Wednesday Research Seminar Series - The benefits and dangers of Algorithmic Management: Lessons from the PickMe ride-sharing company in Sri Lanka
- Tuesday, 5 March 2024
- 4:00 PM GST
- Oasis Theatre and via Microsoft team platform
- Click here to join the meeting
We are pleased to invite you to our Wednesday Research Seminar. It will be held in hybrid mode on 6th March from 4pm at Oasis Theatre and via Microsoft team platform. Wednesday Research Seminar Series was launched in 2008 and has featured more than 345 presentations to date. The seminars provide a forum for researchers to share their work. Presenters include faculty from Middlesex University Dubai and other universities in the United Arab Emirates, as well as researchers from other global institutions. Louise will deliver seminar on:
“The benefits and dangers of Algorithmic Management: Lessons from the PickMe ride-sharing company in Sri Lanka"
Christopher Jensen
Abstract
For this research seminar, I will be sharing sections of my findings and discussion chapters from my research on Algorithmic Management in Sri Lanka, related to my PhD thesis titled 'FOSTERING VIRTUE AMONG AUTORICKSHAW DRIVERS IN SRI LANKA: A Case Study of an Urban Sharing Institution'. We will discuss the data findings regarding how the PickMe institution used its digital application to promote virtuous conduct and create a virtuous culture. We will also discuss and suggest ways that the application was used as a proxy for management in promoting (or not promoting) virtue. On the whole, the findings suggest that PickMe exhibits all of the qualities of a typical Algorithmic Management system about surveillance (monitoring the actions of the drivers), responsiveness (communicating via the app to drivers), automated decision-making (automatic de-prioritisation of drivers with lower star scores), automated evaluations (the star rating system that is updated after each passenger-driver iteration) and nudging (discounts and incentives for high star rating). The rise of AI and the use of algorithms in management decision-making, including educational institutions like Middlesex, will be discussed.
Presenter Bio
Christopher Jensen is a University Lecturer at Middlesex University, Dubai in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship and PhD Candidate (ABD) with a research focus on Management & Business Ethics at Middlesex University, London. My research focuses on Virtue Ethics and how Urban Sharing Organisations can foster virtue within their organisation. I have 5 years of experience lecturing on Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship principles to undergraduates in Dubai and 4 years of experience teaching Business Start-Up and Fundraising principles to budding entrepreneurs using a university-level curriculum developed by Regent University. I am also a Certified Public Accountant and studied Managerial Economics for my Bachelor's degree. I have lived in Dubai for 4 ½ years with my wife and four children.
Look forward to seeing you at the seminar!