Navigating the Future: AI's Rapid Evolution and Its Implications
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Chapter 1: The AI Landscape
Artificial intelligence is advancing at an unprecedented rate, prompting questions about its implications. Western Michigan University (WMU) is taking a proactive step by introducing a new course that explores the convergence of AI and writing. As AI becomes increasingly significant, it is expected that both corporations and educational institutions may create high-level positions like Vice President of AI to manage AI-related strategies.
In the context of this course, Gogan explains, "A fundamental component of AI involves the collaboration between human intellect and technology; individuals delegate writing tasks to AI systems, which then produce text. This course offers a fresh perspective on a time-honored interaction between communicators and their audiences."
How will the rise of AI shape your career prospects?
For more insights, check out:
AI @ WMU: A Comprehensive Overview of Resources:
If you're eager to understand how writing can clarify the distinctions between human creativity and AI capabilities, and how to harness these evolving technologies for your advantage, this course is tailored for you.
Will AI Truly Render Tools Like Excel Obsolete?
As we navigate this AI-driven landscape, a pertinent question arises: Should we place our trust in developers who utilize third-party code generation tools? While the consensus leans towards the continued teaching of Excel in sophisticated manners, our supply chain majors are mandated to complete CIS 2640, which focuses on Predictive Data Analytics (an advanced version of Excel). Feedback on this course has been overwhelmingly positive.
Our analytics faculty are actively engaging with the AI trend. They have developed an AI course within our business college (CIS 5550), catering to non-technical students—a perfect match for those in Supply Chain Management. Following this, AI-integrated modules will be incorporated into existing coursework.
In summary, Excel combined with AI equates to success in Supply Chain Management (SCM).
Based on discussions with our CIS faculty, we collectively agree that utilizing code generators is acceptable, provided users understand the generated code and can modify it as necessary. It's rare for automatically generated code to meet all needs. A more practical approach involves using these tools to create foundational code, which can then be customized for specific applications.
Many organizations, particularly within the SCM sector, may prefer that their employees refrain from relying on AI for critical calculations. Therefore, the competencies learned in our Advanced Excel course and throughout our Business Data Analytics curriculum remain crucial.
Key Skills Include:
- Advanced Excel (power query & pivot) and macros
- Data visualization (Tableau, Power BI, and Python with Seaborn & Matplotlib)
- Data mining/RapidMiner, machine learning, and data science
- Python & Jupyter Notebook (data analytics and statistical libraries like Pandas and NumPy)
- Relational data models (Excel data model)
- Graphic & statistical libraries (Seaborn, Matplotlib, Pandas, & Plotly)
For many of our SCM majors, pursuing a minor in Business Analytics is common. The CIS courses included in our BA minor can be found here:
Chapter 2: The AI Revolution in Business Education
As we delve deeper into the implications of AI, two noteworthy videos provide valuable insights:
The first video, AI Is Evolving FASTER Than Ever: The SINGULARITY Is Close! discusses the rapid advancements in AI technology and their potential implications.
The second video, A.I. Revolution Happening at "Warp Speed" explores the ongoing revolution in AI and its transformative effects on various sectors.