Technology

The Use of AI in Education: Challenges and Implementation Strategies Outlined in Info-Tech Research Group’s New Blueprint

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Recently published research insights from global firm Info-Tech Research Group are providing IT leaders in the education sector with a strategic framework to implement AI use. The resource outlines use cases and advisory on how institutions can adopt AI technologies responsibly to enhance operational efficiency, personalize learning, and improve student outcomes. The firm explains that by evaluating key factors such as technology, feasibility, and industry relevance, institutions can create impactful AI roadmaps that align with their goals and drive meaningful improvements in schools.

TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries, its adoption in education presents both immense opportunities and significant challenges. From aligning AI initiatives with institutional goals to addressing budgetary constraints and managing the complexities of emerging technologies, the integration process demands careful planning and execution. To support institutions in overcoming these obstacles, Info-Tech Research Group has published an industry blueprint, Prioritize AI Use Cases for Education. The resource contains the global research and advisory firm’s research insights and recommendations for IT leaders to identify and prioritize AI use cases tailored to their institutions’ needs. Info-Tech’s blueprint provides a framework for adopting AI responsibly, which will support institutions in enhancing operational efficiency, improving student engagement, and making informed, data-driven decisions.

Info-Tech’s newly published resource underscores the rapid adoption of AI within the education sector and urges CIOs to strategically embrace its transformative potential.

“The strategic priority of AI determines the institution’s approach,” says Mark Maby, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group. “For example, institutions focused on institutional growth and sustainability may use AI to personalize learning, optimize course offerings, and identify high-potential students. Those focused on operational excellence may use AI to automate tasks, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Meanwhile, institutions emphasizing instructional and research value may use AI to create personalized learning experiences, provide real-time feedback, and discover new knowledge.”

‘ The firm emphasizes that successfully adopting AI requires carefully aligning IT and institutional goals. However, many educational institutions struggle to understand how AI can impact their operations and are unsure where to start when prioritizing use cases. To help institutions navigate these challenges, Info-Tech suggests a strategic and responsible approach that includes identifying relevant use cases, understanding potential benefits, and developing a comprehensive plan to address the complexities of implementation and ongoing use.

“The introduction of AI can be contentious, and the risks should be considered carefully,” explains Maby. “AI can have biases that directly thwart the mission of the institution. It is also a new technology, and its promise still outweighs its results.”

In its Prioritize AI Use Cases for Education blueprint, Info-Tech underscores the critical importance of identifying and understanding the relevant AI use cases that can address organizational challenges. The firm advises IT leaders in the industry to carefully evaluate the value of potential use cases by considering the following key factors:

Technology: Evaluate the foundational technology that powers the use case, understanding the tools and systems required for successful implementation.Benefits: Assess the specific value the use case brings to the organization, including improvements in efficiency and decision-making capabilities.Risks: Consider the potential risks involved in adopting the technology, including issues related to data security, integration challenges, and organizational readiness.Feasibility: Determine the practicality of implementing the use case within the education sector, factoring in its prevalence and proven success in similar organizations.Capabilities: Define the organization’s capabilities, which are shaped by the interaction of its people, processes, and technology. This process ensures the use case aligns with the institution’s ability to execute it effectively.Value Streams: Identify how the use case fits within the organization’s value streams, which are its core capabilities organized around delivering value to its stakeholders, whether students, faculty, or staff.Industry: Consider whether the use case is applicable to both higher education and K-12 institutions or if it is more suited to one sector over the other.

An AI use case involves applying artificial intelligence to a specific organizational function or capability, with the goal of driving value and addressing challenges unique to that industry. Info-Tech advises that by leveraging the insights outlined in this blueprint, IT leaders can help educational institutions adopt best-in-class digital use cases and develop robust implementation roadmaps that maximize value creation and lead to meaningful improvements.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Mark Maby, an expert in the educational sector, and access to the complete Prioritize AI Use Cases for Education blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

Technology

Leopard Solutions Publishes Inaugural Lateral Partner Hiring Survey

Published

24 seconds ago

December 18, 2024

Lateral hiring on the rise, focus on strengthening practice areas to drive long-term growth

NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Leopard Solutions, the premier provider of legal business intelligence and analytics, today published the results of its inaugural 2024 Lateral Partner Hiring Survey conducted in partnership with Wisnik Career Enterprises. This survey, which captures responses from nearly 100 legal industry professionals specializing in talent acquisition and recruitment, underscores the transformative impact of lateral hiring on law firm growth and strategy.

The survey data reveals an evolving landscape where proactive strategies, diversity initiatives, and operational refinements are pivotal. These insights illuminate how firms are navigating the complex dynamics of lateral hiring to drive growth and maintain competitiveness. Firms are increasingly prioritizing proactive recruitment strategies, with 69% of respondents focusing on identifying and sourcing lateral candidates. This aligns closely with the emphasis on strategic planning, noted by 64%, which highlights the importance of integrating lateral hires with long-term organizational goals. Additionally, the data indicates that strengthening practice areas is the leading driver of lateral partner recruitment, with 39% of respondents identifying this as their focus. Firms are demonstrating less interest in geographic expansion or client-centric market share growth, reflecting a measured and targeted approach to enhancing specialized expertise and meeting client demands.

“Lateral hiring in the legal industry has evolved significantly, reflecting the growing strategic importance of this recruitment practice for law firms,” said Laura Leopard, Founder and General Manager of Leopard Solutions. “Insights from our inaugural survey paint a vivid picture of how firms are refining their strategies to navigate the complexities of lateral hiring while fostering growth and maintaining a competitive edge. Despite early cries of doom at the start of the year, our data shows that the lateral market has been brisk and outpacing entry level hiring once again in the Top 200 firms so far this year.”

Key findings from the survey include:

Demonstrating the critical importance of revenue contribution, 92% of firms prioritize a candidate’s book of business.Specialized expertise (72%) is a close second, reinforcing the demand for niche skills to drive growth in high-demand practice areas.Effective sourcing and referral processes are pivotal, as 35% of lateral partner hires come from referrals—partners leveraging their professional networks from previous firms, deals, or associations. Utilizing tools like Leopard Solutions for strategic targeting and implementing streamlined conflict and background checks can reduce inefficiencies, speeding up the hiring process.A growing emphasis on gender diversity, with 81% of firms actively recruiting more female lateral partners.Cultural and strategic alignment (67% and 51%, respectively) remain vital for ensuring seamless integration and long-term success.

“This marks the most significant growth we have observed in the expansion of recruiting roles within law firms, with 56% of teams focused on lateral partner hiring reporting an increase,” said Eva Wisnik, President & Founder, Wisnik Career Enterprises. “This trend reflects the growing recognition of the strategic importance of dedicated recruitment professionals, as firms increasingly adopt proactive hiring strategies to remain competitive in the evolving legal landscape.”

To learn more about Leopard Solution’s 2024 Lateral Partner Hiring Survey and leading collection of legal intelligence insights, visit www.leopardsolutions.com/thought-leadership/unlocking-success-lateral-partner-hiring-strategies/.

About Leopard Solutions
Leopard Solutions, a SurePoint company, is a leading provider of legal market intelligence with over 20 years of experience. We offer real-time, curated insights to help legal professionals enhance their business and recruitment strategies. Serving a broad range of clients—including law firms, recruiters, law schools, and corporations—Leopard Solutions provides data solutions for job searches, recruitment, and competitive intelligence. Our technology is continuously updated to ensure relevance and accuracy, building a strong reputation for reliability.

Leopard Solutions was acquired by SurePoint Technologies, a leading provider of innovative legal software that improves workflow and financial performance for mid-sized law firms.

Learn more at www.leopardsolutions.com.

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SOURCE Leopard Solutions LLC

Technology

Groundfloor Announces First-Ever Deferred Pay RTL Bond Offering

Published

26 seconds ago

December 18, 2024

ATLANTA, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Groundfloor Finance, Inc., a pioneer in alternative investing, is introducing the issuance of the first-ever deferred pay residential transition loan (RTL) bond. This inaugural offering marks a significant milestone in both the residential transition loan market and Groundfloor’s evolution as a key player in capital markets.

As the first to securitize this product, Groundfloor is introducing a bond designed to appeal to institutional investors seeking differentiated credit opportunities. Unlike traditional RTL structures, this deferred pay model offers a unique performance profile while maintaining the underlying integrity and stability of the RTL asset class. Groundfloor is already the primary servicer for this asset.

“Deferred pay RTLs differ from standard structures by paying principal at maturity while also paying a very attractive coupon, which enhances their appeal to certain institutional investors,” said Groundfloor co-founder Nick Bhargava. “This bond not only diversifies the investment options within the residential transition loan sector, but also positions Groundfloor as a repeat issuer, driving innovation in the space.”

The bond is secured by a diversified portfolio of RTLs originated and asset managed by Groundfloor. Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC was the sole structuring agent and bookrunner on the transaction. By issuing this bond, Groundfloor bypasses traditional intermediaries, demonstrating its growing sophistication and credibility as a capital markets participant.

About Groundfloor
Founded in 2013, Groundfloor is a pioneer in asset-backed securities and private capital. The company has securitized multiple new types of investment structures qualified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. To date, Groundfloor has managed more than $1.7 billion in investment volume. Because of its innovative approach, transparency, and steady year-over-year returns, the company has won multiple awards, including five consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 List, four years on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, and being named to the 2024 Forbes Fintech 50. For more information, visit Groundfloor.com.

Media Contact:
Hela Sheth
hela@katalystcomms.com

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SOURCE Groundfloor Finance Inc.

Technology

Coupa Named a Leader in IDC MarketScape for Worldwide SaaS and Cloud-Enabled Direct Spend

Published

28 seconds ago

December 18, 2024

With Coupa’s total spend management platform, companies can optimize supplier sourcing, manage direct and indirect spend and future proof operations in one unified platform

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Coupa, the margin multiplier company, has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide SaaS and Cloud-Enabled Direct Spend 2024 Vendor Assessment (Doc #US52734424, December 2024).

In the first report of its kind from IDC covering the direct spend market landscape, the IDC MarketScape for Direct Spend, cited the benefits of Coupa’s unified platform as a key strength. The report states, “Coupa offers a holistic platform for optimized direct spend, leveraging a robust platform that fosters supply chain collaboration, mitigates risk, facilitates ease of supply chain design and planning, and is seamlessly integrated with the full S2P suite to drive ease of contracting, purchasing, and invoice management.”

“The need for an integrated spend management approach has never been more critical, as businesses face external factors impacting revenue, like volatile interest rates and supply chain disruptions, all while managing outdated sourcing processes and fragmented systems,” said Salvatore Lombardo, Chief Product and Technology Officer. “Coupa’s AI-driven total spend management platform provides businesses with a holistic view that helps them grow margins, streamline processes, and mitigate risks, through data-driven decision-making. Our community-generated AI gets smarter by the minute, informed by our $7T in global spend data and network of buyers and suppliers. Using Coupa AI, our customers are creating more resilient and adaptive supply chains, identifying new strategic suppliers, and discovering opportunities to manage their business spend more effectively and efficiently.”

“We are building a network that will sit at the center of global trade. In the future, supply and demand will be matched autonomously, in real time, allowing buyers and suppliers to connect seamlessly and creating a self-sustaining loop that saves everyone money while constantly learning and adapting,” added Lombardo.

Coupa provides the most comprehensive, connected, and agile solution covering the full direct spend process in one unified platform. Coupa’s unmatched direct spend capabilities include:

Supplier Sourcing Optimization: Find the best suppliers, negotiate better contracts, and drive savings, all while optimizing sourcing strategies to meet business goals.Supply Chain Design & Planning: Monitor your physical supply chain in near-real time and run what-if scenarios to enhance decision-making across cost, service, and sustainability.Supply Chain Collaboration: Enhance communication with suppliers in real-time and improve order fulfillment and ensure supply continuity with better visibility and collaboration.Third Party Risk Management: Assess and manage supplier risks by quickly identifying threats, while strengthening compliance to build supplier resiliency.Contract Lifecycle Management: Streamline the contract management process by parsing documents and integrating contracts with sourcing and procurement workflows.Invoicing, Payments & Treasury: Automate invoice and PO matching to reduce errors and accelerate payments and ensure tax compliance and liquidity.

For a complimentary excerpt copy of the report, click here.

Additional Information

Read the report blogLearn more about Coupa Supply Chain Collaboration

About Coupa
Coupa makes margins multiply through its community-generated AI and industry leading total spend management platform for businesses large and small. Coupa AI is informed by trillions of dollars of direct and indirect spend data across a global network of 10M+ buyers and suppliers. We empower you with the ability to predict, prescribe, and automate smarter, more profitable business decisions to improve operating margins. Coupa is the margin multiplier company™. Learn more at coupa.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

About IDC MarketScape
IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor’s position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.

“IDC, MarketScape: Worldwide SaaS and Cloud-Enabled Direct Spend 2024 Vendor Assessment, Doc #US52734424, December 2024“

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SOURCE Coupa Software