Created based on the class contents
1. Introduction:
First of all, I want to say many thanks to Olaf J Groth, PhD and TA Davide Garaffa for having a great class this summer. As a summer elective at Hult International Business School, I recently participated in Prof. Olaf Groth’s captivating “Big Think AI and Humanity” class (19th – 21th May, 2023). Over three intense days, Prof. Olaf skillfully explored the complex relationship between AI and humanity, delving into the cognitive economy, ethical considerations, responsible use cases, AI capabilities, and the future of work. In this post, I will provide a comprehensive review of the highlights from each day and share my key takeaways from this enlightening experience. I had proactively prepared for the class by reading one of Prof. Olaf and Mark Nitzberg‘s co-authored books, “SOLOMON’S CODE” and “AI Superpower Country (Japanese edition),” so it was a significant learning experience.
Created based on the cover of the book
2. DAY 1 Highlights
Day one of the course was packed with thought-provoking sessions that laid the foundation for our exploration of AI and humanity. We had an exceptional guest speaker, Sathish Jeyakumar, the Founder of Veehive in the US—my deep gratitude to him for sharing insightful and priceless knowledge and perspectives in class. For me, Sathish’s most impressive view was that AI would not replace us human beings but is a tool to enhance and heighten human productivity and creativity. This word encouraged us significantly.
A picture in the class
Session 1: The Cognitive economy surrounding AI and countries with AI initiatives.
Prof. Olaf began the day by unraveling the intricate web of the cognitive economy and its connection to AI. We examined different countries’ AI initiatives, gaining insights into the global landscape and understanding how these initiatives shape the future of AI-driven economies. The United States is leading the transformative AI era regarding preconditions, research, commercialization, and Cambrian AI INDEX. On the other hand, although Japan is going its route, there is plenty of room to improve its preconditions, research, and commercialization for further growth. Learning the essentials of AI in the United States means a lot to me.
Session 2: Ethical Issues and System Fragility
This session challenged us to grapple with the ethical implications of AI and the fragility of AI systems. Prof. Olaf guided us through a fascinating exploration of ethical frameworks such as consequentialism/utilitarianism versus deontology. Moreover, we had the opportunity to delve into Ubuntu, a philosophy emphasizing interconnectedness and its relevance to AI development.
Session 3: Responsible Human-Centric Use Cases of AI
In this session, we turned our attention to the practical applications of AI that prioritize human well-being. Prof. Olaf shared compelling examples of responsible AI use cases, from enhancing healthcare and addressing societal challenges to promoting sustainability. We discovered the immense potential of AI to impact various facets of human life positively.
3. DAY 2 Highlights
Building on the foundation laid on the first day, day two of the course delved deeper into the capabilities and implications of AI. Prof. Olaf created the opportunity to lecture and discuss with Mark Nitzberg as a special online guest speaker. He kindly shared his insightful knowledge and astonishing IT and AI achievements. That was great, and the class discussion and atmosphere were a mixture of excitement and curiosity. My deep appreciation to Mark Nitzbarg for sharing exceptional views and insights.
A picture in the class
Session 4: AI capabilities, Operations, Readiness
This session gave us a comprehensive understanding of AI’s capabilities, operational aspects, and readiness for successful implementation. Prof. Olaf expertly guided us through discussions on data quality, algorithmic bias, and the importance of continuous learning in AI.
Session 5: AI Driving Platforms, AI platform business model canvas
We explored the fascinating world of AI driving platforms and their profound impact on various industries. Prof. Olaf introduced us to the AI platform business model canvas, allowing us to analyze these platforms’ value propositions, revenue streams, and ecosystem dynamics. We gained insights into AI-driving platforms’ transformative potential and their strategic implications.
Session 6: Human-AI Symbiosis in the Future of Work
The future of work was a central focus of this session, as Prof. Olaf discussed the evolving relationship between humans and AI. We explored the concept of human-AI symbiosis and its opportunities for collaboration and productivity. This session sparked compelling conversations about the skills required in an AI-driven workplace and how individuals and organizations can navigate this evolving landscape. My most impressive learnings in session 6 were about Integrating skills (Human Veneer, Safe Zone, Slow Creep, and Danger zone) and the concept of “Where is human value creation power in 2030.” This is because my career has been primarily in Marketing and Distribution; however, that kind of job and operation may risk becoming less human value creation due to the significant development of AI marketing, such as Marketing Automation in Digital Marketing. Therefore, it is crucial for me to consider these facts and decide to change my ways and become a professional with more human value creation of application/socialization to thrive in the cognitive era.
4. DAY 3 Highlights:
On the final day of the course, we focused on practical application and collaboration. On the last day of the course, we focused on practical application and collaboration. Many thanks to five teammates Nithin Srinivas, Osaid Azeem, Ahmed Sabet, Mariamawit Tirfe, and Lanchuan Zhang for sharing priceless team collaboration for three days. This experience means a lot to me to learn from you buddies about team dynamics and how to coordinate the change in a short-deadline environment.
A picture after the final team presentation
Session 7: Team Project Coaching
During this session, Prof. Olaf provided valuable coaching and guidance as we prepared for our team assignment and presentation. He encouraged us to refine our ideas and ensured that our projects effectively communicated our understanding of the course material. Our team decided to solve the food loss by using AI as team assignments, and discussion and making the starategy was tough; however the assignment broaden our horizons regarding deep diving into the strategic thinking, AI algorithm analysis, and Human-AI Symbio issue.
Session 8: The Final Team Presentation
The final session culminated in the team presentations, where each group showcased their project findings and insights. Prof. Olaf fostered a supportive environment encouraging collaboration and exchanging ideas among classmates. It was a rewarding experience to see the culmination of our hard work and to witness the diverse perspectives and innovative solutions presented by each team.
Team assignments: a system diagnosis about identifying the interaction effects to solve the food loss using AI.
5. Three Key Takeaways from this Lecture:
Ethical Considerations: The course highlighted the importance of ethical considerations in developing and deploying AI. Understanding the ethical frameworks and system fragilities associated with AI systems is essential for responsible AI use. Prof. Olaf’s exploration of Ubuntu’s philosophy further emphasized the need to prioritize interconnectedness and consider the broader societal impact of AI.
Responsible AI Use Cases: Prof. Olaf’s focus on responsible and human-centric AI use cases left a lasting impression. The course demonstrated that AI has the potential to drive positive change across various sectors, from healthcare to sustainability. The responsible use of AI can empower us to tackle societal challenges and create a more inclusive and equitable future.
Human-AI Symbiosis: The future of work will undoubtedly involve closer integration of humans and AI. Prof. Olaf’s insights into human-AI symbiosis shed light on the collaborative opportunities and productivity enhancements that can arise from this partnership. Understanding how to embrace this symbiotic relationship and leverage the strengths of both humans and AI will be crucial for success in the evolving workplace.
6. Conclusion:
Prof. Olaf Groth’s “Big Think AI and Humanity” class at Hult IBS was an immersive and intellectually stimulating experience. The course structure and Prof. Olaf’s expertise and guidance provided a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between AI and humanity. The sessions on the cognitive economy, ethics, responsible use cases, AI capabilities, and the future of work offered valuable insights and sparked meaningful discussions.
As an MBA student of Prof. Olaf, I highly recommend engaging in this course to gain a deeper understanding of AI’s impact on society and the ethical considerations associated with its development. The practical application and collaborative nature of the team project coaching and final presentation sessions further enhance the learning experience.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of Prof. Olaf J Groth, PhD‘s “Big Think AI and Humanity” class with TA Davide Garaffa. Many thanks to my SF MBA buddies who worked and enjoyed this AI journey, Tadashi Mizukami, Pamela Ayala, Isabel Bañuelos, Godwin Akhamere, Shih-Hao Tsai (Joe), and to our outstanding alums who are sharing great insight in class, Matt Hurley, Xianfei Li, and Amber Wang. I look forward to applying the knowledge and insights gained from this course in my future endeavors. My gratitude for reading at the end of this article.
A full classmates picture after the final lecture
A picture with Prof. Olaf
A picture of enjoying the pub office hour
Original: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unveiling-nexus-prof-olaf-groths-big-think-ai-class-review-shimamura/
