The Midlands Region of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD ) recently hosted their first event of the 2023/2024 programme entitled ‘How is AI transforming today’s businesses?’ in TUS (Technological University of the Shannon ) Athlone.
Following a networking opportunity for attendees, there was an introduction from Caroline Macklin, Vice Chairperson of the CIPD Midlands Committee. Caroline introduced the facilitator for the evening, Dr Johanna Archbold, Head Librarian, TUS Athlone who opened the debate with a lively discussion from the panellists including Eoghan Kenny, Compliance Expert and Entrepreneur, Niall Murray, senior lecturer and researcher at TUS Athlone and Joan Mulvihill, Digitalisation and Sustainability Lead at Siemens.
Attendees were provided with insights on how AI remains a powerful force that shapes our daily lives and influences businesses in ways we often overlook. Eoghan Kenny gave insights into the Impact of AI in recruitment and discussed both the opportunities and risks it provides businesses. Eoghan highlighted the need for businesses to ‘Play not Pay’ when deciding on the best AI tools for their business and he predicted that AI tools have a long way to go, while stating that our decisions at all levels will have consequences.
Joan Mulvihill addressed the risks of increased automation and the importance of not losing focus on the human aspect and its impact. Humans are creative and imaginative and businesses need to ensure they do not lose this going forward with the advancements in AI. Moreover, Joan discussed the advantages of AI to certain sections of business and Industries.
Niall Murray focused on a key research project in TUS and discussed the full AI spectrum from audio through to fully augmented AI.
Overall, the panel discussions facilitated by Dr Johanna Archbold were informative and engaging. The talk concluded with an interactive Q&A segment from the floor with many of the attendees asking questions around AI.
Thanking the CIPD Midlands and the panel of speakers, Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS welcomed the debate and highlighted the importance of open discussion regarding complex matters such as AI, while Dr Alison Sheridan proposed a follow-on debate on the subject for early 2024.
The CIPD Midlands Region provides a forum for HR and business leaders in both public and private enterprises to network and share information, skills and best practice in the area of Human Resource Management, Employment Law, Employee and Industrial Relations.
The CIPD Midlands Region works closely with TUS, Enterprise Ireland, IDA and other Midlands agencies to support regional initiatives and to promote people development and business performance. Should you wish to be placed on the distribution list or attend our events please register on the CIPD Ireland Website: https://www.cipd.ie/events-networks.
