Most large organizations talk big about their AI initiatives, but fail in managing these initiatives well. We know of small organisations that want to implement AI, but find the AI initiatives are too expensive and hence is beyond the reach of the common industry or organisation. It is indeed a fact any organisation would need AI intervention only if it becomes unyieldy in terms of operations.
The AI area as the cutting edge technology breakthrough that will influence how cognitive work gets done in future, will contribute about $ 13 trillion this decade from 2021 to 2030. The authors while working with thousands of executives in the cutting edge of technology were frank enough to admit that only 8% of them are engaged in research and applications in the AI area.
The following three points the authors feel can help organizations running AI projects turn successful
1. Inter-disciplinary approach : Instead of a siloed approach, promoting inter disciplinary collaboration
2. Data driven decision making mindset : From experienced and leader based decision making to data driven decision making mindset and
3. Agile, experimental and adaptable work environment : From a rigid and risk averse setup, moving to an agile, experimental and adaptable working environment
The authors of the paper also feel that for successful AI launches in organizations, attention should be focused in the following areas.
1. Explaining to the stakeholders as to why the AI project is necessary
2. Anticipating unique barriers to change, workers fearing losing jobs
3. Budgeting equally for integration and adoption as spent on technology acquisition
4. Balancing feasibility, time investment and value - investing in projects that are tough and time consuming initially can sabotage project success
AI projects like any other projects need effective and refined project management skills to be successful in the long run. In the initial stages small AI projects that are easy to implement should be taken up before attempting ambitous ones.
Daniel Newman writing for Forbes in Feb 2020 (click here) stresses on why one needs to focus on the positives of AI adoption than on the negatives and job losses resulting from AI adoption.
As we know,
- promoting automation,
- augmenting human based decision making and
- enabling AI promoted improved awareness of the environmental context in which we live are three areas where AI apps can benefit humans.
Usually we find it hard to do repetitive tasks like washing. Using the washing machine eliminates the hard work of washing clothes for humans. The whole washing cycle is programmed in the washing machine making it easier to finish the washing without bothering humans. The advanced GE-Haier washing machine helps by telling the amount of detergent and the length of the washing cycle, all the while using optimal quantity of water. Earlier these were human based decision making processes, now replaced by the AI fuzzy logic capabilities of the washing machine.
Future applications of AI in our normal lives will find AI assisting in helping the workers in engineering construction site or in potential hazardous environment being warned by sensors of the inherent danger, democratising healthcare making it possible for patients in remote areas have access to high quality medical care year round, helping the aged age in their own homes safely and being reminded by alarms and sensors when to take medicines etc.
Humans while not allowing AI to have the upper hand, should incorporate AI into their daily lives that will make our daily living and business tasks more enjoyable, safe and interesting.
George (Image courtesy Forbes)
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