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Will robots take your job?

Telfer MBA Conference explores how future tech will impact how people work

Greg Richards
Greg Richards

Big data isn’t just something we have to manage, it heralds a profound shift in how we live, work and play.

And that’s just the beginning. We can’t talk about big data without putting it in the context of the Internet of Things – adding intelligence to everyday objects with sensors that collect and transmit data over wireless networks.

“Big Data and Analytics has been the talk of the town since 2007,” said Dr. Greg Richards, MBA Director, Telfer School of Management. “Much of the focus has been on what we do with that data, how we manage and mine it for business intelligence. But it’s time to look deeper at how it will impact the way humans work and collaborate in the near future.”

The University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management will explore this and other future tech topics during the November edition of its MBA Conferences series on Nov. 19.

Consider the following:

Customer Analytics that allow a supplier to ship replacements for a consumable product before you realize you need to order it. Anything from cleaning supplies to k-cups for the staff coffee machine.

Sensors embedded into durable goods like lawnmowers, refrigerators or stoves that allow for the product to be leased with rates determined by usage, instead of purchased outright. This would dramatically change business models for many suppliers.

Personal communication devices that bring an end to employment contracts and introduce markets driven by end-to-end contracts.

Dr. Richards will moderate a panel that will discuss how managers must adapt to this brave new world. Panelists include:

Christopher Dziekan, Retired – former Vice-President and Chief Strategy Officer, Hitachi Insight Group.

Eme Onuoha, Vice President, Global Government Affairs (Canada), Xerox Corporation

Warren Tomlin, Chief Innovation Officer, IBM

Register for this free event

The Future of Work: Will Robots Take Your Job takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Telfer School, 55 Laurier Ave East, Room DMS 1160.

All MBA Conferences are open to students, alumni and the community at large. But space for this free event is limited. To confirm your spot, please RSVP before Nov. 17.

To learn more or to register, call 613-562-5800 ext. 4684 or visit www.telfer.uOttawa.ca/mbaconferences