July 2013

In This Issue

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  • Notes from the Chair

    It should come as no surprise to actuaries that the Society of Actuaries (SOA) has become much more of an international entity over the last several years. The impacts and effects of globalization can be seen in almost every facet of the SOA’s current development and strategic plan.
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  • Letter from the Editors

    Andrew Chan is now emeritus co-editor of the CompAct newsletter. He offers a final contribution for this issue’s letter, sharing a poignant visit to a client:
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  • The Importance of Data Flow Automation—Garbage In, Garbage Out

    Excel is a powerful analytical tool that we all use to build management reports, develop financial models and even massage data. However, some analysts still do not understand the importance of data flow automation and how to avoid “garbage in, garbage out.”
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  • Why "Simple" Doesn't Mean "Transparent" Financial Modelling

    This article is based on a tongue-in-cheek blog posted on Corality’s website in April. We will look at an edited version of the blog, and dig deeper into what appears, at face value, to be intuitive and logical.
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  • Tables Database goes XtbML part 2

    In Part 1 of this article, we reviewed the history that led to the large database of actuarial tables in electronic form. This database is now being actively maintained and expanded by the Society of Actuaries.
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  • Meatloaf and Spreadsheets

    I usually find the best time to plan my next article when I am away from my desk. Today, I was planning the next article during lunch.
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  • Mental Math

    In this issue’s installment, we consider one of the classic feats of mental calculation: how to figure out the day of the week of anyone’s birthday.
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  • Thomas C. Barham III Speed Chess Tournament

    Chess has long been used to help students build reasoning and critical thinking skills. The Actuarial Foundation has sponsored programs to encourage actuaries as mentors using chess as an entree to teach math and analytical skills.
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