University of Niagara Falls Canada professor, Ashkan Pourzeinali, expands on recent research paper to share practical steps for integrating AI into business operations
It’s no secret that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has had an incredible impact on the way businesses operate.
With the many benefits AI offers, industries like finance, consulting, and health care have become some of the biggest players when it comes to adopting the technology. In fact, nearly one in four companies in the information and cultural sectors use AI, according to Statistics Canada.
For Ashkan Pourzeinali, Assistant Professor in the Master of Management program at UNF, the opportunities AI possesses is enormous, but it does come with challenges. For example, employees may resist the adoption of AI due to the fear of job loss or a lack of understanding the technology.
In a recent research paper, Improving Business Processes through Artificial Intelligence, Pourzeinali investigated how businesses can integrate AI into their operations. To explore this intersection further, Pourzeinali used practice-based research alongside consulting work, reviewing relevant literature and working with technical experts to explore the compatibility of AI-enabled tools with IT systems and governance policies.
When asked about key takeaways from his research, Pourzeinali shared the following considerations businesses should keep in mind when exploring the use of AI:
Start small
Adopt a phased approach that focuses on small-scale pilot projects or non-critical processes. This can be crucial in ensuring that this minimizes the disruption of key operations.
Embrace collaboration
Keeping your teams informed can help reduce resistance to AI adoption. This can regular communication to build awareness, providing training, creating change management initiatives, and the early involvement of cross-functional teams.
Use AI to create new jobs
While some repetitive tasks may be automated, AI should not be used to replace human labour. Instead, use it as a growth tool by creating employment opportunities in areas like governance, training, and data interpretation.
Develop policies and guidelines
AI governance is critical in ensuring AI is used responsibly and effectively. This includes having rules surrounding data privacy, bias mitigation, accountability, and transparency.
AI should align with overarching strategy
Leaders should be flexible, continuously monitor performance, and adapt their use of AI as the needs of the business evolve.
Invest in clean data
AI is only as good as the information it uses. Proper data management and structuring are essential to ensuring accuracy and effectiveness.
Taken together, these insights point to the fact that preparation is integral to successful AI adoption. From managing change to setting clear policies, leadership and culture will ultimately determine whether AI strengthens or disrupts a business.
For Pourzeinali, the bottom line is clear: the future of business belongs to those who embrace AI with intention and strategy.
“AI is here to stay. It is poised to change the way we live and work. My advice to Canadian businesses is to not only get on board, but to take advantage of AI as a means to expand your business. If approached correctly, AI will not only be key to job creation, but to your long-term competitive advantage.”
