On June 14, 2024, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Affiliates of CMR Institute of Technology held an engaging Expert Talk series focused on “Project Management and Generative AI.” The event, which took place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., featured three distinguished speakers: Mr. Paul Robichaud (Managing Director, SWE India), Ms. Maithri G. (Manager, Kenvue), and Mr. Vignesh Subramanyam (CEO, Unifye).
Over 100 enthusiastic students attended the session, eager to gain insights from these industry leaders. Dr. Pappa, Head of the Electronics and Communication Department, warmly welcomed the speakers, setting a collaborative and inspiring tone for the event.
The talks provided invaluable knowledge on the latest trends and advancements in project management and generative AI, leaving a lasting impact on the students and faculty present. This event exemplified the commitment of SWE Affiliates of CMR Institute of Technology to fostering learning and innovation.
Introduction to SWE by Mr. Paul Robichaud
Mr. Paul Robichaud kicked off the event with an overview of the Society of Women Engineers, discussing its mission, vision, and values. He emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in engineering and technology, highlighting SWE’s mission to achieve gender equality and equal opportunity in STEM. Paul stressed that SWE is open to everyone who supports women in STEM, not just women.
Project Management by Ms. Maithri G.
Following the introduction to SWE, Ms. Maithri G. discussed the intricacies of Project Management. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) with over 11 years of industry experience, she detailed aspects of project management, including timeline, resources, tools, and team dynamics. Maithri explained the five phases of Project Management—Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing—using relatable examples to enhance understanding. Her session equipped students with the knowledge to manage projects effectively and efficiently.
Generative AI by Mr. Vignesh Subramanyam
Mr. Vignesh Subramanyam took the stage to explain “Generative AI” in layman’s terms, covering various machine learning methods such as Supervised and Unsupervised Learning. Using visual representations and real-life examples, he showcased the different types of Generative AI, including text, images, videos, and code, and discussed the latest advancements in AI. Vignesh highlighted the importance of Large Language Models in training AI to be more human-like and presented statistics on AI investment. His session concluded with an interactive Q&A, addressing the ethical aspects and regulations of AI, leaving students to ponder whether AI is a boon or a bane.
The Expert Talk series was both motivating and insightful. Students gained valuable knowledge on project management and were introduced to the current advancements and future possibilities of Generative AI. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Anju Das, SWE coordinator at the college.
Stay tuned for more updates and future events from SWE Affiliates of CMR Institute of Technology!
