Embracing the role of artificial intelligence in accounting and finance: contemplating the changing skillset expectations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhumika Gambhir ◽  
Anindita Bhattacharjee
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Face ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight how Artificial intelligence (AI) and its subsets are changing the face of the accounting and finance (A&F) profession. Expectations from A&F professionals are changing due to the expeditious changes in technology. This paper proposes new skill set expectations from these professionals. Design/methodology/approach This is a viewpoint paper based on the opinions/views of the employees working in medium and large organizations in A&F in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The employee viewpoints were gathered through an emailed questionnaire. Findings This paper illustrates the need to embrace technology and acquire the necessary skills to work in conjunction with machines. This will help A&F professionals to meet the changing expectations of employers. Practical implications This paper emphasizes the usefulness of training, learning, and development of the skills necessary for A&F professionals to work with AI and its subsets. Originality/value This paper discusses how AI will bring in challenges and opportunities in the future. It suggests how A&F professionals can embrace technology (driven by AI) and understand to work with it.

Ninety days convert recruits into hosts at Edwardian Group London

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-18
Keyword(s):  
Crucial Role ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
First 90 Days ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Describes the various approaches taken to training and development at Edwardian Group London, a group of hotels. Design/methodology/approach – Examines the reasons for the training, the form it takes and the results it has achieved. Findings – Emphasizes the importance the company attaches to training in the first 90 days of an employee's tenure, when recruits receive general induction training plus training specific to their area of operation. Practical implications – Outlines how the company spots and develops its managers of the future. Social implications – Highlights the crucial role of training in ensuring that hotel guests have the best possible stay. Originality/value – Provides a thorough examination of the various forms of training at Edwardian Group London.

scholarly journals Operating without operations: how is technology changing the role of the firm?

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 809-833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Breidbach ◽  
Sunmee Choi ◽  
Benjamin Ellway ◽  
Byron W. Keating ◽  
Katerina Kormusheva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Operations Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Service Operations ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
The Future ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the history and future of service operations, with the goal to identify key theoretical and technological advances, as well as fundamental themes that can help to imagine the future of service operations in 2050. Design/methodology/approach A review of the service operations literature was undertaken to inform a discussion regarding the role that technology will play in the future of service operations. Findings The future of service operations is framed in terms of three key themes – complexity, orchestration, and elasticity. The paper makes three contributions to the service science literature by: reviewing key themes underpinning extant service operations research to frame future trajectories of service operations research; elaborating a vision of service operations in 2050 based on history and technology; and outlining a research agenda for future service operations. Practical implications The case of service automation is used to provide an illustration of how the three themes converge to define future service operations, and in particular, to show how technology is recasting the role of the firm. Originality/value Service operations in the next 30 years will be very different from what it was in the past 30 years. This paper differs from other review papers by identifying three key themes that will characterize and instill new insights into the future of service operations research.

Assessing the objectives of dry ports: main issues, challenges and opportunities in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago de Almeida Rodrigues ◽  
Caroline Maria de Miranda Mota ◽  
Udechukwu Ojiako ◽  
Fikri Dweiri
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Second Step ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Dry Ports ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose is to identify the main characteristics of dry ports (DPs) in Brazil, discussing the role of this logistic player, challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, this study provides a structured framework to drive DP decision-makers, identifying and assessing a network of means–end objectives, which could be replicable to other contexts.Design/methodology/approachThis article approached initially a literature review and exploratory research to discuss the main characteristics of DPs in Brazil. The second step was to conduct a qualitative analysis following the value-focused thinking (VFT) approach in two case studies in Pernambuco state to assess the achievement of the main objectives.FindingsThis article identified that the main characteristics of DPs in Brazil are offering additional services with a cheaper storage cost, handling mainly import cargo and being connected to seaports through highways. Moreover, this study resulted in a framework to assess the objectives of DPs, which could be replicable in other contexts, improving the current operations of DPs.Practical implicationsThe framework to assess DPs' objectives bridged the gap between the literature and the practice working as a tool to drive decision-makers to improve the current performance of DPs in Brazil. Additionally, the main issues, challenges and opportunities discussed provide managers, policymakers and DPs operators with valuable insights into this theme.Originality/valueThis paper is the first study to present a framework to assess the objectives of DPs as a valuable tool to drive decision-makers to improve DPs operations. From this study, lessons could be learned and the process described could be replicable in other countries.

Services in the forest-based sector – unexplored futures

foresight ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annukka Näyhä ◽  
Päivi Pelli ◽  
Lauri Hetemäki
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Services Research ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
The Future ◽  
Future Potential ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze and provide a synthesis of how services are understood, how they are likely to develop and how future development can be studied more closely in the forest-based sector (FBS). Services are likely to have an increasing role in the FBS in the future. Design/methodology/approach – The findings are based on a literature review of FBS outlook studies, strategies and programs and services-related studies in FBS and general services literature. Three case examples of services businesses in FBS companies are presented, and possible foresight approaches related to them are discussed. Foresight methods used in parallel sectors are also discussed. Findings – The study provides the first systematic introduction, classification and review of FBS services to include both industry- and non-industry-related services. The paper also points out the need for foresight studies and suggests various approaches for an analysis of the potential of FBS services in the future bioeconomy. Practical implications – The study shows that the role of services in FBS research has been understood too narrowly. As a result, services research has been rather lacking and the future potential of services in the FBS has not been fully acknowledged. The study argues for and points toward the need to use foresight approaches to update FBS strategies, business models and policies to fully benefit from the future potential of services. Originality/value – The study is a novel introduction, review and discussion of the role of services in the FBS and their future outlook.

scholarly journals Robotopias: mapping utopian perspectives on new industrial technology

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhiannon Firth ◽  
Andrew Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Essence ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Labour Power ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper maps utopian theories of technological change. The focus is on debates surrounding emerging industrial technologies which contribute to making the relationship between humans and machines more symbiotic and entangled, such as robotics, automation and artificial intelligence. The aim is to provide a map to navigate complex debates on the potential for technology to be used for emancipatory purposes and to plot the grounds for tactical engagements.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes a two-way axis to map theories into to a six-category typology. Axis one contains the parameters humanist–assemblage. Humanists draw on the idea of a human essence of creative labour-power, and treat machines as alienated and exploitative form of this essence. Assemblage theorists draw on posthumanism and poststructuralism, maintaining that humans always exist within assemblages which also contain non-human forces. Axis two contains the parameters utopian/optimist; tactical/processual; and dystopian/pessimist, depending on the construed potential for using new technologies for empowering ends.FindingsThe growing social role of robots portends unknown, and maybe radical, changes, but there is no single human perspective from which this shift is conceived. Approaches cluster in six distinct sets, each with different paradigmatic assumptions.Practical implicationsMapping the categories is useful pedagogically, and makes other political interventions possible, for example interventions between groups and social movements whose practice-based ontologies differ vastly.Originality/valueBringing different approaches into contact and mapping differences in ways which make them more comparable, can help to identify the points of disagreement and the empirical or axiomatic grounds for these. It might facilitate the future identification of criteria to choose among the approaches.

Birla milks its employees for the creamiest leaders of the future

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-11
Author(s):  
Geeta Rana ◽  
Alok Kumar Goel
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Independent Unit ◽  
The Future ◽  
World Class ◽  
Art Research ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to describe how Birla creates a strong pipeline of people who are ready to lead the organization in the future. Design/methodology/approach – It explains the origins of the group’s global-manufacturing leadership program (GMLP), the form it takes and the results it has achieved. Findings – It reveals that the program aims to shape the manufacturing leaders of tomorrow through exposing them to world-class technologies and processes, state-of-the-art research and continuous learning and development opportunities. Practical implications – It reveals that of the five GMLP candidates recruited in 2011, three have become independent unit heads, one in China and two in India. Social implications – It outlines the company belief that retaining and developing the skills of its existing workforce is at least as important as importing new talent when faced with increasing competition and growing pressure to cut costs in its main markets. Originality/value – It demonstrates that the program is designed to ensure that each participant is able to understand and anticipate customer needs, influence colleagues without too openly expressing authority and develop and communicate the company’s long-term vision.

scholarly journals Artificial intelligence and the future of work – lessons from the sociology of expectations

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilla Vicsek
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Role Expectations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Alternative Pathways ◽  
Future Of Work ◽  
Sociology Of Expectations ◽  
The Future ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeWhat is the future of work going to look like? The aim of this paper is to show how the sociology of expectations (SE) – which deals with the power of visions – can make important contributions in terms of thinking about this issue by critically evaluating the dominant expert positions related to the future-of-employment- and artificial intelligence (AI) debate.Design/methodology/approachAfter providing a literature review regarding SE, an approach based on the latter is applied to interpret the dominant ideal-type expert positions in the future of work debate to illustrate the value of this perspective.FindingsDominant future scripts can be characterized by a focus on the effects of AI technology that give agency to technology and to the future, involve the hype of expectations with polarized frames, and obscure uncertainty. It is argued that these expectations can have significant consequences. They contribute to the closing off of alternative pathways to the future by making some conversations possible, while hindering others. In order to advance understanding, more sophisticated theorizing is needed which goes beyond these positions and which takes uncertainty and the mutual shaping of technology and society into account – including the role expectations play.Research limitations/implicationsThe study asserts that the dominant positions contain problematic assumptions. It makes suggestions for helping move beyond these current framings of the debate theoretically. It also argues that scenario building and backcasting are two tools that could help move forward thinking about the future of work – especially if this is done in a way so as to build strongly on SE.Practical implicationsThe arguments presented herein enhance sense-making in relation to the future-of-work debate, and can contribute to policy development.Originality/valueThere is a lack of adequate exploration of the role of visions related to AI and their consequences. This paper attempts to address this gap by applying an SE approach and emphasizing the performative force of visions.

scholarly journals Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the health protection scheme in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-281
Author(s):  
Raul V. Rodriguez ◽  
Sanjivni Sinha ◽  
Sakshi Tripathi
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Protection ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Protection Scheme ◽  
The Future

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to highlight the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the healthcare industry through the Ayushman Bharat health protection scheme by analyzing various technologies being integrated to improve the customer service and experiences in India. The key focus lies on the understanding of the influence of AI in the healthcare system services, the clinical treatment, and the facilities to progress with accurate and precise health screening in India.Design/methodology/approachA systematic study on the emerging technologies of AI and the applications in the healthcare sector is presented in the form of a viewpoint.FindingsAI certainly enhances experiential services; however, it cannot surpass the human touch which is an essential determinant of experiential healthcare services. AI acts as an effective complementary dimension to the future of healthcare.Originality/valueThis viewpoint discusses the applications and role of AI with the help of relevant examples. It highlights the different technologies being applied and how they will be used in the future focusing upon the Ayushman Bharat health protection scheme in India.

Stars of the future give Bhushan Power and Steel the edge

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-17
Author(s):  
Geeta Rana ◽  
Alok Kumar Goel
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Employee Development ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
Development Initiatives ◽  
Employee Competencies ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Consider the various employee-development initiatives at Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd (BPSL), India. Design/methodology/approach – Underlines the key role of employee development at the firm, and explains in particular how it develops its future managers. Findings – Reveals how employee competencies are mapped and how training is designed around these and the skill needs of the company. Practical implications – Details the benefits of this approach for both individual employees and the company. Social implications – Advances the view that BPSL’s managers are more rounded and knowledgeable than those in comparable Indian companies. Originality/value – Highlights the importance of taking into account the skill needs of the individual as well as the organization as a whole.

The travel industry in 2018 – setting the scene for the future

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 712-716
Author(s):  
Javier González-Soria Moreno de la Santa
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Travel And Tourism ◽  
Tourist Destinations ◽  
The Future ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Travel Industry ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to identify key challenges and opportunities for tourist destinations. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides an analysis and discussion of travel and hospitality trends. Findings The major travel and tourism trends are: the unstoppable digital transformation of the travel industry; the dominance of travel online for information and bookings; advancing complexity in traveller acquisition; and new tourism power is in the East. Practical implications The paper clarifies a number of potential issues and problems and offers possible mitigating measures. Originality/value Offers insights based on an expert reading of the present.

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