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: Editor’s column addressing the contents of the September 2009 issue of the Marketing and Distribution Section Newsletter, NewsDirect.

Description: Recent news about the NTM section

Description: This article presents a fable about the issues that arise between marketers and actuaries in the product development process.

Description: This article is about the challenges/opportunities NTM faces with the SOA restructuring.

Description: Editor’s column thanking outgoing section council members, welcoming new section council members and discussing Marketing and Distribution sponsored activities.

Description: This article discusses change initiatives and how companies and executives need to take a proactive approach to manage the change in order to assure success.

Description: Feature article with the one main goal of trying to help actuaries to better see some of the changes that will be needed by their organizations during the coming decade. The author urges us to look for new ways to apply the old rules.