Part 1: Stakeholder Identification and Mendelow’s Matrix Analysis

1. Title

Stakeholder Mapping for AI Integration: Identification and Mendelow’s Matrix

2. Objective

The objective of this assignment is to enable students to identify a broad range of stakeholders impacted by an AI-driven improvement to a business process and analyze their influence and interest using Mendelow’s Matrix. This exercise builds foundational skills in stakeholder management for AI projects, considering both internal and external perspectives.

3. Tools/Resources Needed

• Provided Process Map: A workflow diagram (e.g., from a previous student submission or the student’s own work from a prior assignment) in Mermaid or Lucidchart format.
• Research Resources: Access to articles or case studies on the specific processes being analyzed.
• Diagramming Tool: A simple table tool (e.g., Word, Excel) to present the Mendelow’s Matrix.

4. Description of Assignment

Students will be provided with a process map (either their own or another student’s from a prior submission) depicting a business process (e.g., customer onboarding, order fulfillment). They may modify or update the process map if necessary to reflect an AI improvement, but this is optional. First, students will create a comprehensive stakeholder list, thinking broadly to include both internal stakeholders (e.g., employees, managers) and external stakeholders (e.g., customers, regulators). Then, they will perform a stakeholder analysis using Mendelow’s Matrix, plotting stakeholders based on their power (influence over the project) and interest (level of concern about the outcome). The analysis should categorize stakeholders into quadrants (e.g., Manage Closely, Keep Happy) and explain their placement with brief reasoning. Mendelow’s Matrix will use the broader stakeholder list to capture both internal and external perspectives.

Thoughts on Internal vs. External Stakeholders

Mendelow’s Matrix is well-suited for a broad analysis because it evaluates stakeholders based on power and interest, which apply universally. Internal stakeholders (e.g., IT team, executives) often have high power due to decision-making roles or direct involvement, while external stakeholders (e.g., customers, suppliers) may have varying interest and indirect influence (e.g., through market pressure or regulation). This assignment casts a wide net to reflect the full ecosystem affected by an AI project, setting the stage for a more focused internal analysis in Part 2.

Comparing the Relative Location of Stakeholders

When plotting stakeholders based on their power and interest, it can sometimes be confusing as to which of two stakeholders has more power than the other. It is helpful to analyze them in pairs and place them in your plot relative to each other.

5. Deliverables

1. Stakeholder List: A detailed list of at least 10 stakeholders (internal and external) involved in or affected by the AI-improved process, with a brief description of their role or interest (e.g., 1-2 sentences each).