Editorial
Have you ever stopped to think about the sheer breadth of impact AI is having on our world today? It’s like a digital wildfire, spreading its transformative potential across every sector imaginable, from learning and cybersecurity to environmental stewardship and even oil industries. The possibilities seem endless, don’t they?
But let’s not overlook the shadows lurking behind this dazzling technological marvel. Sure, AI promises efficiency gains and solutions to some of our most pressing challenges, but there’s a flip side too. High costs, worries about job displacement, and the ethical dilemmas it raises can’t be ignored.
In this edition of This Week in Consulting, we’re diving headfirst into the swirling waters of AI, exploring its potential to tackle environmental crises, revolutionize learning and development, and bolster cybersecurity in a post-pandemic world.
Join us as we unravel the mysteries of weak, strong, and super AI, and discover the tenfold benefits it brings, from error reduction to round-the-clock availability and even life-saving medical applications. And hey, ever thought about how AI could shake up the mining and oil industries? Turns out, the efficiency gains could be staggering.
But it’s not all about the technology itself. We’re also shining a light on the human side of the equation, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to cybersecurity and championing a future where AI works hand in hand with us, not against us.
So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and join the conversation. We’re eager to hear your thoughts, concerns, and aspirations for the future of AI. Happy reading!
Laurent THOMAS
Chairman Consulting Quest
This week’s must read
In this edition of This Week in Consulting, we’re diving headfirst into the swirling waters of AI, exploring its potential to tackle the problems in a post-pandemic world, as well as explore its disadvantages, risks and more.
EY discusses the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in accelerating sustainability. Emphasizing responsible leadership, the article highlights AI’s potential in addressing environmental challenges, enhancing resource stewardship, and improving ESG reporting. EY underscores the importance of a holistic and people-centered approach.
This week’s media
ZS’s video outlines a three-step approach for successful AI integration: framing business problems for AI, acquiring necessary data, technology, and skills, and scaling AI across teams while measuring impact.
Thought Leadership
This piece by Hurix Digital explores the role of AI in learning and development. It highlights how AI technologies, such as machine learning and natural language processing, can personalize learning experiences, automate assessments, provide intelligent recommendations, and enhance learner engagement. Moreover, this article emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing learning and development practices.
Simplilearn’s article delves into AI’s everyday impact, its types—weak, strong, and super AI—and outlines ten benefits, including error reduction, automation, 24×7 availability, and medical applications. Disadvantages such as high costs, unemployment concerns, and ethical challenges are also discussed.
This whitepaper by IntoTheNXT introduces a dynamic, bottom-up strategy process empowered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The 3-step method aims to engage stakeholders, discard traditional top-down approaches, and foster creativity and commitment in strategic planning. The paper also explores AI-assisted, AI-enhanced, and AI-driven methods in strategic development.
TechTarget’s article traces the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) from science fiction to real-world impact. It predicts increased engagement speed, privacy challenges, and highlights the need for human-AI collaboration. The article also explores AI’s potential impact on various industries and addresses concerns about missed opportunities due to unwarranted fears.
Wipro explores the integration of AI in cybersecurity post-COVID-19, emphasizing a holistic strategy with human-centric change management. It discusses common AI methods, their impact, and the role of Wipro’s HOLMES™ platform in enabling AI-driven transformations for businesses.
BCG highlights AI’s untapped potential in continuous process industries like mining and oil production. A three-part strategy involving data collection, accessibility, and cultural adoption is crucial. Recent technological advances make AI valuable, offering efficiency gains of over 15%. The adoption journey involves progressing through stages from basic visualizations to closed-loop AI.
This week’s consulting news selection
Oliver Wyman has completed the acquisition of Innopay, a consultancy firm based in the Netherlands that specializes in digital transactions.|
AArete, a management and technology consulting firm headquartered in Chicago, has successfully acquired Legerity, a technology consulting firm based in Norfolk, VA.|
Chartis, a healthcare consultancy based in Chicago, has successfully acquired HealthScape Advisors, a fellow Chicago-based consulting firm specializing in healthcare payer services.|
Moore Kingston Smith announces Matt Meadows as managing partner, succeeding Maureen Penfold. Matt, with a 25-year career at the firm, will lead from May 1, 2024.|
Laurent is the Chairman and Co-founder of Consulting Quest. Focused on greater value creation, and being thoroughly familiar with Consulting, Laurent has sourced and sold millions of dollars worth of Consulting over the course of his career. Prior to joining Consulting Quest, Laurent was Executive Vice President Oil and Gas at Solvay and Senior Partner Transformation at Oliver Wyman.
