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Time of India
21-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Master data-backed decision-making with IIM Kozhikode's Certificate Programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for Managers
A decade ago, decisions in the boardroom were driven by intuition and experience. Pritha, a seasoned manager, built her career navigating business challenges with sharp instincts and years of industry know-how. But as the digital revolution surged, she found herself in meetings where data scientists presented complex models, AI-generated insights, and predictive analytics. Her tried-and-tested methods now seemed outdated, and she realised that gut feeling alone wouldn't cut it in a world increasingly shaped by machine learning and AI. Pritha is not alone. Thousands of professionals find themselves at the crossroads of technological disruption, wondering how to stay relevant. Enter IIM Kozhikode's Professional Certificate Programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for Managers —a transformative learning journey designed to help managers like Pritha turn data into strategic decision-making power. Why choose the IIM Kozhikode 's Professional Certificate Programme in Data Science and AI for Managers? AI is a driving force behind business transformation today. According to a PwC report 1 , AI has the potential to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, fundamentally reshaping industries. A 2024 McKinsey Global Survey 2 highlights this rapid adoption, revealing that 72% of organisations now integrate AI into at least one business function, up from 55% in 2023. From automating customer support through AI chatbots to using predictive analytics for demand forecasting, businesses across industries are leveraging AI to drive efficiency and innovation. Companies have used machine learning models to reduce supply chain disruptions, optimise pricing strategies, and enhance fraud detection in financial services. AI-driven recommendation systems have boosted customer engagement and revenue, while healthcare providers have improved diagnosis accuracy through AI-powered imaging tools. IIM Kozhikode's programme equips leaders with the expertise to leverage AI-driven insights, optimise decision-making, and drive innovation in an increasingly data-centric world. The programme empowers professionals with practical AI, machine learning, and data science skills to make smarter, data-driven decisions, giving them a strategic advantage in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Programme highlights: Comprehensive curriculum with real-world applications: Develop expertise in Generative AI for digital marketing, product management, finance, and supply chain while mastering AI strategy, governance, and ethics for responsible implementation. World-class faculty & industry practitioners: Learn from renowned IIM Kozhikode professors and industry experts, gaining academic excellence and insights into AI-driven business transformation. Flexible learning with pre-recorded sessions, quizzes & assignments: Access pre-recorded lectures, 15 assignments, and 5 quizzes, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Hands-on experience with industry tools: Gain practical expertise with Python, sciPy, Tableau, Seaborn, numPy, Pandas, and Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Finchat, Midjourney, Gemini, GitHub Copilot , and DALL·E 2. 10 hours of Generative AI content & doubt-clearing sessions: Deep dive into Generative AI applications with focused content and live expert-led sessions to enhance practical understanding. 4 industry-backed capstone projects: Solve real-world business challenges across various domains, strengthening problem-solving and AI application skills. Programme certificate from IIM Kozhikode: Earn a prestigious certificate upon successful completion with a minimum 70% score, validating your expertise in AI and data science. With participants bringing 5 to 20+ years of experience from industries like IT, banking, healthcare, and retail, the programme fosters rich peer learning and real-world insights. Alumni have successfully applied AI-driven solutions to business-critical challenges, from improving operational efficiency to transforming customer experience. As AI and data science continue to reshape industries, managers must leverage these advancements to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge. Who is this programme for? This programme is designed for mid to senior-level managers who want to lead AI and data science initiatives, solve complex business challenges, and drive digital transformation. It is also ideal for consultants looking to enhance expertise for better client management and entrepreneurs aiming to integrate AI into business strategy. A basic understanding of mathematics and statistics will aid in grasping key concepts effectively. Leveraging AI & Data Science for strategic leadership This programme equips professionals to seamlessly integrate AI into business strategy, empowering them to drive innovation and solve complex challenges. With hands-on experience in AI and ML, participants can develop data-driven strategies and implement AI solutions tailored to their organisation's needs. Through a structured curriculum, participants gain a deep understanding of AI models and learn to apply effective approaches across business functions. The programme encourages collaboration with industry experts, providing insights into both technical applications and strategic business impact. By working on real-world projects, professionals develop the ability to identify, design, implement, and monitor AI-driven initiatives—enabling them to lead confidently in an AI-powered world. Key details Eligibility: Bachelor's degree or diploma (10+2+3) in any discipline. While work experience is not mandatory, a background in data science or AI can be beneficial. Starts on: September 30, 2025 Duration: 32 weeks Format: Online Fee: INR 1,79,900 + GST Accelerate your career growth with AI-Driven Leadership The digital revolution waits for no one. In a world where data is the new currency, mastering AI and data science is essential for career progression. The Professional Certificate Programme in Data Science and AI for Managers by IIM Kozhikode equips professionals with the skills to lead confidently in an AI-powered business landscape. Ready to take the next step in your career? Gain the AI and data science expertise needed to lead with confidence and drive real business impact. Visit the website to explore more and enrol for the programme today. References - trillion game changer&text=AI could contribute up to,come from consumption-side effects.
Khaleej Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
‘Embrace Everything AI' is the blueprint for enterprises in 2025
Generative AI shifts from experimentation to implementation Adoption rates of different models among individuals and enterprises will continue to skyrocket, with more applications to be realised in 2025. According to a recent McKinsey Global Survey, 71% of respondents reported that their organisations were regularly using generative AI, up from 65% reported a year prior. That's no surprise given the promise of improved efficiencies, reduced operational costs, and significant gains in productivity that AI offers enterprises. In the year ahead, we anticipate that number will increase even faster, as enterprises look to integrate AI into their core operations, enabling them to automate resource-heavy, time-consuming tasks such as data analysis, customer service, and content creation. However, organisations will need to navigate the many challenges associated with the adoption of large-scale AI models, including cybersecurity, compliance, and increased, energy-intensive computational demand. The AI reality is hybrid This shift towards AI integration at scale will bring to the forefront the urgent need for AI-optimised IT infrastructure and data management. To make the most out their AI, which is an inherently data intensive and hybrid workload, more organisations will need to invest in native AI systems that optimise everything across the AI lifecycle, regardless of whether the workload is on-premises, in a colocation facility, the public cloud, or at the edge. A hybrid cloud strategy will no longer be just an option, but a prevailing operating model of choice because it's ideal for unlocking the value of organisational data and accelerating AI deployment. A hybrid-by-design operation model, rather than a hybrid by accident model where hybrid model planning is an afterthought, will be key to success. Furthermore, robust and efficient hybrid cloud infrastructure that has been designed for AI will enable organisations to have better data visibility, enhanced control and protection, and streamlined data management across environments. This also helps them mitigate unplanned costs caused by unexpected challenges around operational complexities, security risks and inefficient use of resources. Increasing investment into dedicated AI infrastructure Throughout the past few months we've seen various countries, including the UAE, announcing substantial first investments into IT infrastructure geared towards AI, and specifically its compute needs. This trend will only grow as more use cases and applications are developed. According to research, global power demand from data centres will increase 50% by 2027 and by as much as 165% by 2030. Traditional infrastructure will struggle to keep pace, thus forcing a shift towards high-density compute solutions. As companies navigate the future of data-driven innovation, they will require reliable and robust data centres to handle the intense compute demands of AI. However, these organisations will learn very quickly that, they will have to look beyond data centres and invest in a robust IT infrastructure across their business, to be able to fully leverage AI. As the adoption of AI will shape how organisations manage and access data, many will have to reassess their existing infrastructure to ensure their IT environment is capable of handling AI workloads seamlessly. This might entail the unification of multi-gen IT environments and may necessitate a move to a hybrid-by-design approach, including AI-specific hardware, software, and data management solutions. AI projects won't deliver value if an organisation isn't able to access relevant data to train and run their models. However, the enormous volumes of data required to operate AI models must be stored and transmitted quickly and efficiently, pushing organisations to modernise their networking and storage infrastructure. As a result, we will see greater investments into AI infrastructure, particularly across the Middle East region, as the region continues to embrace digital transformation. AI sustainability that goes beyond equipment efficiency Improving AI sustainability is a practical imperative that is increasingly motivating industry, policymakers, and end users to act swiftly. This has more practical than sentimental reasons: improving AI efficiency is in everyone's interest, as consuming less energy and water reduces operating costs and the impact on the environment. In line with this we will see more organisations opting for sustainable and efficient IT solutions, especially as they are looking to scale AI. This includes advancements in chip performance and cooling architectures, such as 100% direct liquid cooling which can reduce power consumption by 90%. However, we see more and more organisations that understand that this is not a one-and-done step in an IT sustainability exercise. It must occur at every stage in the AI lifecycle, from data selection to model design, training, tuning and inferencing – through to the equipment's end of life. Although much attention has understandably been given to advancements in AI infrastructure and equipment efficiency, they look at the whole AI lifecycle to improve software, data, energy, and resource efficiency. These organisations are implementing the measurement and monitoring tools necessary to track detailed performance metrics. Surveys reveal that only 44% of enterprises actually monitor AI-related energy use – leaving environmental savings on the table. For example, by coupling granular monitoring with holistic thinking researchers were able to identify opportunities to reduce emissions by up to 80% simply by adjusting the time that models are trained to align with windows where renewable energy is more plentiful. What does this mean for enterprises? Going forward, embrace everything AI isn't just an option; it's essential. From rapid integration of advanced technologies into core operations to the surge in dedicated data centers, the landscape is transforming. Meeting the escalating compute power demands requires a shift towards high-density, efficient solutions and intelligent management. Standardized operational practices will be crucial, streamlining technology lifecycles and maximizing investments. As AI is increasingly integrated into various facet of enterprise, robust, adaptable infrastructure will become the cornerstone of innovation and success.
New Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Satya hai: Darwinian wisdom that Microsoft learnt and startups must adopt
We're seeing more builders than ever before in this day and age of Startup India. But we're also seeing more burnout, more course correction, and more quiet exits. The biggest culprit: the illusion that business success stems from a clear, linear plan. This is a hangover from the industrial age, when markets were predictable, consumers stable, and disruption slow. That world no longer exists. These are the days of founders who know when to abandon their plans—and pivot with purpose. Take Satya Nadella's transformation of Microsoft. When he took over as CEO of Microsoft in 2014, the company had all the attributes of success: market share, capital, brand recognition. Yet, it was stagnating, distracted by its Windows legacy, disconnected from the mobile revolution, and defensive about innovation. Nadella didn't just tweak the plan; he discarded its central dogma. He shifted Microsoft's focus from 'know-it-all' to 'learn-it-all', famously bringing empathy and adaptability to a technocratic fortress. The results? A stock price that soared over 900% in under a decade and a cultural shift that made Microsoft relevant in AI, cloud, and enterprise. The lesson is not merely managerial, it's philosophical: "The business plan is a fiction you write to begin, not a scripture you follow to the end." Closer home, Ashish Hemrajani's BookMyShow is another case in point. It started in the late '90s, pre-digital India. The dot-com bust nearly buried it. It took years of grinding reinvention before the business model finally fit the Indian reality. Most would've shut shop. Hemrajani didn't. He adapted. He waited. He learned. In these cases, what worked was not the original plan, it was the ability to abandon it at the right time. When the pivot becomes the core In today's entrepreneurial ecosystem, especially after the pandemic, the pivot is no longer a reaction, it is strategy. A 2023 McKinsey Global Survey found that over 70% of startups had significantly altered their business model within the first 24 months. This isn't a sign of chaos; it's a sign of cognitive flexibility. What separates a unicorn from a flameout is often how fast the founder can unlearn. India's regulatory and economic volatility further compounds this need for agility. One day you're riding a policy wave (think: UPI, GST simplification); the next, you're blindsided by a tax ruling or data protection clause. Founders who insist on rigidity are simply not building for India. The Ratan Tata lesson What's often missing from the glossy entrepreneurship narrative is the emotional toll of starting over. Every time you pivot, you risk losing investor trust, dampening employee morale, and bringing down your own self-belief. There's no pride in telling your team that the last 18 months of work must be left behind. That's why entrepreneurship isn't for the blindly optimistic, it's for those who are strategically humble. The ability to let go of your prized ideas, walk away from sunk costs, and treat failure as useful feedback is the mindset the new economy demands. As Ratan Tata once said in a rare candid moment: "Many of our successes were not based on perfect planning. We learned as we went along." The Tata Group's global ventures, some of which failed before becoming case studies, reflect this kind of resilience.
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Everyone Wants AI, Except Your Customers
Marketing products as "AI-powered" can hurt, not boost, sales. Business leaders are crazy for AI. Many firms are claiming to be 'AI-first' enterprises. In the latest McKinsey Global Survey on AI, 78% of organizations now use AI in at least one business function, up from 72% in early 2024 and 55% a year earlier. The AI bug has infected marketers, too. Every product launch seems to feature "AI-powered" this and "artificial intelligence" that. But here's the problem: many of your customers hate it. New research reveals a surprising truth. When Washington State University and Temple University researchers split test participants into two groups, one seeing "AI-powered" products and the other seeing "new technology" products. There was no halo effect for AI. The AI group was consistently less likely to buy. In that study, published in the Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, researchers presented 1,000 respondents with product descriptions. They found that products described as using AI were consistently less popular. The Psychology Behind the AI Backlash The reason isn't rational. It's emotional. "The main findings of this study is the use of AI decreases emotional trust," says Mesut Cicek, assistant professor at Washington State University, according to CX Dive. "The consumers have trust issues with AI, and then also it decreases the purchase intention." Think about what happens in your customer's brain when they see "AI-powered." You hope they're thinking about efficiency or innovation. More likely, they're thinking about job losses, hallucinations, pizza glue, privacy breaches, and machines making decisions they don't understand. Maybe even the terminator robots of a dystopian future. "When we were thinking about this project, we thought that AI will improve [consumers' willingness to buy] because everyone is promoting AI in their products," says Dogan Gursoy, a regents professor at Washington State and study co-author, according to the Wall Street Journal. "But apparently it has a negative effect, not a positive one." The effect gets worse with risk. The difference was smaller for items researchers called low risk, like a television, but more pronounced for offerings perceived to be riskier buys, such as a car or a medical-diagnostic service. Older Customers Are More AI-Averse A separate study described in the WSJ article, conducted by Parks Associates, confirms this trend. Of roughly 4,000 Americans surveyed, 18% said AI would make them more likely to buy, 24% said less likely, and 58% said it made no difference. Among younger respondents (age 18 to 44), 24% to 27% said they would likely buy a product advertised as including AI. But among respondents age 65 and older, 32% said they would be less likely to buy a product advertised with AI. The most affluent customer segment, older adults with disposable income, is the group most often rejecting AI marketing. What Marketers Should Do About AI Claims Famed Harvard Business School professor Theodore Levitt offered this insightful quote: 'People don't want to buy a quarter-inch drill. They want a quarter-inch hole!' In other words, don't boast about your tungsten carbide, diamond-enhanced, ultra-durable drill bits. Your customers just want faster holes, cleaner holes, and more holes. So, don't abandon AI enhancements to your products. Just stop bragging about it, at least until consumer attitudes change. Focus on benefits, not buzzwords. Ask people if they want to talk to an AI chatbot, and they'll say no. (To be fair, until recently most chatbots have been useless friction to keep customers from bothering actual humans.) But, ask if they want instant, reliable problem resolution and they'll be all-in. I expect attitudes to change over time, probably sooner rather than later. Some markets are already eager to embrace AI. With business leaders clamoring for more rapid AI adoption, B2B sales pitches will usually benefit from AI messaging. Marketers always do better when they focus on customer needs than product details. Until your customers feel they really must have AI in their products, don't go out of your way to talk about it—even if AI is making the product better.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
The shifts transforming HR leadership in 2025 and how you can adapt
As technology continues to transform every facet of the business landscape, the HR function is no longer simply about hiring, compliance, or employee relations. It is now a strategic pillar that determines whether organisations can keep up with disruption or risk falling behind. HR professionals need to develop new skills that go beyond traditional people management to stay ahead of these changes. By 2025, five trending key skills are likely to shape strong HR leadership: AI literacy, data fluency, skills-first talent management, digital tool adoption, and ethical leadership. These are not passing trends; they are enduring shifts driven by systemic change in how organisations function, make decisions, and engage their workforce. The AI revolution in HR The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (GenAI) into core HR processes is one of the most profound developments in recent years. From automating repetitive tasks like resume screening to generating personalised learning pathways or using AI-powered chatbots to support employee queries, the scope of AI in HR is vast. More importantly, AI is now being used to forecast talent needs, identify attrition risks, and even nudge managers towards more equitable decision-making. Yet, the real value lies not in the technology itself, but in how HR professionals learn to apply it. According to a 2023 McKinsey Global Survey, only 21% of organisations report 1 having the necessary capabilities to fully implement AI in HR functions, highlighting a critical gap between ambition and execution. How data-driven decision-making became the new normal Gone are the days when HR decisions were based on gut instinct or static yearly reviews. In the digital era, data-backed insights drive every people strategy, from workforce planning to performance management. The World Economic Forum predicts 2 that by 2025, analytical thinking will be among the top five skills in demand across all industries. For HR, this means mastering platforms that turn raw data into actionable insights. Tools like Power BI and Tableau are now essential to build HR dashboards that not only track metrics but also provide predictive insights. Whether it's calculating cost-to-hire or mapping talent availability against business goals, the ability to interpret data at speed and scale is becoming a non-negotiable skill. Evolving from roles to skills in the new talent economy One of the most transformative trends in workforce planning is the move from role-based hiring to skills-based workforce design. Organisations are increasingly rethinking job descriptions, breaking them down into component skills, and using this intelligence to reskill existing employees rather than looking externally. According to McKinsey Global Survey 3 , 87% of companies are either already experiencing or expecting skill gaps in the near future. This shift places HR leaders in a key role, where they must assess current skills, spot gaps, and help employees move into new roles. Building a future-ready workforce now means not only knowing which skills are in demand but also encouraging a culture of ongoing learning. Digital fluency in HR tech ecosystems HR technology has rapidly evolved into a complex, integrated ecosystem. HR management software that employees use on a daily basis at work is not just an administrative tool; it serves as the digital backbone for everything from performance evaluations to engagement surveys and onboarding experiences. For HR professionals, digital fluency now means understanding how to evaluate, adopt, and optimise these platforms for enhanced efficiency and impact. Learning to navigate these tools effectively and align them with business goals requires a blend of technical knowledge and strategic thinking. The future HR leader must be both a tech-savvy operator and a human-centred innovator. Integrating ethics and inclusion into tech-enabled HR As technology takes on a greater role in people's processes, there is a parallel and growing responsibility to ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusion. Ethical leadership is not just about policy; it's about building systems that minimise bias, support psychological safety, and foster belonging at every touchpoint. AI and analytics can easily replicate and amplify human biases if left unchecked. That's why future-ready HR leaders need to actively engage with concepts like algorithmic bias, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), and responsible AI deployment. Creating inclusive experiences, especially in hybrid or remote settings, will remain a core mandate. For HR professionals aiming to lead in this new era, investing in continuous learning is not just advisable, it's essential. The Transforming HR with Analytics and AI programme by ISB Online is designed to equip future-ready HR leaders with practical tools and strategic insight. Backed by the academic excellence of ISB, India's #1 business school (FT Global MBA Ranking 2025), ranked among Asia's top five and globally among the top 30 with triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA & EQUIS), the programme blends live faculty sessions, real-world case studies, and hands-on experience with tools like Power BI and AI-based workforce modelling. To navigate what lies ahead, HR professionals need more than just awareness; they need the right capabilities, mindset, and tools, which this programme effectively delivers. What sets this programme apart is its immersive learning design offering self-paced video lectures by ISB faculty, live fireside chats with globally renowned ISB faculty and industry experts, interactive product showcases with platforms like Darwinbox, Deloitte, and StaffGenie, real-world case studies, analytics tools and a capstone project to tie theory to action. With modules on AI, Generative AI, and HR analytics, it delivers practical, industry-aligned knowledge tailored for HR professionals looking to lead with confidence. In a nutshell As we look toward 2025 and beyond, the HR role is changing faster than ever, driven by advances in AI, data analytics, and a dynamic workforce. To stay relevant and lead this transformation, HR professionals need to develop new skills that go beyond traditional people management, focusing on data-driven decisions, AI understanding, and a future-focused mindset. For those looking to be at the forefront of this change, ISB Online's Transforming HR with Analytics and AI Programme offers a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience that prepares HR professionals to tackle the challenges of the future and transform HR into a business-critical driver. Reference/s:
