Description: Even the best algorithms are only effective if they are trained on appropriate data. This article discusses common pitfalls in creating a training data set.

Description: Product development is variously described as a science, an art, or a philosophy. Six Sigma suffers from the same ambiguity—it is a statistical measure, a business philosophy, a process, a methodology, and a way of living! But by combining the two, we are able to apply structure to creativity and enable product success

Description: Farewell comments by Noel J. Abkemeier at the end of his term as Chairperson of the Product Development Section in 2003. Includes highlights of successes of the Section and thank you's to significant contributors to the Section.

Description: This article covers the importance of a system peer review within the systems change control process and offers suggestions for creating more robust controls.

Description: What does “accountable” mean? You will see how the accountability culture can transform spectators into protagonists following the Four Steps to Accountability.

Description: The editor discusses the content of the issue including articles on low-interest-rate environment, ERM, regulatory issues, as well as webinars and meetings sponsored by the SIC Section.

Description: This article is a summary of two presentations sponsored by the Small Insurance Company Section. The first was a webcast on March 13, 2012, and the second was at the ERM Symposium on April 20, 2012.

Description: This article calls to attention the more modest needs of smaller companies contained in the PBA Implementation Guide.

Description: This article discusses the Society of Actuaries' Professional Development Committee and how it can be useful to an actuaries' professional development.

Description: Brief essay on the benefits of focused pratice and the idea that differences between expert performers and normal adults reflect a long-life persistence of deliberate effort to improve performance.