Description: David Januszewski looks at the the development of open source software in statistics. By comparing the virtues between SAS, the proprietary software and R, the open source software used by statisticians, he thinks that open source software "can and does coexist with the proprietary software" and "both have a purpose. "He further looks at the availability of the open source software in the actuarial profession and does not see "open source software sweeping across actuarial science like it has with other fields". Dave explains the possible uses and virtues of the open source software to actuaries and asserts that it may be beneficial that the open source is used together with the propriety software.

Description: Discusses an SOA study entitled Blue Ocean Strategies. The objective was to deliver insight into how the use of technology may impact the design, marketing, sales, underwriting and/or processing of insurance.

Description: A first look, and actuarial review of an electronic book for actuaries who wish to learn Excel beyond the basics.

Description: In order to better develop skill in predictive analytics, the author suggests looking to professionals who design innovative predictive models and, more importantly, find effective ways to communicate their findings to a large audience.

Description: As the insurance industry struggles along with the rest of its financial services brethren to operate in the current global recession, it must consider the true value of innovation. Insurers should reduce the focus on improving what they know how to do and look to what they could be doing in light of the change that swirls around them.

Description: Understanding the importance of networking is the first step toward achieving a fulfilling and rewarding professional career and personal life.

Description: The author recounts his experience as a keynote speaker at the Actuarial Research Conference and provides advice to young actuaries to present complex subjects in an understandable manner.

Description: An overview of how the actuary's role will evolve as technology improves.

Description: Author argues that using social-networking technology is important, but face-to-face interaction is still better for career advancement as an actuary.

Description: In early 2015, the Actuary of the Future section conducted a survey aiming to determine which computer programs actuaries use, and how that usage of these programs differs among disciplines. This article examines the results of this study.