MET Institute of Management in collaboration with Zimbabwe Open University and NSE Cogencis organised the ‘Two Days International Research Conference on ‘Role of Artificial Intelligence in Management Research’ on 1st - 2nd December 2023.

The Research Conference was inaugurated in the presence of Mrs. Vishakha Bhujbal, Senior Management Representative, Mumbai Educational Trust, Mr. Mukesh Jain, CTO, VP and Global Head of People Analytics, Capgemini, Mr. Raghav Mallick, Senior Product Manager, ideaForge Technology Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Anand Mohta, VP - Accounts Management, NSE Cogencis, Dr. Rajendra Deshpande, CEO, Business Value India, Mr. Sangam Upadhayay, VP, Infiheal, Dr. Swati Lodha, Director, MET IOM (Online Presence), Dr. Nirmala Joshi, Head Research & MET SEVA, MET IOM, and Dr. Sagar Gaikwad, Assistant Professor, MET IOM.

This conference endeavoured to explore the diverse applications and implications of AI in management research, aiming to elevate the quality and efficiency of the research process. It offers a platform for researchers, academicians, practitioners, and students to engage in dialogue and exchange ideas on the latest advancements and trends in AI and management research.

At the conference, the participants witnessed an exceptional lineup of esteemed speakers shedding light on AI\'s transformative impact.

During the inaugural address Mr. Mukesh Jain, CTO VP and Global Head of People Analytics, Capgemini, graced the event with his profound expertise. His insights delved into the pivotal role of AI and ML in reshaping the business landscape, emphasising the significance of user-centric approaches, analytics, innovation, and essential AI competencies. Highlighting AI\'s significance in product management and everyday life, he concluded with a focus on three fundamental skills for success in this realm: Attitude, Aptitude, and Curiosity. His enlightening discourse, his words resonated with attendees, leaving an indelible mark on our conference.

Mr. Anand Mohta, VP - Accounts Management, NSE Cogencis showcased a demo highlighting an NSE product tailored to bolster fund managers in their investment endeavours. This demonstration likely encompasses tools or strategies aimed at refining decision-making processes, potentially integrating predictive models to optimise investment results. Notably, Mr. Mohta emphasised that the product\'s goals surpass a sole emphasis on the Nifty index. This display signifies a dedication to nurturing a holistic comprehension of market dynamics and strategies among financial experts. It illuminates how the product caters to the requisites of fund managers and institutional investors, empowering them to navigate the ever-evolving terrain of financial markets effectively.

Mr. Sangam Upadhayay, VP, Infiheal, emphasised on HEALO, an AI mental-health assistant. Integrated advanced AI capabilities to deeply analyse users\' emotions and psychological nuances during conversations. This AI swiftly identifies blind spots, fears, motivators, personality traits, and even past traumas within minutes of interaction, enabling highly personalised advice tailored to each individual\'s unique circumstances. This solution surpasses conventional AI applications by harmonising Large Language Models (LLM) with expert judgement, forging a comprehensive approach that combines cutting-edge technology with human insight. Moreover, the platform encompasses features such as therapist matching, granting users access to mental health professionals who align with their specific needs. In essence, Infiheal HEALO offers a comprehensive mental health solution by seamlessly integrating AI, expert judgement, therapist matching, self-work sessions, mood tracking, journaling, and personalised recommendations. This multifaceted approach aims to empower users on their mental health journey.

The first day of the conference featured a Panel Discussion focusing on the far-reaching impact and indispensable role of Artificial Intelligence in advancing the realm of Management Research. The distinguished panel comprised experts from diverse fields including Dr. Rajendra Patil, Principal at Bunts Sangha Anna Leela College of Commerce & Economics and an AI Consultant & Trainer; Mr. Rajendra Deshpande, CEO, Business Value India, Aurangabad; Mr. Alok Ranjan, Co-Founder & Partner, Tarun Advisor; and Capt Albert Louis, Founder & CEO at Specialist Advisory & Intervention - KnowledgeArk.AI.. The panel was moderated by Dr. Chandrika Parmar, Director of Development of Corporate Citizenship & Associate Professor at S P Jain Institute of Management and Research.

Dr. Parmar navigated the dialogue, shedding light on the pros and cons of AI and its profound impact on our personal and professional spheres. The panellists\' collective enthusiasm and curiosity about AI\'s potential to unveil new opportunities and innovations, illustrated by the advent of self-driving cars, resonated throughout the discussion.

Moreover, the discussion thoughtfully addressed pressing issues surrounding AI, encompassing transparency, reliability, accountability, security, and privacy, while Mr. Alok Ranjan emphasised a key point: ‘AI isn\'t meant to replace, but to empower.’ Recognizing how AI can enhance our work remains pivotal in leveraging its benefits effectively.

The discussion extended to AI\'s role in creating value and addressing challenges pertaining to women\'s participation and engagement in the workforce, elucidating its significance in fostering inclusivity and empowerment.

On the day 2 of conference, MET Institute of Management welcomed Mr. Hemant Tendolkar, Enterprise Architect, TCS AWS BU and Ms. Abhrekha Jain Sahlot, an MNC professional.

Mr. Tendolkar shared valuable insights into the transformative impact of technology on industries and the future of AI. His discussion encompassed several key aspects, including the significance of effective management, the traditional life cycle of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the challenges encountered from data collection to model deployment. While discussing the impact of technology, Mr. Tendolkar emphasised the ‘perfect storm’ of multiple technologies coming together that has a more comprehensive impact on the industry. Mr. Tendolkar talked about the discussion on Generative AI and its potential impact on job transformations by the year 2029. By drawing parallels between human and AI intelligence, he accentuated the need for precise commands in mastering AI capabilities.

Ms. Sahlot actively engaged in discussions surrounding the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI). She emphasised amplifying human connections in the era of AI as a social aspect associated with technological advancements. She explored case examples where AI presented ethical challenges, especially in cases where the technology showed bias. She emphasised the need for algorithms to be transparent and unbiased. She dwelled on ideas of job displacement and environmental impact to emphasise on the concept of ethics in artificial intelligence. In essence, she pushed for a future where technology and ethics went hand in hand for the well-being of society.