Your company (and your life) in the hands of an AI agent?
The case study introduces an original way of exploring the many questions and concerns around AI adoption in business. Based on a true story, it discusses the dilemma of AI implementation through Joe, the CIO of ParcelFlow. Joe is getting ready to present his AI strategy to the company’s executive committee. Joe is also diabetic and on the morning of his presentation, he receives an AI-powered insulin pump. This is a life-changing event that raises both questions and fears that range from device functionality and safety to data privacy. Joe realizes that at his morning doctor’s appointment, he has just gone through the same process that the executive committee is about to experience. Will Joe succeed in convincing the executive committee to transition towards the use of AI agents? To ultimately transform ParcelFlow’s operations, Joe knows that answering the committee’s concerns is vital. Joe’s thoughts span the various stakeholders he needs to convince: Diane – the chief financial officer; Elena – the head of customer experience; Michael – the head of operations; Albert – the chief human resources officer; Robert – the legal counsel; and Lucy – the chief executive officer. Each stakeholder will have their own reservations and worries about the financial implications, customer experience, operational efficiency, workforce impact, legal compliance, and overall benefits of AI. Building trust is key for engaging people in this technological revolution. This can be achieved smoothly and rapidly by understanding, identifying and analyzing what AI is about and what it will do for us or our business. And most importantly, it must be accomplished with an excellent communications strategy.
- Understand the role of AI in general and of AI agents in particular, in digital and other areas.
- Identify stakeholder concerns about integrating AI agents into critical business processes.
- Analyze communication strategies on the benefits and limitations of AI agents for different audiences.
- Examine challenges of integrating AI agents into existing systems and develop strategies.
- Get insights into stakeholder questions upon the use of AI and explore the future of work.
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

AI is reshaping careers, but future-proof skills aren’t what you think. Vision, expertise, and deep knowledge - not hype - are key to success in an AI world.

All organizations should have a plan to secure trust during, after (and even before) a crisis hits. Here are a host of examples, good and bad, to learn from.
Medacta Group SA is a rising star in the orthopedics market, achieving global success through innovative products and techniques, with a particular emphasis on minimally invasive techniques that bring meaningful value to its patients. With its app...

China's technology sector leads global innovation with AI, semiconductor growth, and strategic diversification. R&D investments fuel success amid regulatory challenges.

10 years of exclusive surveys reveal top supply chain strategy challenges—and how tools like AI, ML, and digital twins are reshaping the path forward.

Uncover AI use cases and opportunities with 4 clear imperatives that align data with business value. Avoid pitfalls and ask the right questions.

Stay ahead in a shifting global economy. Learn how to build resilient supply chains, manage currency risks, and adapt strategies for long-term business success.
The case study introduces an original way of exploring the many questions and concerns around AI adoption in business. Based on a true story, it discusses the dilemma of AI implementation through Joe, the CIO of ParcelFlow. Joe is getting ready to...

#post_excerptHannele Jakosuo-Jansson of Neste and Finnair shared key insights on board roles in CEO transitions and culture shifts with IMD’s High Performance Boards program.
This case study explores AstraPay’s journey to become a significant player, despite its latecomer status, in Indonesia’s burgeoning digital payments landscape. Launched in 2018, AstraPay had grown to serve over one million customers, but it faced ...
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Case reference: IMD-2663 ©2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Case reference: IMD-2650 ©2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications