Pursell breaks down the myths associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI), talks generally about AI implementation, and makes suggestions about the application of AI in businesses and everyday life. This book is written not solely for the technologically minded, thus the text is not heavy with AI language, but is more accessible because of its rather compact (with just six chapters) nature. Recommended for general readers curious about AI, and business owners interested in implementing AI to realize a ROI (return on investment).

Library Journal

Pursell (DeSales Univ.) and Walker (Stanford Univ., Center for Legal Informatics) provide advice on applying artificial intelligence (AI) in the business world, meanwhile dispelling the myth that AI has so far created applications only in narrow areas, e.g., playing chess. Chapters 1–3 tackle widely held AI myths, present key ideas to help businesses develop suitable AI applications, explain what AI can and cannot do, and discuss how to acquire and develop AI applications that will lead to higher profits. Chapter 4 addresses how to estimate and control costs. Chapter 5, on "AI governance," describes a specific platform (EDEN) suitable for developing business applications. The final chapter presents two EDEN case studies. One implementation, Lex Machina, was built at Stanford as open source software (OSS). The use case was to gain better control of federal intellectual property case law data. System developers used EDEN's attributes: Empirical data were drawn from federal patent litigation; the Design targeted primary users—judges, attorneys and concerned citizens; the system was architected to Evolve, constantly improving the accuracy and scope of legal event classification; and complex outputs were Netted by AI weighting protocols. This very informative and readable book is suitable for business school students and faculty, especially those aspiring to leadership through increased profits and productivity. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals.

Choice Reviews

If you're looking for an insightful book on AI, this one is it.

Siraj Raval, AI educator, author

Outsmarting AI is a one-stop-shop for understanding and applying artificial intelligence. It is, or very soon will, impact every business in every industry; thus, it is incumbent on every decision maker to learn then navigate accordingly. Trying to decipher AI truth from fiction is difficult given the myriad, and often conflicting, schools of thought on the subject. Brennan Pursell and Joshua Walker masterfully articulate in easy-to-understand language the intricate aspects of various subjects that make up what we call artificial intelligence. It’s absolutely a must-read for astute leaders and those wishing to affect future change.

Rollan Roberts II, Cybersecurity and AI Advisor to National Governments, Former CEO, Hoverboard

Outsmarting AI is a compelling and fun guide to putting AI to work for your business, employees and customers.

Jennifer Mazzon, Chief Product Officer, Thrive Global

Entrepreneurs and executives alike need to get smart fast about AI, one of the hottest and most misused terms in today’s business and investing environment. This is especially true for organizations trying to use AI for real-time customer insights in building recurring-revenue businesses. Pursell and Walker’s accessible, engaging book provides a great overview of what Artificial Intelligence is and isn’t, how it can and should be used, and the important ethical considerations that can never be made by a computer.

Robbie K. Baxter, Founder and CEO, Peninsula Strategies