Chapter 14: Textbook Attached 1. Some Say That Analytics In ✓ Solved

Chapter - 14 Textbook attached 1. Some say that analytics in

1. Discuss arguments for both points of view on whether analytics in general dehumanize managerial activities.

2. What are some of the major privacy concerns in employing intelligent systems on mobile data?

3. Identify some cases of violations of user privacy from current literature and their impact on data science as a profession.

4. Search the Internet to find examples of how intelligent systems can facilitate activities such as empowerment, mass customization, and teamwork.

Paper For Above Instructions

Analytics and Managerial Dehumanization

Analytics have transformed managerial activities by introducing data-driven decision-making processes. On one hand, proponents argue that analytics dehumanize management by replacing intuition and personal judgment with cold, hard data. This perspective suggests that relying too heavily on analytics can lead to a lack of empathy and creativity, which are essential for effective leadership (Marzuk & Paranjape, 2018). Leaders may become overly focused on metrics, overlooking the human elements of their teams and the organizational culture. For example, decisions based solely on performance analytics might neglect the unique strengths and weaknesses of individual employees, potentially leading to disengagement or decreased morale (McMahon, 2020).

Conversely, supporters of analytics assert that they do not dehumanize managerial activities; rather, they enhance them by providing valuable insights that can lead to better decision-making and improved outcomes (Reinhardt, 2021). By leveraging data analytics, managers can make more informed choices that align with organizational goals while still considering human factors. Furthermore, analytics can help identify employee needs and preferences, fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace (Sarker, 2019). In this view, analytics are tools that, when used appropriately, empower managers to lead more effectively while appreciating the unique value each team member brings to the table.

Privacy Concerns in Intelligent Systems and Mobile Data

The utilization of intelligent systems that leverage mobile data raises significant privacy concerns. One primary issue is the potential for unauthorized data access and misuse. Mobile devices are often equipped with sensors and applications that collect vast amounts of personal information, raising concerns about who has access to this data and how it is being used (Zhang et al., 2017). Users often remain unaware of the extent of data collection, leading to an imbalance of power between consumers and companies.

Another concern is data profiling, wherein organizations create detailed profiles based on users' behaviors and preferences. This practice can lead to invasive marketing techniques or, worse, discrimination based on personal characteristics (Binns, 2018). Additionally, there is the risk of data breaches, where sensitive information can fall into the hands of malicious actors, causing harm to individuals and driving public distrust toward technology (Kirkpatrick, 2019). As intelligent systems become more integrated into daily life, addressing these privacy concerns will be essential to maintain user trust and compliance with regulations.

Cases of Violations of User Privacy

Several notable cases of privacy violations have surfaced in recent literature, showcasing the serious implications for data science as a profession. One such case involved Cambridge Analytica, where personal data from millions of Facebook users was harvested without consent to influence political campaigns (Cadwalladr & Graham-Harrison, 2018). This scandal had far-reaching consequences for Facebook, resulting in significant legal and reputational damage, as well as heightened scrutiny over data handling practices in the tech industry.

Another example is the 2020 exposure of over 200 million records from a database owned by data broker Exactis, which included sensitive information about individuals, from preferences to contact details (Sullivan, 2020). Such incidents highlight the need for ethical standards and guidelines within the field of data science to protect user privacy and ensure responsible data usage.

These violations emphasize the importance of establishing robust data governance frameworks and ethical guidelines to guide data scientists in their work. Failure to do so can diminish public trust in data science and stifle innovation by leading to stricter regulations that may hinder legitimate data utilization.

Intelligent Systems Facilitating Empowerment and Customization

Intelligent systems are shaping modern business practices by facilitating empowerment, mass customization, and teamwork. For instance, artificial intelligence (AI) tools can empower employees by providing them with data-driven insights that enhance their autonomy and decision-making capabilities. For example, tools like chatbots provide customer service representatives with data from multiple sources, allowing them to deliver personalized assistance (Shankar et al., 2019). Such technological support ultimately enhances employee engagement and satisfaction.

Mass customization is another area where intelligent systems shine. Companies like Nike and Adidas utilize AI and data analytics to offer personalized products tailored to individual consumer preferences. Customers can customize everything from shoe color to fit, leading to heightened customer satisfaction and brand loyalty (Kumar & Gupta, 2018). These efforts stem from a recognition that modern consumers desire unique products that reflect their identities.

Teamwork is also greatly facilitated by intelligent systems. Collaborative platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams leverage AI to streamline communication and project management, fostering better teamwork and productivity (Gonzalez et al., 2020). These systems enable seamless collaboration and integration of diverse skill sets, thereby enhancing team performance and creativity.

In conclusion, while discussions about the impact of analytics on managerial activities continue, it is vital to recognize their ability to enhance decision-making while also considering the human aspect of leadership. Furthermore, the exploration of privacy concerns and notable violations highlight the critical responsibility held by data scientists to prioritize ethical practices. Finally, the use of intelligent systems to empower individuals, allow for mass customization, and foster teamwork showcases the transformative role of technology in the modern landscape.

References

  • Binns, R. (2018). Fairness in Machine Learning: Lessons from Political Philosophy. In Proceedings of the 2018 Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency. PMLR.
  • Cadwalladr, C., & Graham-Harrison, E. (2018). How Cambridge Analytica Sparked a Global Scandal. The Guardian.
  • Gonzalez, J., et al. (2020). The Role of AI in Team Collaboration. Journal of Organizational Behavior.
  • Kirkpatrick, D. (2019). Data Breaches and the Challenge of Trust. Data Security Review.
  • Kumar, V., & Gupta, A. (2018). How AI is Transforming Retail: A Case Study. Retail Business Review.
  • Marzuk, M., & Paranjape, S. (2018). The Role of Analytics in Managerial Decision-Making. Journal of Management Insight.
  • McMahon, T. (2020). The Human Impact of Data Analytics in Management. Business Management Review.
  • Reinhardt, D. (2021). Empathy, Analytics, and Decision-Making in Business. Business Ethics Quarterly.
  • Sarker, U. (2019). The Impact of Data Analytics on Human Resource Management. International Journal of HRM.
  • Zhang, Y., et al. (2017). Privacy Concerns in Mobile Data Systems: A Systematic Review. Journal of Privacy and Confidentiality.