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Technology A.I. and the Art of Negotiation Could computer networks actually conduct business negotiations and legal argu- ments, without human interven- tion? Experts in artificial intelligence at the British University in Dubai (BUiD) in the United Arab Emirates say it could happen. The field of artificial intelligence already has developed a process by which computers network to solve problems. Researchers at BUiD's Institute of Informatics are discuss- ing the possibility of artificial intel- ligence-driven processes that could also argue and negotiate "in a fully or semi-automated market in order to influence the price of goods and services," according to the Middle East Company News. The technology could prove use- ful in numerous contexts, including business, law, science, and politics, say researchers. They even specu- late that someday robots could use their argumentation programming to make decisions on unmanned space missions. Argumentation and negotiation are key elements of human communica- tion, Iyad Rahwan of the Institute of Infor- matics told Middle East Company. By replicating even part of these processes, he adds, researchers can better tap the potential of automation in the marketplace. "The impact of this development would be hugely signifi- cant for both businesses and communities across the world." 62 BizEd MAY/JUNE 2007 What's in Your Blog? Among the latest entries into the b-school blogosphere include blogs from Bab- son College in Wellesley, Massa chu- setts, and Indiana University's Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis. Both were launched to foster stron- ger, more immediate communication with the larger community. Babson College's Institute for Family Enterprising recently established a new blog to address issues surrounding family business at www3.babson.edu/ESHIP/ family _enterprising/blog. The Family Enterprising Blog will feature contributions from the STEP Project, the research arm of the Institute. The Kelley School recently launched Kelley BizBlog at www.kelley.iupui.edu/blog. The resource is an upgrade to an older student-centered blog. It now also features blogs by faculty, staff, and alumni. "Interactive" is the key word to describe blogging's appeal to business schools, says Roger Schmenner, associate dean at Kel- ley and a blogger himself. "The Web log and other online media are changing the way businesses and consumers talk to and about each other. We want our students to understand the new dynamics," he says. "The blog is a valuable tool to spark conversation." Blackboard Supports Open Source In February, Blackboard Inc., a provider of course management systems, announced its support of learning institutions worldwide that use or develop open-source and home- grown course management software. As part of its "Blackboard Patent Pledge," Blackboard promises never to pursue patent actions against pro- fessors contributing to open source projects, open source initiatives,