper is to perform conjugate Bayesian analysis on the negative binomial distribution with the goal of providing a standard by which approximate credibility formulas and approximate predictive distriubtion may be judged. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1993, VOL. 1.

Description: This paper describes an analysis of data anomalies on computer records on 246 federally-insured mortgages. Twenty-three of the corresponding mortgages were sampled and all were found to have identical amortization plans and to have been insured under the same insurance fund. The question posed, in probabilistic terms, is the following: How many of the remaining 223 mortgages are identical in these two aspects to the 23 sampled mortgages?

Description: The purpose of this paper is to define a predictive model, based on known system attributes, for assessing risk associated with information systems.

Description: This paper presents Bayesian models for analysis of claim lag data. The analysis of claim runoff patterns investigate the extraction of information on trend and seasonal patterns in incurred claims. This is investigated on the basis of individual group data, and also relative to a larger aggregation of pooled experience. The models are implemented based on Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. The models are applied to examples using simulated claim lag data. From Actuarial Research Clearing House, 2003, Vol. 1.

Description: Presented at October 2000 Annual Meeting. This is a brief summary of a tutorial on the application of credibility theory to health insurance. The concept of full credibility and the necessary conditions for experience data to be fully credible are covered.

Description: Book review of The Theory That Would Not Die: How Bayes’ Rule Cracked the Enigma Code, Hunted Down Russian Submarines and Emerged Triumphant from Two Centuries of Controversy by Sharon Bertsch McGrayne.

Description: Abstract from a paper that describes results from a hierarchical Bayesian statistical model which predicts the probability of Non-Acceptable Claim, an unnecessary hospital stay, using hospital discharge claim records as inputs.