We live in an age of technological disruption. This is signified by rapid changes in the rate of technological evolution, as well as the speed with which technologies are adopted by individuals and organisations. The most recent wave of such changes is constituted by data analytics and artificial intelligence. Taken in aggregate, these changes in technologies promise to redefine the nature of work and professions. There is considerable uncertainty regarding how these changes will occur, and what they mean for managers and organisations. Kishore’s presentation will focus on his research, a collaboration with Dr Philip Stiles of CJBS, that examines this question in the context of two very different sectors: telecommunications and professional service firms. He finds evidence on how technological discontinuity is affecting a shift away from organisational structures and roles that are well defined – toward structures that are fluid and roles that encompass multiple skills.

The research, has significant practical implications on how we design systems and processes, define roles in organisations, develop talent, and shape professional identities.

Speaker bio

Dr Kishore Sengupta is Director of Executive Education and Reader in Operations Management at Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge. His current research, teaching and consulting activities are focused on managing complex projects, managing complexity in organisations, and managing innovations in networks.

Before coming to Cambridge, Kishore held academic positions at INSEAD (-2014), the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, USA (-2000), and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (-1997). He has also worked at the AT&T Network Software Center (now Alcatel-Lucent) and Ernst and Young. His responsibilities have included serving as advisor on complex projects with large organisations, NASA, and the United States Government Department of Defense. Kishore’s consulting activities involve organisations in USA, Asia and Europe.

Kishore’s published work in the academic and business literatures include a widely acclaimed article in the Harvard Business Review (February 2008) on how managers fail to learn from experience. His podcast is one of the most downloaded in INSEAD’s history. His research has been highlighted in the Wall Street Journal. Kishore also develops simulations and apps on project management.

6pm - 6.30pm - Arrival and registration
6.30pm - 7.30pm -  Business briefing
7.30pm - 8pm - Networking reception