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Articles by Patrick Dodd
Businesses are using AI to predict what individual customers will pay – and workers will accept being paid
The Federal Trade Commission is currently consulting on an enforcement policy for “personalised pricing”, amid concern increasingly sophisticated algorithms could allow businesses to tailor prices and discounts to individual customers. Closer to home, Consumer NZ recently warned about the vast amounts of data collected through supermarket loyalty programmes. There is no evidence New Zealand supermarkets are individually pricing products this way.
AI setting prices based on what it thinks you'll pay - how do we feel about that?
US regulators are grappling with a controversial new frontier in online shopping: companies using our personal data to work out how much each of us is willing to pay. By Patrick Dodd and Hanoku Bathula for The Conversation The Federal Trade Commission is currently consulting on an enforcement policy for “personalised pricing”, amid concern increasingly sophisticated algorithms could allow businesses to tailor prices and discounts to individual customers.
AI is helping businesses learn what customers will pay – and workers will accept
US regulators are grappling with a controversial new frontier in online shopping: companies using our personal data to work out how much each of us is willing to pay. The Federal Trade Commission is currently consulting on an enforcement policy for “personalised pricing”, amid concern increasingly sophisticated algorithms could allow businesses to tailor prices and discounts to individual customers.
Can cross-discipline expertise AI-proof degrees?
Disciplines remain important because they teach more than content. Image: iStock/Liliboas Choosing a university degree has never been straightforward. Students and parents have always asked which courses and majors offer the best returns and lead to secure careers. Please login below to view content or subscribe now. Username or Email: Password: Remember Me Tags AI AI-proofing degrees Cross-discipline expertise rethinking degrees
No degree is AI‑proof. But delaying specialisation may offer students an edge Original
Choosing a university degree has never been straightforward. Students and parents have always asked which courses and majors offer the best returns and lead to secure careers. But now the age of generative artificial intelligence, bringing powerful new tools such as ChatGPT and Claude, has made those decisions much more complex.
No degree is AI-proof. But delaying specialisation may offer students an edge
Rugby League 1 hour ago Isaah Yeo learns fate on pec injury in seismic moment for Panthers’ finals hopes 7news.com.au - Scott Bailey, AAP • 1h The Penrith co-captain was forced out of his side’s loss to the Warriors in clear pain. Rugby League 2 hours ago No-brainer recruitment call Eels must make; dire Madge reality only players can fix — Crawls foxsports.com.au - Paul Crawley • 2h No wonder Ricky Stuart didn’t waste his energy trying to defend Corey Horsburgh’s latest brain explosion.
Top toy trends for South Africa's 2025 Christmas wishlist Original
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies The 2025 festive season is shaping up to be fast, fun, and full of nostalgia. South Africans are embracing toys that combine imagination, interactivity, and emotional connection with a mix of tech-savvy fun and throwback favourites that delight kids and kidults alike. From Formula 1 fantasy and creative play to collectible cuteness, here’s what South Africans will be buying this Christmas.
Shortlists revealed for 2025 South African Literary Awards Original
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies With the final adjudication convention and related processes for this year's South African Literary Awards (Sala) now completed by a 33-strong distinguished panel of judges, the shortlisted names of nominees are now available.
AI in the classroom is hard to detect - time to bring back oral tests Original
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies News that several New Zealand universities have given up using detection software to expose student use of artificial intelligence (AI) underlines the challenge higher education is facing. Image source: freepik from Freepik With AI tools such as ChatGPT now able to produce essays, reports and case studies in seconds, the old assessment model is breaking down.
5 ways entrepreneurs can protect their mental health
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Mental health challenges are becoming one of South Africa’s most pressing social and economic issues, with the October Health 2025 report estimating an annual cost of R250bn due to 452 million lost work hours. On an individual level, the report notes an average of 253 suicide attempts per day, underscoring the urgent need for better mental health awareness and support.
Emergency mission underway in Argentina to help over 60 zoo animals
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Global animal welfare organisation Four Paws has started the first phase of its emergency mission at former Zoo Luján in Argentina, which was closed in 2020 due to serious animal welfare concerns. Veterinarians and wildlife experts are now on-site, providing over 60 big cats and two bears with urgent care.
Pack hope, restore dignity: How your company can make a real difference this 16 Days of Activism
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Every year, South Africa observes the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign – a time to raise awareness, spark conversations, and take action to support survivors. Every person has a role to play in ending GBV, and the responsibility rests on all of us to take action. For many organisations, the challenge lies in finding a meaningful way to involve staff beyond awareness campaigns.
Aquafresh Libraries: Building confidence through care and literacy
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Haleon and Kena Outdoor partner to bring bright smiles and learning spaces to South African schools. In a powerful expression of purpose and partnership, Haleon South Africa, through its trusted oral care brand Aquafresh, joined forces with Kena Outdoor to open a brand-new Aquafresh Confidence Library at Kid Maponya Primary School in Kagiso this October.
SA algae-fuel startup wins world’s largest green business competition
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies South African clean energy startup SeaH4 has won the 2025 ClimateLaunchpad Global Grand Final, the world’s largest green business idea competition, for its algae-based fossil fuel replacement. The Cape Town-based company beat competitors from 40 countries and more than 2,700 entries to claim the top prize of €10,000 (approximately R200,000) at the event held in Vienna.
Clearwater Mall unveils sign language interpreting service
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Clearwater Mall is making shopping easier for the Deaf community with the launch of an on-demand sign language interpreting service. In partnership with Convo South Africa, the popular West Rand centre now offers instant access to qualified South African Sign Language interpreters by scanning QR codes conveniently located at information points and customer service desks throughout the mall.
Local designers collaborate on limited-edition PnP Clothing collection
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Seven young designers from PnP Clothing’s Futurewear programme - created to nurture emerging talent and support local manufacturing - have joined forces to design a limited-edition collection.
MTF Extended Cut reveals real impact of access to infrastructure in film
More... 2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies In the film industry, talent has never been in short supply – opportunity has. For many emerging filmmakers, the difference between a dream deferred and a story realised often comes down to one thing: access. Access to the right tools, facilities, and support systems that allow ideas to become screen-ready productions. This is where Extended Cut proves transformative.
Πώς τα πανεπιστήμια της Ν. Ζηλανδίας «νικούν» την Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη επαναφέροντας την προφορική εξέταση | Liberal.gr
Η είδηση ότι πολλά πανεπιστήμια της Νέας Ζηλανδίας έχουν σταματήσει να χρησιμοποιούν λογισμικό ανίχνευσης για να αποκαλύψουν τη χρήση Τεχνητής Νοημοσύνης (AI) από τους φοιτητές υπογραμμίζει την πρόκληση που αντιμετωπίζει η τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση. Με εργαλεία AI όπως το ChatGPT να είναι πλέον σε θέση να παράγουν δοκίμια, εκθέσεις και περιπτωσιολογικές μελέτες σε δευτερόλεπτα, το παλιό μοντέλο αξιολόγησης καταρρέει.
AI in the classroom is hard to detect - time to bring back oral tests
News that several New Zealand universities have given up using detection software to expose student use of artificial intelligence (AI) underlines the challenge higher education is facing. With AI tools such as ChatGPT now able to produce essays, reports and case studies in seconds, the old assessment model is breaking down. For decades, that model was valued for testing not just knowledge, but also analysis, argumentation and communication. Now, however, its reliability is under pressure.
AI in the classroom is hard to detect - it’s time to bring back oral tests
News that several New Zealand universities have given up using detection software to expose student use of artificial intelligence (AI) underlines the challenge higher education is facing. With AI tools such as ChatGPT now able to produce essays, reports and case studies in seconds, the old assessment model is breaking down. For decades, that model was valued for testing not just knowledge, but also analysis, argumentation and communication. Now, however, its reliability is under pressure.
AI in the classroom is hard to detect-time to bring back oral tests
News that several New Zealand universities have given up using detection software to expose student use of artificial intelligence (AI) underlines the challenge higher education is facing. With AI tools such as ChatGPT now able to produce essays, reports and case studies in seconds, the old assessment model is breaking down. For decades, that model was valued for testing not just knowledge, but also analysis, argumentation and communication. Now, however, its reliability is under pressure.
AI in the classroom is hard to detect - time to bring back oral tests
News that several New Zealand universities have given up using detection software to expose student use of artificial intelligence (AI) underlines the challenge higher education is facing. With AI tools such as ChatGPT now able to produce essays, reports and case studies in seconds, the old assessment model is breaking down. For decades, that model was valued for testing not just knowledge, but also analysis, argumentation and communication. Now, however, its reliability is under pressure.
Rethinking universities in the age of AI - Openforum
For a long time, universities worked off a simple idea: knowledge was scarce. You paid for tuition, showed up to lectures, completed assignments and eventually earned a credential. That process did two things: it gave you access to knowledge that was hard to find elsewhere, and it signalled to employers you had invested time and effort to master that knowledge.
AI is driving down the price of knowledge – universities have to rethink what they offer - EconoTimes
For a long time, universities worked off a simple idea: knowledge was scarce. You paid for tuition, showed up to lectures, completed assignments and eventually earned a credential. That process did two things: it gave you access to knowledge that was hard to find elsewhere, and it signalled to employers you had invested time and effort to master that knowledge.
AI is driving down the price of knowledge-universities have to rethink what they offer
For a long time, universities worked off a simple idea: knowledge was scarce. You paid for tuition, showed up to lectures, completed assignments and eventually earned a credential. That process did two things: it gave you access to knowledge that was hard to find elsewhere, and it signaled to employers you had invested time and effort to master that knowledge.
AI is driving down the price of knowledge - universities have to rethink what they offer
For a long time, universities worked off a simple idea: knowledge was scarce. You paid for tuition, showed up to lectures, completed assignments and eventually earned a credential. That process did two things: it gave you access to knowledge that was hard to find elsewhere, and it signalled to employers you had invested time and effort to master that knowledge.
Warm and friendly or competent and straightforward? What students want from AI chatbots in the classroom
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education, with schools and universities increasingly experimenting with AI chatbots to assist students in self-directed learning. These digital assistants offer immediate feedback, answer questions and guide students through complex material. For teachers, the chatbots can reduce their workload by helping them provide scalable and personalized feedback to students. But what makes an effective AI teaching assistant?
Warm and friendly or competent and straightforward? What students want from AI chatbots in the classroom
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education, with schools and universities increasingly experimenting with AI chatbots to assist students in self-directed learning. These digital assistants offer immediate feedback, answer questions and guide students through complex material. For teachers, the chatbots can reduce their workload by helping them provide scalable and personalised feedback to students. But what makes an effective AI teaching assistant?
Warm and friendly or competent and straightforward? What students want from AI chatbots in the classroom
Every Answer To This General Knowledge Quiz Is Only Three Letters Just three little letters couldn't possibly trick you. So, here's the deal: Every answer to this random trivia quiz is only three letters. It's a three-letter noun OR proper noun (i.e. a name). This should be easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy, right?
Wearable Tech That Will Transform the Way People Experience Yoga and Beyond?
As technology advances, the ability to integrate it into our lives will become greater. For a brand, this brings with it the opportunity to transform the way people experience their brand through evolved products and services. According to an article by The Verge, “The future of wearable tech is still brighter than ever.
The Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Before Going Full-Time Freelance
If you’ve been considering chucking in your day job in favor of the freewheeling freelance lifestyle, you’re in good company. There are currently 53 million Americans participating in some form of freelance work. And of those who are currently freelancing part-time (moonlighting), 1 in 3 are seriously considering going full-time in the near future. It seems that economic conditions are right for an increased freelance workforce.
7 Things to Think About Before Setting Your Freelance Rates
Setting rates is one of the hardest parts of being a freelancer. So don’t beat yourself up if you find it difficult at first. Often, freelancers have a hard time knowing what they’re actually worth. Or they don’t like the added pressure that a hefty invoice adds to their work. For a freelancer, time is money, so what do you say we get right to it? The Web Designer Toolbox Unlimited Downloads: 1,000,000+ Web Templates, Themes, Plugins, Design Assets, and much more! 1.
Innovating a Business App for Mobile
Patrick Dodd is a good friend of Bulldog’s. His creativity and thought-leadership inspires us—he creates music, he manages Blinksale, produces SerialBox Presents and even finds the time to surf. Perhaps most importantly, he loves what he does. We sat down with Patrick to discuss his recent work with his partners at Blinksale, designing a disruptive digital interface that takes an invoicing application mobile. The reasoning behind the Blinksale iPhone app was two-fold.
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