APU Innovations in the Workplace

Bullying in the workplace happens frequently – 73% of working adults report being aware of bullying in their workplace. In this episode, APU's Dr. Linda Ashar talks to Dr. Suzanne Minarcine about what constitutes bullying as well as the difference between teasing and bullying. Learn what employees who are being bullied can do to end the unwanted behavior including possible legal action. Also learn what steps managers and executive leaders should take to prevent bullying through policy development, leadership training, and improvements to corporate culture so such behavior isn't tolerated. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The pandemic forced many conference organizers to either cancel the event or offer virtual or remote attendance options. In this episode, Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth talks to APU business professor Dr. Wanda Curlee about the pros and cons of virtual conferences. While virtual or hybrid conferences can save money and travel expenses, they often lose the face-to-face networking opportunities for attendees. Learn about the factors contributing to conference structure, the growth of micro conferences, and the influence of generational difference and attendee make-up. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Providing curriculum that keeps pace with rapidly advancing technology in certain industries can be a major challenge for institutions of higher learning. In this episode, APU professor Justin Goldston talks to Jack Wong, CEO of LearnDay, about collaborating with traditional academic institutions to fill these curriculum development needs. Learn about efforts to create a symbiotic relationship between organizations to educate students about topics like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain so they understand both the theory and driving force behind the technology as well as its practical and hands-on application. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The amount of plastic waste continues to pile up, despite widespread campaigns to encourage recycling. In this episode, Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to APU reverse logistics professor Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth about advancements in recycling including the use of robotics and artificial intelligence to sort plastics. Also learn the challenges of recycling certain plastics, steps manufacturers have taken to use recyclable plastic in their products, and the advantages and disadvantages of using artificial intelligence in recycling centers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When people think of blockchain they think of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but this decentralized network has far greater potential. In this episode, Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to APU professor Justin Goldston about rapidly developing blockchain models and the movement toward the interconnectedness of Web 3.0. Learn more about Bitcoin, Ethereum, Chainlink, Dogecoin, and the use of crowdloans and crowdsourcing to support the creation of some of these blockchain systems such as Polkadot. Also learn how artificial intelligence, or AI, may assist with the creation and protection of blockchains. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How are artificial intelligence systems making a difference in people's lives? In this episode, Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to APU logistics professor Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth about the advancement of robotics and the use of AI in everything from household goods to self-driving vehicles. Also learn how various companies like Amazon and Walmart are incorporating AI into every aspect of their business including customer service, logistics, and delivery systems. Hear about the growing pains of this technology, including some of the funny and not-so-funny failures, as well as the legal challenges as the government tries to keep up with quickly advancing technology. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Artificial intelligence and robotics are revolutionizing forward and reverse logistics operations. In this episode, APU professor Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth talks to Dr. Wanda Curlee about the advancement of AI, why it's so important for business leaders to understand AI, and how companies are using AI to make its logistics operations more cost effective. Also learn how AI is helping project managers understand data, make decisions, and the likelihood that AI will one day be considered a team member on a project management team. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Reports of robot abuse and anti-robot sentiments make headlines, but are such attitudes wide spread? In this episode, Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to APU business professor Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth about some of the factors contributing to anti-robot sentiments. Learn how people from different cultural backgrounds view AI-based technology and how acceptance may be largely dependent on age and socioeconomic factors. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What are the benefits of applying artificial intelligence to the residential real estate market? In this episode, Dr. Wanda Curlee interviews APU computer science professor Dr. Zona Kostic about the advancement of AI algorithms in real estate applications. Learn how real estate platforms are using AI to accurately assess property values, better understand customer desires and behavior, and automate processes to assist real estate transactions. Also learn how drones are being used during the pandemic to collect more information about the location of a house, the neighborhood, and nearby points of interest and how that data can help with machine learning algorithms. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Imagine an educational system where students can learn at their own pace and advance based on their mastery of knowledge, not just based on their age. In this episode, Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to APU business professor and STEAM advocate Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt about the role of artificial intelligence in the K-12 classroom. Learn how AI is being used in the classroom during the pandemic, how it has opened the door to targeted and customized learning, and how it has forced educators to reimagine and reshape traditional learning structures. Also learn the obstacles preventing such advancement, why teachers shouldn’t be afraid that AI will replace them, and resources for educators to learn more about incorporating AI into the classroom. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The average person is so accustomed to seeing the results of artificial intelligence algorithms, like Amazon purchasing recommendations and Facebook ads, that it is easy to overlook the potential harm of these systems. In this episode, APU professor Cynthia Gentile talks to professor and author Dr. Robin Zebrowski about how inherent bias is built into artificial intelligence algorithms. Learn about the complexities of trying to correct or retrain these massive data sets, the discriminatory dangers of facial recognition technology, the invasive nature of speech recognition software, and why the government must heavily regulate Big Tech to protect how data is used. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is constantly learning about user behavior online. How can businesses collect and use this information to improve their marketing strategy and reach new customers? In this episode, Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to APU business professor Dr. Tracy Fisher about how AI is incorporated into popular platforms like Facebook and Google and how business owners can leverage this technology. Learn why it’s especially important for small- to medium-size businesses to take the time to optimize data collected from these platforms, understand the analytics gathered, and how to incorporate it as part of their multi-layered digital marketing strategy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Humanoid robots equipped with artificial intelligence are being used in all different ways from helping residents in nursing homes to assisting teachers in schools. In this episode, APU Business Program Director Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth about the future of humanoid robots in industry from transportation, logistics, retail, healthcare, education and more. Also learn about Sophia and how it’s expected that in the not-too-distant future, humanoid robots will be incorporated into our everyday lives from helping with household chores to babysitting children. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How are researchers using artificial intelligence to help with the pandemic? Learn how AI is helping scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals quickly process all the data being collected about the virus to better understand how to treat patients and develop a vaccine. In this episode, APU business professor Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth about the role of AI during the pandemic, how it’s being used to understand the economic downturn, and how AI fits into the larger picture of technological advancement. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Many people are intimidated by artificial intelligence and don’t make the effort to better understand this advanced technology. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to business professor Dr. Tracy Fisher about how many small business owners are missing an opportunity to leverage AI technology by reducing the human toil involved with operating the business. Also learn why it’s so important for employees at all levels to embrace AI, learn how it works, how it can be beneficial, and how AI can contribute to their career path. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Why aren’t people always thinking creatively? What is this “box” people reference that must be thought outside of and how did it even get there? In this episode, Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to APU business professor Dr. Steven Wynne about why he thinks the “box” represents fear and insecurity. Learn why he believes fear is not actually real, how people can train themselves to eliminate thoughts of fear, and how education must change to stop focusing on conformity so that the “box” no longer exists. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How is artificial intelligence supporting space exploration? In this episode, Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to Dr. Robert Gordon, the Program Director for Business at APU, about how SpaceX, NASA, and other organizations are using AI. Learn how artificial intelligence is being used to collect and process massive amounts of data, assist with rocket design and troubleshooting, calculate complex mathematics, support space logistics, pilot and monitor space flights, and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How can artificial intelligence help reinforce students’ learning? In this episode, Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to AMU business professor Dr. Kathleen Shriver about how AI is being used in K-12 classrooms now and how it may be used in the future to help identify areas where students need more assistance. While K-12 relies more on gamification elements in computer-based learning, Dr. Shriver also talks about the use of AI in higher education to reinforce and guide learning with the assistance and oversight of professors. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The internet is ever-evolving and so are the threats. In this episode, APU's Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to Dan Prather, CEO of TelPowered, about his company's work building link management strategies for businesses. Learn how replacing URL shorteners with branded links can help businesses maintain credibility with consumers because users can be confident about the source and accuracy of information. Also learn about the importance of ethics, including how ethics must be programmed into artificial intelligence systems, as well as the need to educate consumers about how to protect themselves, and their systems, from bad actors. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When APU Business professor Kathleen Shriver was diagnosed with breast cancer, little did she know how much artificial intelligence would be used to help her doctors diagnose and treat her cancer. In this episode, she shares her experience with Dr. Wanda Curlee about how the medical profession uses AI to predict cancer risk, detect cancer early, assess the best treatment options, and customize treatment. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Could artificial intelligence, or AI, one day replace human project managers? In this episode, Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth talks with APU’s Program Director of Business Administration, Dr. Wanda Curlee, about her 30-year career as a project manager and how she anticipates AI will change the future of project management. Learn what tasks AI will likely take over, the benefits of using this technology, and her projections about advancements in the next five years. Also learn why it’s critical for companies to start conducting research and planning for how to incorporate AI into its project management systems in order to assist with bidding, budgeting, operations and more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Humans have been intrigued by artificial intelligence as far back as Greek mythology. In this episode, APU Program Director Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to Business Professor Dr. Shelley Pumphrey about the history of AI and the vast potential of the technology. Learn about applications of artificial intelligence in education to customize learning tools for students, help teachers understand where students need more one-on-one interaction, and how AI can enhance the relationship between students and teachers. Also learn how AI has the potential to change business, healthcare, and other industries particularly during COVID-19 and how the future application of AI is only limited by the creativity of entrepreneurs. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How has artificial intelligence, or AI, affected the legal system? In this episode, APU business professor Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to professor and lawyer, Dr. Linda Ashar, about how AI has streamlined the practice of law in ways that could not be anticipated even just a few years ago. Learn how AI has helped with case research, document creation, jury selection, case projections, and much more. Also learn how business law is likely to change as more public and private organizations rely more heavily on AI to support business functions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a huge surge in online shopping. As a result, more goods were returned to retailers because products bought online are more likely to be returned than when purchased from a store. In this episode, APU Business professor Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth talks to Tony Sciarrotta, Executive Director of the Reverse Logistics Association (RLA) about the impacts of this major shift to eCommerce and the high costs associated with returns. Learn more about reverse logistics – all the activity after a product is purchased – and the innovative ways retailers are recovering financial losses from returns including repairing, refurbishing, repackaging, reselling, and/or recycling items. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Dr. Wanda Curlee talks to Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth about his lengthy career working on artificial intelligence systems starting in the 1960s. Gain a historical perspective about how AI has evolved over the years and Dr. Hedgepeth’s research assessing the future of AI and robotics. Learn about the challenges of incorporating human behavior into AI and robotic systems, the ethical and moral issues, and the impact AI will have on jobs. Also learn what industries are using AI including transportation, manufacturing, restaurants, education, healthcare, energy, as well as how it’s being used by people in their homes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What are the challenges involved in setting up a business? In this episode, Dr. Kandis Wyatt talks to Dr. Nicole Cammack about her experience starting her own business. Learn about the mistakes she made and what she wished she had known including seeking legal and financial advice, identifying a target audience, creating a solid business plan, and knowing how to find other resources. Also learn why she believes universities and colleges should incorporate business classes into the curriculum of all disciplines to provide students a foundation in entrepreneurship to help them be more business savvy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How can business students and professionals broaden their thought process so they can creatively and expertly approach business opportunities and challenges? In this episode, APU's Kandis Boyd Wyatt talks to Dr. Jeannice Fairrer Samani, an executive leader in the world of emerging technology and integration, about why she encourages business students to take interdisciplinary classes like engineering and computer programming to prepare for an ever-changing and technologically driven world. Learn how to build essential skills like communication, networking, and time management, what to do when faced with bias, and tips on how to excel in your career and education. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this podcast, Dr. Wanda Curlee is joined by Dr. Robert Gordon to talk about the dynamic changes happening in the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the coronavirus, artificial intelligence was used by organizations to improve efficiencies like reducing inventory levels. However, these efficiencies proved to make organizations vulnerable to surges in demand. Listen to hear why artificial intelligence must look at a much greater data set in order to accurately predict supply chain needs in the future as well as innovations like blockchain that provide a better understanding of the lifecycle of products. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join host Dr. Wanda Curlee to learn about the evolution of artificial intelligence, or AI, and how it’s being used today. Learn about the benefits and pitfalls of this technology, how it’s being programmed to learn, how companies are using it to analyze mega-data, and some of the ethical issues surrounding the use of AI. Also, hear examples about how AI is being used during the COVID-19 pandemic to collect data, identify trends, vaccine development, and more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.