SALALAH: According to Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Busaidi, Director of Smart Management at the Ministry of Labour, artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic notion, but a powerful instrument that is changing the way businesses operate. Speaking at a recent conference, Al Busaidi stated that the switch from typical management methods to AI-powered systems is facilitating quicker choices, increased agility, and a better competitive advantage.
Al Busaidi highlighted the variances between three important management approaches: conventional, digital, and AI-powered smart management. Traditional methods, he claimed, rely on manual, routine activities and sluggish decision-making. Digital management boosts efficiency by utilizing automation and electronic systems. Smart management, on the other hand, takes the concept a step further by using predictive analytics, automated recommendations, and real-time data streams to provide leaders with quick insights and the ability to make quick decisions.
A key highlight of his address was the Ministry of Labour's flagship AI project, "Nadeem"—the first AI-powered virtual career counselor built in Oman. Nadeem, which was created utilizing generative AI technologies, aims to assist and support job seekers throughout their career journey by providing personalized advice, identifying hurdles, and recommending solutions.
Nadeem, as part of the Ministry's Smart Management Project, has already proven to be an effective tool for understanding the needs, expectations, and concerns of both current employees and prospective job searchers. According to Al Busaidi, it is a "treasure trove of information" that has enabled the Ministry to customize programmes to improve workplace performance and job matching.
He also emphasized that the shift to intelligent governance must take into account all connected components, particularly at the national level. "Cybersecurity is critical because national data is sovereign, and safeguarding it is vital," he added. He stressed the importance of risk management, which includes pre-prepared scenarios and balanced, well-planned responses to ensure resilience in the face of developing difficulties.
Al Busaidi concluded by stressing that the shift to AI-powered management involves more than technical investment; it also needs an organizational culture that encourages innovation. "This is no longer optional," he remarked. "It's a strategic requirement if we want to keep up with the fast changes that are influencing today's global business environment. "
