Description: An article on a hypothetical workplace dilemma involving the updating of assumptions which resulted in a change in EGPs and DAC amortization.

Description: This article describes a hypothetical workplace dilemma. Suggested solutions and feedback are provided in the next issue of Stepping Stones. From the April 2010 issue of Stepping Stones.

Description: First of a 2 part series: The Actuarial Science Program at the University of Nebraska includes a course on Actuarial Roles and Ethics. In 1978 the students in this class sent a questionnaire to 265 persons, mostly alumni of the Program, aimed at finding out how actuaries see themselves, and to what extent ethical questions have impinged upon them. This article gives answers by 61 Fellows 60 F.S.A.'s and one F.C.A.S.

Description: This article reports comments made about Social Security actuaries in a New York Times interview by Representative Bill Archer, R. Texas, and Prof. Wilbur J. Cohen, a long-time social insurance authority and member of the National Commission on Social Security.

Description: Edward Robbins, FSA and Christian Mora, Member of the Colombian Actuarial Association (ACA) gave a 3-hour course on actuarial professionalism to ACA members.

Description: An actuarial perspective on a book review of Biological Imperatives a book written by biologist Allan Chase. An interesting perspective which may be of interest as the United States evaluates its health care reform options.

Description: Business leadership lessons from non-business leaders: interpersonal skills and people management

Description: This article provides guidelines for practitioners of risk management. These guidelines fall under four general headings: 1. Understanding and fulfilling your role in the organization. 2. General risk management. 3. The use of derivatives. 4. Risk measurement systems.

Description: A compilation of reader responses is presented to a real life situation posed involving a management, leadership, or other business decision. This issue’s case study involved what to do about a product line that wasn't living up to expectations.

Description: The latest in a series of articles connecting the principles of Zen Buddhism to the working world of actuaries. This issue focuses on techniques for cultivating a gratitude mindset under all types of conditions - even stressful ones, in order to maintain equilibrium and harmony for a more productive workday.