Description: Significant progress has been made in transforming the actuarial profession but it remains untransformed. Universities have been instrumental in training future actuaries and this article is about how the University of Cape Town has been addressing transformation in the actuarial program. The school system in South Africa has struggled to produce the required quality and quantity of school leavers prepared for higher education. This has led to universities having to develop ways to manage this problem. The article discusses the effectiveness of some of the initiatives introduced at UCT.

Description: A brief overview of last year's Education & Research Section Council work, accomplishments and challenges from its outgoing chair.

Description: This is one actuary's tale about her experience with business analytics involving bats, stats, and a task force. From The Actuary, February 2012, Volume 9, Issue 1.

Description: Introduction of recent section activities and content of the current issue.

Description: Introduction of recent section activities and content of the current issue.

Description: This article outlines how “the pearl of the Indian Ocean” is shining now with achievement of actuaries.

Description: The authors take a deeper look at the long-standing motto of the Society of Actuaries, from John Ruskin, “The work of science is to substitute facts for appearances and demonstrations for impressions.”

Description: In this column from the section chairperson, he suggests that in a world where 'too big to fail' is encouraged, entrepreneurs must adapt by developing marketing strategies and capabilities that deal effectively with both the end user of the services and the procurement professionals and process.

Description: In this article, the Society of Actuaries Executive Director discusses what the SOA is doing to build stronger ties with members and candidates. The efforts include the use of social media, the posting of articles, news, updates and videos more regularly on the SOA blog, the introduction of the first SOA mobile app, and access to the SOA's Online Membership Directory is now available via smartphone. Following the article is a list news articles involving the actuarial profession, a list of professional development opportunities, recommended readings and a list of actuarial e-courses.