The Alignment Premium


Book Description

It is time for a new narrative on schools in Australia. The Alignment Premium proposes its major features. Analysis of approaches in 13 countries, including most of the world's top-performers, provides 15 benchmarks against which Australia's performance is assessed. Findings include:




The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values


Book Description

A jaw-dropping exploration of everything that goes wrong when we build AI systems and the movement to fix them. Today’s “machine-learning” systems, trained by data, are so effective that we’ve invited them to see and hear for us—and to make decisions on our behalf. But alarm bells are ringing. Recent years have seen an eruption of concern as the field of machine learning advances. When the systems we attempt to teach will not, in the end, do what we want or what we expect, ethical and potentially existential risks emerge. Researchers call this the alignment problem. Systems cull résumés until, years later, we discover that they have inherent gender biases. Algorithms decide bail and parole—and appear to assess Black and White defendants differently. We can no longer assume that our mortgage application, or even our medical tests, will be seen by human eyes. And as autonomous vehicles share our streets, we are increasingly putting our lives in their hands. The mathematical and computational models driving these changes range in complexity from something that can fit on a spreadsheet to a complex system that might credibly be called “artificial intelligence.” They are steadily replacing both human judgment and explicitly programmed software. In best-selling author Brian Christian’s riveting account, we meet the alignment problem’s “first-responders,” and learn their ambitious plan to solve it before our hands are completely off the wheel. In a masterful blend of history and on-the ground reporting, Christian traces the explosive growth in the field of machine learning and surveys its current, sprawling frontier. Readers encounter a discipline finding its legs amid exhilarating and sometimes terrifying progress. Whether they—and we—succeed or fail in solving the alignment problem will be a defining human story. The Alignment Problem offers an unflinching reckoning with humanity’s biases and blind spots, our own unstated assumptions and often contradictory goals. A dazzlingly interdisciplinary work, it takes a hard look not only at our technology but at our culture—and finds a story by turns harrowing and hopeful.




Alignment


Book Description

FOREWORD BY FRANCIS CHAN If we don’t align with God’s Word, we miss the kingdom He is establishing here on earth as it is in heaven. Once you read this book, you will understand how true alignment with God means submitting to His order so He can establish His Kingdom on earth. Even as the world grows darker and moves into the difficult events of the end times, Messianic Jewish author and Bible teacher Asher Intrater gives reason for hope, pointing to a corresponding revival with signs and wonders that emulate the Book of Acts. In this revised and updated edition, Intrater will take you on a captivating, scriptural journey to reveal what happens as the Messianic remnant is established in Israel and the international church embraces its Jewish roots. This long-awaited alignment will release an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, leading up to the second coming of Yeshua (Jesus). In addition, today Christian Arabs and Messianic Jews are being reconciled into a restored Abrahamic family of faith, demonstrating the love of God in the midst of political tension in the Middle East. You’ll be inspired and challenged as you discover how this synergy within the body of believers is advancing God’s eternal purpose for the kingdom of Messiah on earth with its capital in Jerusalem.




Bioinformatics for Biologists


Book Description

The computational education of biologists is changing to prepare students for facing the complex datasets of today's life science research. In this concise textbook, the authors' fresh pedagogical approaches lead biology students from first principles towards computational thinking. A team of renowned bioinformaticians take innovative routes to introduce computational ideas in the context of real biological problems. Intuitive explanations promote deep understanding, using little mathematical formalism. Self-contained chapters show how computational procedures are developed and applied to central topics in bioinformatics and genomics, such as the genetic basis of disease, genome evolution or the tree of life concept. Using bioinformatic resources requires a basic understanding of what bioinformatics is and what it can do. Rather than just presenting tools, the authors - each a leading scientist - engage the students' problem-solving skills, preparing them to meet the computational challenges of their life science careers.




The Alignment Performance Link in Purchasing and Supply Management


Book Description

Christian Baier empirically investigates the alignment-performance link in PSM. His findings provide clear guidance to practitioners on how to design their purchasing strategies and practices to achieve maximum alignment and thus effectively contribute to the firm’s competitive advantage.




The Alignment Advantage


Book Description

Strategy, culture and customers are the key elements of any business. But to truly succeed, they need to be effectively built, refined and aligned. Studies show that organizations which are highly aligned are 72% more profitable than their competition. The Alignment Advantage shows how you can achieve this through a practical and proven framework which can be adapted to all businesses, whether it's a small start-up, multinational organization or somewhere in between. Arguing that Simon Sinek's "start with why" approach is compelling yet flawed and Peter Drucker's claim that "culture eats strategy for breakfast" is a myth, Richard Nugent creates a clear, accessible blueprint for a more successful, collaborative and efficient organization. Illustrated with fascinating case studies from the likes of LEGOLAND, Wagamama and The Empire State Building, The Alignment Advantage cuts through organizational silos and inter-departmental tensions to provide an aligned and strategic approach that will allow you to build your success, refine your processes and align your efforts to target your customers and clients.




The Alignment Factor


Book Description

The importance of creating a favourable impression is hard to overstate in all walks of life - in business it's vital to achieve strategic goals. Customers, journalists, bloggers, investors, governments and other groups are all important stakeholders in an organizations performance and in persuasively communicating a company's ethical and socially responsible behaviour, these groups can be kept onside. Supported throughout by lively examples, this book contains guidance for implementing strategies that engage stakeholders - highlighting those organizations which employ communication professionals as key performers. Van Riel reveals how a dominant logic develops among executives, which influences styles and techniques of trust-building communication. The practical insights demonstrated via cases including Google, Unilever and Barclays make this book useful reading for MBA and other graduate classes across areas such as public relations and reputation management as well as thinking managers across the globe.




Market Unbound


Book Description

A road map for the future of the world market "Bryan has emerged as an influential voice on regulatory issues. "--The New York Times The world is on the verge of the most sweeping economic changes since the Industrial Revolution. National economies are transforming from government-controlled market systems into an open international marketplace under no one's control. The consequences will be both exhilarating and terrifying. Market Unbound is the first compelling blueprint for adapting to this new global market. According to McKinsey and Company authors Lowell Bryan and Diana Farrell, this revolution will have a profound effect on all sectors of business and finance. The global economic scene has already undergone profound and irreversible changes, but most of the transformation still lies ahead of us. Those who learn to operate under the new system will have the opportunity for tremendous profit. Those who don't face the specter of catastrophic loss. Market Unbound outlines how the global market came into being and why it is so powerful, and why it is so rapidly accelerating the globalization of the world's entire economy. The authors explore the implications of this evolving market force and examine the consequences and the opportunities for governments, investors, corporations, and financial organizations. Market Unbound is a must read for anyone who hopes to thrive or even survive into the 21st century. * Based on extensive research conducted at McKinsey &Co--the world's premiere consulting firm * Case studies and relevant examples illustrate the patterns of market change currently taking place * Reveals how a government's ability to exercise control over its own financial system is being undermined by the global capital market LOWELL BRYAN and DIANA FARRELL (New York, New York) are consultants at McKinsey & Co. He is the author of three previous business books and a leading authority on financial regulatory issues and global capital markets. She led the research efforts underpinning the book's conclusions.




Monthly Labor Review


Book Description

Publishes in-depth articles on labor subjects, current labor statistics, information about current labor contracts, and book reviews.




Analytics for Insurance


Book Description

The business guide to Big Data in insurance, with practical application insight Big Data and Analytics for Insurers is the industry-specific guide to creating operational effectiveness, managing risk, improving financials, and retaining customers. Written from a non-IT perspective, this book focusses less on the architecture and technical details, instead providing practical guidance on translating analytics into target delivery. The discussion examines implementation, interpretation, and application to show you what Big Data can do for your business, with insights and examples targeted specifically to the insurance industry. From fraud analytics in claims management, to customer analytics, to risk analytics in Solvency 2, comprehensive coverage presented in accessible language makes this guide an invaluable resource for any insurance professional. The insurance industry is heavily dependent on data, and the advent of Big Data and analytics represents a major advance with tremendous potential – yet clear, practical advice on the business side of analytics is lacking. This book fills the void with concrete information on using Big Data in the context of day-to-day insurance operations and strategy. Understand what Big Data is and what it can do Delve into Big Data's specific impact on the insurance industry Learn how advanced analytics can revolutionise the industry Bring Big Data out of IT and into strategy, management, marketing, and more Big Data and analytics is changing business – but how? The majority of Big Data guides discuss data collection, database administration, advanced analytics, and the power of Big Data – but what do you actually do with it? Big Data and Analytics for Insurers answers your questions in real, everyday business terms, tailored specifically to the insurance industry's unique needs, challenges, and targets.