Theory of Risk and Insurance Markets Coursework 2014

Lecturer: Dr. Stanley Mutenga

Programme: MSc. Risk Management and Insurance (NUST)

This page contains key information for the preparation and submission of your assessed summative coursework.

Ensure that you read all the information below before starting your assignment.

Key information
Preparation time: It is recommended that you spend a minimum of 30 hours undertaking research/reading, drafting and finalizing your assessed summative coursework. Feedback: You will receive lecturer feedback on the formative assignments completed for this module. Weighting: The assessed summative coursework contributes 30% to the overall assessment Deadline: You must submit your assessed summative coursework on or before: 21 March 2014. Late submissions will not be marked. Assignments submitted before the required date will not be marked until after that date regardless of when they are received. Word limit: Your assignment should be between 2,500 and 3,000 words, including quotations. Presentation requirements: It is important that you present your assignment in the appropriate format double spaced. Group Size: The maximum number of people per group is Two. You are required to select and manage your own group.

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Assessed Coursework Assignment

This assignment should be submitted by: 21 March 2014. Late submissions will not be marked. Assignments submitted before the required date will not be marked until after that date regardless of when they are received. This coursework assignment consists of one piece of work.

The worlds largest reinsurer Munich Re has examined the recent rise in the number and severity of natural disasters worldwide, and finds the trend bears the unmistakable fingerprints of climate change.

Source: Lubber, M. (2012) Climate-proofing the insurance industry [online]. Available at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/mindylubber/2012/10/11/climate-proofingthe-insurance-industry/ [Accessed: 18 February 2014].

Required:

(a) Analyse the likely impact of climate change on the insurance industrys profitability, solvency and availability of insurance cover.

Note:

Your answer should also briefly discuss the fundamental principles underlying climate change.

(50 marks)

(b) Examine responses that the insurance industry should adopt in order to combat climate change risks.

(50 marks)

(Total 50 marks)

(Maximum 3000 words)

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Grade Classification Descriptors

Topic Area Knowledge and understanding 0-49 (Fail)
Limited knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and underpinning concepts and theories, including their relevance within the financial services sector. Lack of understanding of the professional, ethical, legal and regulatory framework of the financial services sector and of relevant current issues. Little evidence of independent thought; inability to express and justify opinions. Limited use of the main methods of investigation.

50-59 (Pass)
Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and awareness of the concepts and theories, including understanding of their relevance to the financial services context. Recognition of issues relating to the professional, ethical, legal and regulatory framework of the financial services sector and its current status. Capable of independent thought and often provides justified opinions and recommendations. Often uses different methods of investigation. Often uses problem solving skills underpinned by some evidence of analysis, interpretation and evaluation, including awareness of use in a professional context. Has developed analytic abilities and often uses them effectively. Effectively uses literature and provides consistent referencing from appropriate financial services sources. Clear and focused presentation with accurate editing and appropriate examples from the financial services sector.

60-69 (Merit Pass)

Sound knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and in the appropriate use of concepts and theories; understands their relevance to the financial services context. Clear recognition of issues relating to the professional, ethical, legal and regulatory framework of the financial services sector, its current status and role in the economy. Capable of independent thought and usually provides fully justified opinions and recommendations. Consistently uses a range of appropriate methods of investigation. Usually uses problem solving skills effectively; provides analysis, interpretation and evaluation within a professional context. Has developed a range of sound analytic abilities and usually uses them effectively. Effective use of relevant literature and accurate, consistent and appropriate referencing from a wide range of financial services sources. Clear, structured and focused presentation with accurate editing and appropriate use of examples from the financial services sector.

70-100 (Distinction)
Extensive knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and in the appropriate use of related concepts and theories, including in-depth understanding of their relevance to the financial services context. In-depth recognition of issues relating to the professional, ethical, legal and regulatory framework of the financial services sector, its current status and role in the economy. Clear evidence of independent thought; ability to consistently provide sound, justified opinions and recommendations. Always uses a wide range of appropriate methods of investigation and can explain reasons for their choice. Consistently uses problem solving skills effectively; provides analysis, interpretation and evaluation within a professional context. Clear evidence of analytical skills and effective critical appraisal. Extensive use of literature, including wider reading on current financial services issues, and accurate, consistent referencing throughout. Clear, concise, structured and focused presentation with accurate editing and effective use of appropriate examples from the financial services sector.

Professional , ethical, legal and regulatory framework Independent thought Methods of investigation

Problem solving Poor demonstration of problem solving skills; little evidence of skills
analysis and interpretation.

Critical appraisal and analysis Use of literature

Lack of demonstration of analytic ability. Little use of literature, including financial services sources, and/or inconsistent referencing. Poor presentation and editing, lacking in examples from the financial services sector.

Presentation

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