Description: The Observatoire actuariel de la crise du coronavirus (Actuarial Observatory of the Coronavirus Crisis) is a unique initiative of the Institut des actuaires (Institute of Actuaries) consisting of the establishment of a process of qualitative sociological surveying during the confinement and the two weeks following it. Implemented by a PhD sociologist, the Actuarial Observatory of the Coronavirus Crisis aimed to collect, in real time, the perceptions and analyses of actuaries, women and men of all generations and from all professional backgrounds, of this unprecedented crisis. Its first report reproduces the observations made with respect to operational matters: • How did the companies continue to operate? • What are the consequences for the sectors? • How will they manage the induced risks? • What are the expectations for the future?

Description: Vision and objectives and projects for the International Section.

Description: We will demonstrate three analytical tools along with a sample case study showing how they might be applied to a fictional actuarial organization within ABC Life. The goal is to highlight how they might be applied to perform a health check of an actuarial function organizational design. This can measure effectiveness quantitatively via benchmarking how an actuarial function might stack up against the industry and management expectations. The tools and techniques are critical for actuarial leaders and managers but are also relevant to all actuaries, since we can all benefit from understanding how our individual work efforts fit into the bigger picture of an organization.

Description: Even if you aren’t interested in going to Rome, this article is the first in a series on the process of innovation. It defines innovation, describes an overview of the innovation process, and includes a few innovative techniques and examples of innovation. However, it does not provide directions to Rome, as all roads lead there anyway.

Description: Short insights on different innovation and entrepreneurial topics. These come from the Entrepreneurial & Innovation Section's e-bulletin, Innovation Insights.

Description: Read the January 2020 issue of International News published by the International Section. Newsletters provide practical information for the working actuary, articles on trends that impact sections and news about section activities.

Description: This short note discusses creativity in the context of actuarial science, and how to cultivate it. We first attempt to define creative thinking as opposed to procedural thinking or memory recall. We then describe concrete examples of actuarial projects that promote deeper thinking. We also address why creativity is needed and how to make sure our students are able to communicate their creative ideas effectively.

Description: A leadership interview with Margaret Meister looking back at her career trajectory and sharing lessons learned.

Description: When responding to RFPs, it's not just about the technical specs or hard facts. You have to have finesse to persuade and convince, and really capture the attention of the evaluators. This article will help you do just that.