News from JKSHIM | Expert lecture on “Relevance of Management Roles amidst the AI Boom” by Dr. Deepti Ganapathy

An expert lecture on “Relevance of Management Roles amidst the AI Boom” by Dr. Deepti Ganapathy, Faculty Member at the Centre for Management Communication, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore was organized at JKSHIM on 13th April 2026.

The session began with an appreciation of the Vision and Mission statements of JKSHIM, where the speaker highlighted their importance in shaping responsible and future-ready management professionals. Dr. Ganapathy provided a brief historical perspective on Artificial Intelligence, tracing its roots back to the 1950s when early developments in computing and engineering laid the foundation for AI as a discipline. She emphasized that while AI has significantly evolved and is transforming industries, the human ability to think critically and make complex decisions continues to remain irreplaceable. The session strongly focused on the relevance of management roles in today’s AI-driven world. She highlighted that managers bring value through their ability to combine domain knowledge, empathy and judgement to synthesize information and take meaningful decisions. Unlike machines, humans possess emotional intelligence and contextual understanding, which are essential in dealing with real-world organizational challenges.

Referring to insights from the World Economic Forum, the speaker noted that skills such as critical thinking and communication will continue to be highly relevant and cannot be replaced by automation. She further explained that in areas like crisis management and reputation management, human intervention remains crucial, as these situations demand sensitivity, ethical reasoning and effective stakeholder communication.

The lecture was enriched with several case studies, helping students connect theoretical concepts with practical applications. The session provided a balanced perspective on how AI and human capabilities can complement each other, reinforcing the idea that management roles will continue to remain vital even amidst rapid technological advancements.