Ramdas Narayanan

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In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, few forces have proven as transformative as Artificial Intelligence (AI). What was once a distant concept in science fiction is now a dynamic and integral part of how organisations operate, innovate, and grow. Across industries, from healthcare and finance to retail and manufacturing, AI is reshaping the way businesses function, offering new tools to enhance decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and create personalised experiences for customers. The promise of AI is not just in its potential to automate tasks or accelerate data analysis, but in its ability to fundamentally change the way businesses approach problem-solving, creativity, and strategy. In the world of business today, AI is helping managers not just predict the future, but to actively shape it. In this book, AI for Managers, we explore how AI is revolutionising management practices and empowering leaders to make smarter, faster decisions that can propel their organisations forward. We delve into how AI can be harnessed to drive innovation, optimise workflows, and enhance customer relationships, all while providing practical guidance on navigating the challenges and complexities of integrating AI into a business environment. Importantly, we also focused on how AI can empower the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, a critical pillar of many economies. By addressing use cases, challenges, and practical strategies tailored to MSMEs, we aim to ensure that the benefits of AI reach beyond large corporations. Furthermore, we have made a conscious effort to make this book accessible to students and the common reader, so that the power of AI is not confined to boardrooms or labs but reaches classrooms and communities as well. This book is the outcome of a truly collaborative project. Each author contributed at different levels, with roles that were distinct in effort but inseparable in impact. Every contributor reviewed the work of others as well as the book as a whole; refining ideas, challenging assumptions, and strengthening the final product. Over time, it became a work where no single part can be exclusively attributed to one author. The voices merged, the perspectives aligned, and the boundaries dissolved. The journey of writing this book was, in many ways, like a discipline; a practice that demanded focus, meditation, introspection, discussion, review, and relentless rewriting. At last, the product is here, a collective effort grounded in shared vision and mutual respect. AI was used as a tool in the writing process, and we drew from the vast and ever-growing body of knowledge available today. While many of the ideas may have been explored elsewhere, what stands out here is the sincerity of the approach and the commitment to making complex ideas accessible and actionable. A special mention must be made of Mr. Kishor Rungta, whose insightful foreword sets the tone for this book and whose contributions have significantly shaped its development. Mr. Rungta is a distinguished leader in India’s public sector, celebrated for his transformative leadership across several major industrial enterprises. As Chairman and Managing Director of Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd. (FACT) from 2019 to 2024, he steered the company from financial distress to unprecedented profitability, exemplifying his strategic acumen and visionary approach. His leadership also extended to key positions at Madras Fertilizers Limited, Bharat Bhari Udyog Nigam Ltd., National Instruments Ltd., Hindustan Cables Ltd., and Electronics Corporation of India Ltd., a testament to his wide-ranging expertise in management and organizational revitalization. Given his exemplary track record and deep understanding of complex organizational dynamics, Mr. Rungta is the ideal person to introduce AI for Managers. His unique perspective bridges classical management principles with the evolving demands of the digital age, offering readers a grounded yet forward-looking view on the integration of AI in business leadership. His thoughtful suggestions and steadfast support throughout the writing process enriched the clarity and depth of the content. We remain deeply grateful for his keen insights and generous guidance, which played an instrumental role in shaping this book. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many individuals who contributed to the shaping of this book. Special appreciation goes to Dr. Saji Kuriakose, Hrishi Olickal, Shaju Ravindran, Govind Bhatt, Manoj Nandhiyalath, and Nandakumar Pattiyeri, along with the many others who generously took the time to read early drafts and offer thoughtful feedback. Their insights, encouragement, and honest critique played a vital role in refining our ideas. We are equally indebted to our friends and families. Their unwavering support, whether through quiet understanding, timely motivation, or simply believing in the purpose behind our work, helped us stay the course. Their presence behind the scenes has been a pillar of strength throughout this journey. May this book serve as a trusted companion on your path to making smarter decisions, building stronger organisations, and shaping a future grounded not only in innovation, but in clarity of purpose and deliberate action.