What traditioinal PO's and PM's should know about AI
The role of Product Owners & Product Managers is changing due to customer interest in AI-based solutions. Are you ready?
To use a sports metaphor, if you don’t at least know the language of AI, then you are not even in the game. My hope is that after reading this article, you will recognize the need to take an introduction to AI course for Agile practitioners.
In traditional Lean-Agile software development and in your role as a PM and PO, you are the entry point for internal or external customer requirements. Your “customer” certainly has read all the hype about how AI is booming and want to know how to leverage it in their business. Are you prepared to discuss AI with your customer? Or, will you get back to them after speaking with your IT team? Your traditional PM/PO role is changing because of artificial intelligence. You should be thinking about the skills needed to be an effective “AI PO/PM”.
Artificial Intelligence is a method of emulating human intelligence using computer software. It works by consuming large amounts of data that has been classified and applies various algorithms to make decisions. Your role as AI PO/PMs is to ensure that your company makes smart product investment decisions in AI. To do so, you need to understand the different types of AI models and their use cases. In this article, I’ll explain some of the language and generally used components of AI.
Common Machine Learning Types
Think of “AI” as an umbrella reference to various technologies used to implement AI. While there are many, let’s consider Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), Expert Systems, Prompt Engineering, and Deep Learning.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
NLP is a branch of AI that helps computers manipulate, understand and interpret human language and include;
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Sentiment Analysis
- Summarization
- Translations
Machine Learning (ML)
Focuses on the development of algorithms and models to learn from data and include;
- Feature Engineering
- Supervised Learning
- Unsupervised Learning
- Reinforced Learning
- Deep Learning
Deep Learning
Deep learning is a machine learning technique that teaches computers to do what comes naturally to humans: learning by example. AI models need to be taught by an expert. As PO/PM’s you are the subject matter expert and must be involved in training the model. Data Scientists and Solution Architects help with the technical issues, but you need to know how to speak their language to explain customer requirements – right?
Expert Systems
An expert system is a computer program that emulates the decision-making ability of a human expert. They are designed to solve complex problems by reasoning through large bodies of knowledge, and include;
- Knowledge Base
- Rules Engine
- User Interface
Prompt Engineering
Prompt engineering essentially means writing prompts intelligently so that the AI engine can generate accurate and high-quality feedback. Useful feedback is generated by PO’s and PM’s when they understand how to write them in a structured manner so that useful feedback is generated. It’s similar to writing concise Feature and User Story Acceptance Criteria so that teams build the functionality you expect.
Summary
As a traditional Agile POPM, you are subject matter experts and leaders of your Agile team and program respectively. Your job as a PO/PM is already challenging and you can’t be an expert in everything. However, it is crucial that you understand the language of AI, how solutions are created, and what value they bring to your internal or external customer.
It's a significant challenge to define all the terms used in a short article. Consider investing in our two-day boot camp to enhance your knowledge, position yourself for new opportunities in your company, or add to your resume in a job search.
About the Author: Randy Shumpert Sr., MBA, SPC6, RTE6
Mr. Shumpert is a SAFe 6 practice consultant and course instructor, trusted partner, and change catalyst who listens and strives to help organizations achieve their business agility objectives. Visit us at agilityobjectives.com to learn about our flagship products; GembaLyticstm; SAFe Courses; and Workshops. Call (800) 466-1303 or email [email protected] for more information.