Resources regarding the impact of COVID-19 on consumers and businesses

I started a compiling a list of data sources, reports and other resources related to the COVID-19 crisis and the likely consequences for businesses and consumers. This list is both to help me understand what is happening, and to help me have an informed opinion on what needs to be done to minimise the societal and economic … Continue reading Resources regarding the impact of COVID-19 on consumers and businesses

How sharing photos on social media can improve well-being of older citizens

Last week I followed, briefly, the suggestions shared via the hashtag #Selfisolationhelp, on how to keep in touch with distant relatives, during the Covid19 crisis. By and large, the comments discussed different uses of digital technology to stay in touch with relatives and friends; with a great many of these focusing on older citizens, for … Continue reading How sharing photos on social media can improve well-being of older citizens

Role of robot appearance vs behaviour on users’ perception

Robots are increasingly playing a role in customer service – be it taking orders in restaurants, providing information in banks, or delivering items in hotels. For the investment in customer service robots to be worthwhile, though, customers need to enjoy interacting with them, and they need to trust them. A robot’s appearance has a key … Continue reading Role of robot appearance vs behaviour on users’ perception

New paper: How AI can destroy business value

As we enter the fourth industrial revolution, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies are being used to automate business processes in more and more areas, from calculating optimal transport loads to shortlisting loan applicants without human input. These technologies promise to create business value, for instance, by improving productivity and reducing mistakes. However, … Continue reading New paper: How AI can destroy business value

AI is a system, not a technology

I have been reading a lot of about artificial intelligence (AI), lately, and reflecting on its implications for how organisations interact with its customers. I have noticed that, often, AI is equated with the algorithm that underpins it (which is, often, assumed to be a machine learning algorithm). That makes sense, because algorithms are fundamental … Continue reading AI is a system, not a technology

Payment options influence customer perceptions

My local coffee shop has this notification, on the door: When I spotted this notice, I thought “That’s annoying. Why can’t I pay for my coffee with cash?”, which is bizarre because I rarely use cash these days. I usually pay for my coffee with card or app. Actually, I can’t remember the last time … Continue reading Payment options influence customer perceptions

Types of machine learning – a crib sheet for marketers

According to a market study by advisory firm Dresner, reported in Forbes, marketing managers are more likely than any other organisational function to see machine learning as critically important for the achievement of their goals. As shown in the graph below, 40% think that machine learning is critically important, and nearly two-thirds (65%) think that it is … Continue reading Types of machine learning – a crib sheet for marketers

What Big Data experts thought the world would look like in 2020

In the past, the year 2020 has been presented as the point in time when many technological innovations would come to fruition. For instance, it was the year when we would have self-driving cars routinely roaming down our roads and streets; and, even, flying cars. It was also the year when we would have conscious … Continue reading What Big Data experts thought the world would look like in 2020

January 2020 round-up

I started the month, and the year, with great intentions regarding my goals for the year. Alas, I have fallen flat on my face. I won’t bother you with the details, but the fact that I am writing this monthly round-up around 30% of the way into the following month is a very good example … Continue reading January 2020 round-up