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

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: 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: Phil Gold reviews the effect of the competency framework on various stages of inception and development of the AXIS Actuarial System.

Description: As M2M are exponentially increasing, we will soon see reinventing of whole business models and customer relationships.

Description: A short introduction of the characteristics of Blockchain technology

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.