THE LATEST NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE LG PROFESSIONALS SA BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND IMPROVEMENT NETWORK.
Welcome to the first edition of The LG Innovator - an initiative of the LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Committee. The Network aims to bring councils together to improve strategic, business and service planning and delivery, as well as share information focused on business improvement and better performance outcomes.
This is our first newsletter and we’re just testing the waters! To fulfil our goal to facilitate improvement and innovation in the local government sector, the Business Performance and Improvement Network (BPIN) would love to hear from you. Please tell us:
- what you’d like to receive information about
- what topics you’d like to have the opportunity to discuss with colleagues
- anything we can research on your behalf
- how best to connect with you – emails? Viva Engage? Other?
You can contact us via any members of the Network committee (below) or via our Viva Engage (formerly Yammer) Site.
In future newsletters, we’ll provide you with a profile of each committee member, but for now you can meet our committee here.
The committee is supported by Melissa Davis-Bishop, Manager - Professional Networks Engagement via melissa@lgprofessionalssa.org.au and the team from
LG Professionals SA.
There are currently vacancies on the committee and anyone working within the sector is welcome to nominate by completing this online form. For further information regarding nominating, please click here.
|
|
|
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
There is no universally agreed definition of AI, largely because it encompasses many fields of study and technologies. Put simply, AI is a collection of inter-related technologies that can perform some of the cognitive functions we usually associate with human minds. These technologies can be used to solve problems autonomously and perform tasks to achieve defined objectives, in some cases without explicit guidance from a human being. What is ChatGPT? Chat GPT is one of many tools that are a type of technology called Generative AI applications (GenAI). GenAI uses machine learning to create new content (like text, images, videos and audio) based on instructions from a user. Chat GPT is an online tool in which you can type in a prompt / instruction (e.g. write an essay about the Industrial Revolution) and receive content in response. Has the Turing Test been passed? There have been a number instances where some may argue that the Turing Test has been passed (ie, a computer has convinced a person that they are talking to a real human). However, the Turing Test itself has a number of challenges, not the least of which that ‘intelligence’ and ‘thinking’ are not precise or universally defined from a scientific perspective.
|
|
IN FOCUS: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) 101 - THE BASICS
There has been a lot of hype recently about AI, particularly driven by media commentary about tools such as ChatGPT. AI is a big subject. For a start, there isn’t even a universally agreed definition of what it is, and it only gets more complex and complicated from there. By way of introduction, we’re providing this brief explainer about some key AI basics to set the scene for future editions, where we’ll explore more deeply the uses, merits and risks of AI and other technologies.
AI tools (of which tools such as ChatGPT are one small sub-set) have enormous potential to increase efficiency, improve our use of data and supplement creative endeavours – even for those of us who don’t consider ourselves creative.
Despite their potential benefits, these tools also come with many potential pitfalls, some are ethical considerations about misinformation, deep fakes and their power to displace significant sections of the workforce. There are also considerations that must be given to data security, bias, maintaining public trust and protecting democracy.
How each organisation chooses to enable or limit AI depends on their risk appetite, however, it is almost impossible to avoid AI altogether. Rather than be overwhelmed by or fear these ‘shiny objects’, remember the basics – define the problem you’re trying to solve, and engage in divergent thinking about possible solutions before choosing one.
A number of councils have already implemented policies relating to AI, including the District Council of Streaky Bay, the City of Holdfast Bay and the Rural City of Murray Bridge, all of whom are willing to share their documentation and thinking on the subject. Post a comment on our Viva Engage (formerly Yammer) site if you are interested in joining the discussion, want to find out more from other councils or share what you are doing. Read more... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Megatrends
Megatrends are typically defined as being profound forces, patterns or movements that are global in reach / scope and long-term in effect, shaping the world for many years to come. Many organisations have published widely on this topic, including the CSIRO who identified seven key megatrends that were predicted as shaping Australia over the next 20 years. These can be found online via the CSRIO website here.
|
|
You would have heard of ‘megatrends’ but have you ever stopped to think about non-obvious trends and what their impact may be?
Non-obvious trends include things like:
- Revivalism – when people are overwhelmed by technology, complexity and suspicion (as they are now) they seek out nostalgic experiences that remind them of a simpler and more trusting time
- Human Mode – a backlash to technology, people seek out and place greater value on authentic, ‘unperfect’ human experiences
- Ungendering – traditional gender divisions are replaced with a more fluid understanding of identity and a re-evaluation of how we perceive each other
- Purposeful Profit – both consumer and employees demand more sustainable and ethical practices and companies respond by adapting products and taking public stands
- Protective Tech – as we increasingly rely on technology to make the world safer and life more convenient, we struggle with the privacy trade-offs required to make it work.
- Data Abundance – increased data harvesting raises big questions about how it is used, who should own and profit from it, and how it may be biased and flawed.
Read more about non-obvious trends here.
There are many fascinating aspects to megatrends, as well as non-obvious trends. Megatrends are notionally unstoppable due to their size and reach, yet many non-obvious trends appear to be a reaction to elements of these megatrends. Like a snowflake setting off an avalanche, a non-obvious trend could substantially alter, deflect or change the trajectory of a megatrend. Other questions to ponder might relate to what is local government’s role in facilitating or fanning non-obvious trends in order to create change, and / or what trajectory our current decisions are cementing. |
|
|
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND IMPROVEMENT NETWORK FORUM: TRANSLATING BIG DREAMS INTO STRATEGIES, PLANS AND DAILY OPERATIONS
Thursday 25 July 2024
Join us for the upcoming LG Professionals SA Business Performance and Improvement Network Forum: Translating big dreams into strategies, plans and daily operations. Alice Smith and Dan Jellings will share strategic leadership lessons from the City of Mitcham and its novel approach to its community plan review, followed by an interactive session, facilitated by Ania Karzek, to explore the big audacious goals. This Forum will be held in person and via Zoom on Thursday 25 July 2024 from
1:15PM – 4:15PM, followed by networking drinks (pay your own way) at Kauri Community and Sports Centre, Lipson Ave, Seacliff. |
|
|
We welcome reader suggestions on future events. Are there any particular topics you’d like us to explore or speakers you’d like us to try to secure? Send your suggestions and comments to Melissa Davis-Bishop, Manager - Professional Networks Engagement via email melissa@lgprofessionalssa.org.au |
|
|
LG Professionals SA | Networks and more Did you know that the
Business Performance and Improvement Network is just one of many member
networks supported by LG Professionals SA? Alongside a range of training and
development opportunities, network events and forums are a great way for you to
connect with like-minded professionals within the sector.
|
|
|
|
|
District Council of Streaky Bay | AI Policy
The District Council of Streaky Bay has adopted an AI Policy, which establishes guidelines and principles for the appropriate use of AI technologies. This policy aims to ensure ethical and responsible implementation of AI, safeguard privacy and data security, and promote transparency and accountability. The policy can be found here.
City of Holdfast Bay | Generative AI Use Policy The City of Holdfast Bay has adopted an Organisational Generative AI Use Policy, which articulates the acceptable use of open-source and / or free GenAI at the City of Holdfast Bay. GenAI has recently come to prominence via widespread coverage of ChatGPT, but the number of these technologies is growing quickly. The use of these (typically) free and open-source technologies is also expanding rapidly. While these technologies can provide opportunities for productivity gains, they both contain and create a range of risks that need to be proactively managed to protect organisational data, credibility and reputation. If you’d like a copy of the policy and / or supporting training material, contact Ania on akarzek@holdfast.sa.gov.au.
|
|
|
|
