Thread by @william_r_kerr

Our @HarvardHBS MBA course on #ManagingTheFutureOfWork is underway!

I share a few key ideas from each class that sparked conversation.

Class 4 looked at "Prediction Machines", by @professor_ajay, @joshgans, & @avicgoldfarb.

Here's @joshgans giving an impromptu intro to their excellent book, which analyzes #AI as a force for enhanced and cheap prediction.

(Thanks Josh for hosting me in Toronto last week and recording an upcoming podcast with us!)

Their intuitive framework identifies how better prediction requires new actions and judgments by managers and can lead to redesigned processes, org charts and even business models (eg, Amazon someday shipping before we even shop because it knows us so well and can predict needs).

We debated how an HBS AI Director might improve career placement, but learned how hard it is to define objectives: should 1st jobs lead to happiness? ROI on tuition? donations? (and 2+ masters are hard to serve...)

Students predicted this role would exist in <10 years.

The authors envision a "reward function engineer" occupation emerging in the future to guide this work. 40% of the class felt the gov't should near-term develop guidelines for this type of role and another 40% advocated certifications be required. The rest were wait and see...

Thanks @professor_ajay, @joshgans, & @avicgoldfarb. Grab this off a book stand near you!
amazon.com/Prediction-Mac…