Description: As actuaries, we’re trained to see patterns in numbers and to design solutions that mitigate risk. But I can tell you from experience that while quantitative analysis and modeling are critical actuarial tools, looking at the numbers alone can lead to insurance products that don’t succeed in the real world the way the math says they “should.” With new digital technologies, we have more data at our fingertips than ever before, but I believe it’s equally as important to bring qualitative research methodologies into your product development process if you want to design solutions that meet real needs in the market. In this article, Amanda Turcotte shares what happens when qualitative research is neglected or ignored, what happens when you incorporate it into the product design process, and how to implement qualitative research practices in your organization.

Description: In 2021, Deloitte and the SOA conducted a research study on emerging technologies in which the current use and future outlook of these technologies for the actuarial profession were evaluated.

Description: Stefanos Orfanos shares his perspective and priorities for this year as the incoming chair of the SOA Education and Research Section.

Description: This Society of Actuaries, working with LIMRA, Oliver Wyman and the American Council of Life Insurers, is releasing a series of pulse surveys aimed at obtaining a quick read on how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting insurance companies and reinsurers.

Description: In this article, I give a few notes as the outgoing chair of the Education and Research Section Council.

Description: Climate risk modeling is taking center stage. With businesses increasingly expected to show how they assess, adapt to, and mitigate the risks of climate change, companies are asking: What is the right climate risk modeling approach for our business?

Description: A brief discussion on the importance of governance and documentation being in place. The article provides some resources to assist in the development, and the reasons behind having it in place.

Description: An update to the risk management readers on what the JRMS is planning to do over 2023 to serve its membership.

Description: The article discusses the use of the keyword strategy in teaching. The literature with a negative view of keywords is reviewed and responded to by advocating keywords with multiple meanings supplemented with relevant instructional guidance. Numerous examples are presented from the SOA preliminary exams. Additionally, advanced use of keywords to problems not having them are presented.

Description: A story about a mother/actuary’s journey of discovering her work-life balance through entrepreneurship.