Annual Leadership Talk

Annual Leadership Talk 2023

“Humans alone can define value and values. Hence, it is important to keep the human in the loop.” said Dr. Lee Schlenker Professor of Business Analytics and Principal Consultant, Business Analytics Institute, France. He was speaking on the topic “Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Good” at the 14th Edition of the Annual Leadership Talk (ALT) organized by Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute for Management Development (SDMIMD) Mysore on its campus on February 8, 2023.

In his address to the students, Dr. Schlenker highlighted the use of AI for social good and ethical AI. He differentiated between Machine Learning and AI, spoke about what it means to be human and why it is important for humans to take the lead. While Machine Learning and AI have the end goal of improving decision making and proposing an optimal solution respectively, it is how we use it that matters. He said that in today’s world, the capacity for human agency is being challenged by machines. He urged the audience to not give in to conversational AI tools like ChatGPT and to use their ability to think and act independently.

Earlier, Dr. S.N. Prasad, Deputy Director, SDMIMD, welcomed the gathering. Dr. Neetu Ganapathy, Faculty of Business Communication and Information Systems moderated the Q&A session and presented a vote of thanks while Ms. Mahima compered the event. Dr. Sunil M.V., Head of Academic Administration, faculty members, students, staff and invited guests were present during the event.

ALT 2021 by Dr. Barry O'Mahony of Abu Dhabi University

SDMIMD organized the 12th edition of Annual Leadership Talk (ALT) 2021 on Thursday, February 11, 2021 on Virtual Mode. Prof. Barry O'Mahony, Dean, College of Business; and, Professor of Services Management, Abu Dhabi University, delivered the talk on the topic 'Future of Work-Creating Possibilities - Using Workplace Digitization'.

Dr. O’Mahony stressed that achieving customer satisfaction and to develop customer loyalty is the core in every service-oriented venture. Leadership styles and ability to manage things play vital role in this achievement. emphasis on customer loyalty within the service sector has led to the development of the relationship marketing paradigm. Whilst relationships between buyers and sellers are complex, there are multiple models proffered by academics that contribute to an understanding of the determinants of relationship development.

With anecdotes from his experience in hotel industry and from his research, the speaker Recounted specific real-life incidents demonstrating multiple sides of what constitutes good customer satisfaction practices.

Student event coordinator Ms. Sanjana Srinath welcomed the gathering and moderated the Question & Answer session. Mr. Hemanth Sharma gave a brief note on the significance & value addition created by the Annual Leadership Talks held year after year for both the academicians as well as the student community; and introduced the speaker of ALT 2021. Ms. Amrutha Anil rendered the invocation.

Invitees from corporate & academia, Director of SDMIMD Dr. N.R. Parasuraman, faculty members, staff, alumni, and students were present during the virtual event.