Tag: Management

  • How Artificial Intelligence Tools Are Transforming Project Management

    How Artificial Intelligence Tools Are Transforming Project Management

    Image credits: Pexels

    Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has impacted many global industries, but project management has practically been redefined. Capable of rapidly automating tasks, analyzing data, and driving collaboration, AI’s influence in project management is evident. With new AI solutions being developed daily, these tools are changing how teams get work done in the first place.

    Creating Visibility for Smarter Strategies

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    Credit: Local Falcon

    Businesses have long relied on search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to create visibility, but the rise of AI is changing how users receive information. AI search result tracking is now as essential as, if not more important than, SEO. Today, businesses must understand how visible they are on traditional search engines and AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google AI.

    Companies like Local Falcon, a geo-grid SEO visibility tool, are expanding their solutions to account for AI search result tracking. 

    As the company’s CEO, David Hunter, explained, “AI search results are still inconsistent, but they’re becoming too important to ignore; especially for local visibility.”

    Local visibility in AI search is still unpredictable, but this is exactly why measurement matters. Hunter explains, “most searches have local intent, and the AI environment doesn’t perform as well as Google Maps yet,” which makes it critical for businesses to track both. 

    By combining traditional SEO metrics with AI-specific reporting, Local Falcon helps owners spot gaps that could drain budgets or misdirect campaigns. Hunter added that many people assume AI search will replace traditional methods overnight, but the fundamentals remain. “A lot of the same methodologies you needed for traditional SEO and local SEO still absolutely apply here,” he said. “You can’t skimp on that. It still makes a big difference.”

    Applications of Field-First AI

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    Credit: Linarc

    While most AI tools are focused on online applications, some are designed for real-time use in the field. Platforms like Linarc are purpose-built for construction, offering predictive scheduling and unified communication features. Others use AI tools to help teams adjust quickly when faced with material delays, shifting costs, and reports from the field.

    “Our predictive engine calculates the impact of every change,” Shanthi Rajan, founder and CEO of Linarc, shared, “so you’re not constantly reacting; you’re planning with foresight.”

    In many ways, field-first AI demonstrates that this technology can create solutions outside of online spaces. Real-time data has applications in almost every industry, and areas like construction are no exception.

    Rajan stressed that Linarc was never designed to be just another scheduling tool. It was built as a single source of truth for both office and field teams. “If your data is split across emails, texts, and Slack, you lose control,” she said, noting how fragmented communication often derails projects. 

    With Linarc, expenses, predictive analytics, and daily updates flow through one platform, giving managers a complete picture in real time. Its mobile-first design also ensures broad adoption on construction sites. “Even the smallest contractors today want technology on their side,” Rajan added. “We designed the mobile app so that crews can track progress, sign off, and even generate invoices right from the site.”

    Content Collaboration at Scale

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    Credit: TinyMCE

    Small businesses and major corporations depend on their online presence for success, and AI tools have begun to power cloud tools. Compliance-heavy industries seek flexible application programming interfaces (APIs) offered by hybrid cloud setups to repurpose and realign internal resources and optimize developer productivity. 

    One platform, TinyMCE, powers 13% of global web content with AI tools.

    “We’re creating ‘Moneyball for developers,’” Michael Hideo, vice president at TinyMCE, stated, “using AI to compose the best team for each project.”

    For Hideo, the true value of TinyMCE lies in preserving and reviving institutional memory. Organizations generate thousands of pages of documentation, intranet posts, and technical notes, and AI now makes it possible to reuse content that might otherwise disappear into the archives. “TinyMCE is like plumbing. It’s invisible, but essential,” Hideo said. “Our role is to make sure content flows securely and efficiently at every scale.” 

    That efficiency also depends on secure infrastructure, and Hideo believes the future lies in flexible architectures. “Hybrid cloud is where the world is going,” he explained. “By designing TinyMCE as APIs, we let developers scale globally while still protecting sensitive data locally.”

    Reimagining Meetings With Digital Coworkers

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    Credit: Arthur Technologies

    One of the most popular applications of AI in project management is the so-called “digital coworker,” which is intended to support human team members. An effective digital coworker can handle various tasks or facilitate the next steps for human team members to progress a strategy. Using tools such as these, companies can maximize their team’s effectiveness.

    Organizations like Arthur Technologies provide businesses access to two distinct AI-powered platforms, one in virtual reality (VR) and one web-based solution. Both act as digital team members, capable of facilitating interviews, synthesizing group feedback, and proposing next steps.

    “AI isn’t just a tool anymore,” Christoph Fleischmann, founder of Arthur Technologies, explained. It’s a team member with perspective, memory, and insight.”

    Fleischmann emphasized that Arthur’s digital coworkers are not meant to replace human input but to expand it. The system can interview participants in parallel, surface overlooked risks, and generate unbiased agendas, creating what he calls an “aperture of discussion.” 

    “We always thought the most powerful AI applications behave like team members, not tools,” Fleischmann said, describing how the technology helps teams avoid bias and groupthink. 

    For complex projects that stretch across geographies, he argued that immersive collaboration can even outperform traditional meetings. “If you’re dealing with complex topics across geographies, immersive collaboration outperforms traditional platforms,” he explained. “It puts everyone in the same room, without the flights and the compromises.”

    Transforming Project Management in 2025

    Whether a company needs to improve its ranking in AI search results or to manage construction timelines better, AI tools provide a solution. Businesses find new opportunities to succeed as the best platforms push their solutions beyond automation, aiming to augment human strengths and bolster collaboration.

    AI technology is developing rapidly, and project management tools benefit from its growth. Whether a business is unsure about adopting an AI solution or has already integrated several tools into its operations, continued improvement solidifies this technology’s place in global industries.

  • How Smart Technology Is Reshaping Screen Time Management for Kids

    How Smart Technology Is Reshaping Screen Time Management for Kids

    Image credit: Unsplash

    As digital devices have become a fundamental part of daily life, parents are becoming increasingly worried about their children’s screen time and how it may affect their development, social life, and general wellness. Traditional parental control applications focus on limiting access, with timers and block lists that often lead to frustration and conflict between parents and children. However, the new wave of smart technology is taking the opposite approach—shifting from limitations to engagement by offering solutions that make screen time constructive and educational.

    The direction these tools are taking supports responsible usage while stimulating curiosity and encouraging learning through elements such as interactive learning, real-time feedback, and gamification.

    The Shift to Educational Screen Time Management

    Rather than enforcing strict restrictions, a growing number of apps now integrate learning with screen time control. These platforms leverage adaptive learning techniques, offering interactive challenges that keep children engaged while enhancing their knowledge. By embedding educational elements into their interface, these solutions transform passive screen consumption into an active learning experience.

    Innovative Approaches in the Market

    Technological solutions powered by AI are changing how screen time is regulated, turning it into a more personalized and entertaining experience. These solutions evaluate a child’s learning process and identify strengths and weaknesses in their study habits. Real-time adjustments are made to the difficulty levels so that the learning experience remains challenging but achievable. Various elements of pop culture and gamification, such as reward points, badges, and story-based interactivity, enhance engagement. The blend of entertainment and education prevents boredom and helps children find value in their screen time.

    Changing the Landscape with an Interactive Approach

    One standout platform in this space is Grogo, which offers a learning-based alternative to conventional screen time restrictions. Unlike traditional parental control apps that rely on blocking and monitoring, Grogo introduces an interactive approach. Before accessing entertainment apps, children must answer educational questions covering over 23,000 topics, ranging from math and science to history and language arts. The system’s adaptive difficulty ensures that questions evolve based on the child’s progress, promoting continuous learning without frustration.

    To ensure high engagement, Grogo incorporates pop culture references into every experience, making it more relatable and enjoyable. The platform also features detailed analytics dashboards, allowing students to track their learning progress and providing feedback to parents on strengths, areas for improvement, and overall educational growth.

    Brad Brinegar, a key figure at Grogo, emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive learning environment. “We wanted to create something that was non-punitive and self-esteem building. A lot of parental control options out there are about monitoring and blocking, which pits parents and kids against each other,” Brinegar explains. By shifting the focus to education rather than restriction, Grogo fosters a healthier relationship between children and screen time.

    The Future of Educational Screen Time Apps

    With advancements in technology, AI and machine learning will further enhance personalized learning experiences, making educational content even more adaptive to individual needs. Future developments could yield sophisticated algorithms capable of monitoring a child’s progress, interests, and challenges in real time to develop individualized learning pathways.

    This will help ensure that children engage with content in a way best suited to their learning style and pace. Today’s smart solutions for managing educational screen time allow parents to avoid choosing between digital engagement and learning. These two aspects can coexist harmoniously, promoting a balanced and enriching approach to technology for children.

  • Leen Kawas Discusses 3 Financial Issues Biotech Leaders Should Address in 2024

    Leen Kawas Discusses 3 Financial Issues Biotech Leaders Should Address in 2024

    Image credit: Unsplash

    As the United States biotechnology industry continues to expand, the sector’s financial outlook continues its gradual improvement. In 2024, investors are providing increased funding to United States biotechs. That said, more stringent approval criteria are in place. Newer companies, and those without concrete clinical trial data, may find it difficult to obtain their research and operations funding.
    Venture capital investments, along with follow-on funding, have been especially strong in 2024. Mergers and acquisitions also continue at an impressive pace. Although these are encouraging trends, initial public offerings (or IPOs) haven’t yet returned to normal levels. Larger-scale economic issues can also fuel a climate of uncertainty.

    Overall, however, United States biotechnology firms are optimistic about their future growth prospects. That said, company CEOs and executives should ensure they are well positioned to navigate complex financial challenges. Lack of a proactive strategy can negatively impact the respective company’s forward progress.

    Leen Kawas’ Keen Awareness of the United States Biotech Industry

    Leen Kawas is Propel Bio Partners’ Managing General Partner. Based in Los Angeles, this steadily expanding biotech-focused venture capital firm works with start-up and early-stage businesses. These fledgling companies typically need financial, technical, and operations guidance. Although Leen Kawas welcomes all candidate pitches, she especially encourages female and minority founders to apply.

    Prior to Leen Kawas’ Propel Bio Partners role, she capably served as biotech Athira’s Chief Executive Officer (or CEO). While there, she excelled in the management of multiple drug development cycles. In September 2020, Leen Kawas also successfully managed Athira’s IPO.

    Leen Kawas’ well-rounded biotechnology expertise equips her to deliver informed insights on diverse biotech issues. She recommended that biotech leaders address three financial issues impacting their respective companies’ forward progress.

    3 Financial Concerns for United States Biotechnology Leaders

    Effective biotech leaders are well equipped to handle technological, financial, and organizational challenges that may arise. Specifically, Leen Kawas detailed three financial issues that merit United States’ biotech leaders’ attention.

    Maximization of Appropriate Technology

    Biotech leaders acknowledge the importance of remaining current with industry advancements. This knowledge can enable them to proactively identify and pursue new research avenues and business opportunities. Smart use of technology also helps drive more efficient clinical trial execution and achieve better hiring outcomes. Together, these positive developments place the biotech in a stronger competitive position.

    Clinical Trial Advancements

    In 2024, artificial intelligence (or AI) and machine learning (a form of AI) are playing ever-larger roles in clinical trials. Decentralized clinical trials are also taking place more often. Together, these technological advancements can produce multiple benefits. Notably, more efficient clinical trials result in lower costs and generate higher-integrity data.

    In addition, AI and machine learning algorithms can accurately analyze extremely large datasets. These analyses can help pinpoint patterns and trends that traditional data evaluation methods would overlook. In turn, the intensive data analysis opens the door to highly targeted (and often effective) treatment interventions. This can help drive better trial efficiencies and patient outcomes.

    Diverse Patient Population Recruitment

    Clinical trial managers have historically found it difficult to convince diverse patients to participate in clinical trials. Many minority and otherwise underserved patients say they have never been asked to participate in a trial. In a related issue, targeted patients often decline to participate. They say clinical trial management teams often don’t reflect real-life patient demographics.

    By harnessing digital platforms and tools, trial sponsors are often able to target a wider patient range (including those in underserved groups). In addition, biomarkers highlight patients more likely to see benefits from a specific therapy. Therefore, trial sponsors can target populations more likely to see positive outcomes from targeted treatments.

    What Investors Want to See

    Finally, biotech clinical trial sponsors should understand that investors increasingly want to support companies known for their innovation. Maintaining a commitment to utilize the best available technology helps draw investors’ interest (and ideally their funding dollars).

    Efficient Clinical Trial Capital Allocation

    Biotech leaders should ensure that the clinical trial sponsor efficiently allocates capital during each trial phase. A well-planned trial structure, including optimal methodology and endpoint selection, helps reduce the chances of expensive delays. Good trial design also helps decrease the need for unexpected trial arm additions. Again, good planning increases the likelihood of quality data generation, a strong factor in regulatory approval.

    Patient Recruitment and Retention

    Clinical trial patient recruitment (and retention) also figure into efficient capital usage. When the trial sponsor utilizes targeted patient recruitment strategies, and takes steps to keep patients engaged throughout the trial duration, dropout rates will be reduced. In turn, this helps keep the trial on schedule and within a preset budget.

    Finally, keeping the lines of patient communication open helps build patient trust and fosters a stronger commitment. This increases the trial’s efficiency and leads to more successful outcomes.

    Optimal Clinical Trial Management

    As with any longer-term venture, good clinical trial project management increases the chances of timeline and budgetary compliance. The clinical trial sponsor should implement rigorous project management practices designed to gauge ongoing progress. When issues arise, quickly identifying them can spur a timely resolution and optimal resource allocation.


    What Investors Want to See

    With intensive competition for investment dollars, investors expect successful candidates to show a favorable return on investment. Biotechs that aggressively integrate capital efficiency maximization strategies raise their chances of obtaining more investment dollars. Other investors may also take note of these successful outcomes.

    Realization of CRO Partnership Investment Benefits  

    Biotechs often partner with contract research organizations (or CROs) that conduct clinical trials on the biotech’s behalf. Leen Kawas noted that a CRO partnership provides the biotech with three key benefits. These advantages can make the biotech a more desirable investment target.

    First, the CRO partnership enables the biotech to access the CRO’s proven expertise and research capabilities. This makes the investment less risky, as investors can easily see how their funds will be utilized.

    Next, a CRO partnership facilitates the development of a well-structured study and a robust implementation plan. Biotechs, especially early-stage companies, often find it difficult to accomplish these goals without expert guidance.

    Finally, a productive CRO partnership can help decrease a clinical trial’s duration and cost. The CRO’s effective clinical trial operation, and avoidance of quality problems that could affect the trial’s outcome, are also key to a positive result. Together, these factors spur capital efficiencies and lead to an improved return on investment.

    Why Effective Biotech Financial Leadership is Key

    Optimal application of technology can help facilitate a successful clinical trial and a productive hiring campaign. Leen Kawas noted that prudent use of available resources, and effective project management modalities, can help accomplish the stated goal while satisfying return-focused investors.

    Written in partnership with Tom White