Unbundled: How AI and Economics Are Redefining Faculty Roles

Episode 9Welcome to a new season of the Engaged by Design podcast! In this episode, Dr. Michael Cottam interviews his co-host Dr. Vernon Smith—this time in the role of featured guest—to explore how artificial intelligence, economic pressures, and platformization are driving the unbundling of professional roles in higher education.Drawing from Vernon's dissertation research and recent policy shifts, this episode dives deep into what’s happening behind the scenes of your course shell, syllabus, or advising software.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What “unbundling” means and how it applies to the faculty roleExamples from other industries (like restaurants and healthcare) that mirror higher ed’s transformationThe difference between Craft, Collegial, and Virtual Assembly Line course modelsHow AI and automation are accelerating labor and capital substitutionsWhat roles and tasks are most likely to remain “bundled”—and which will be offloaded or outsourcedReflective Questions:Is your role being unbundled as we speak?Where do you see unbundling happening in your institution or department?What parts of your professional bundle feel irreplaceable—and what could be supported or restructured?Mentioned in the Episode:Vernon's dissertation on course production models in community college e-learningThe rise of OPMs (Online Program Managers) and revenue-share outsourcingWilliam Baumol’s theory of cost disease and its relevance to educationReal-world analogies from restaurants, healthcare, and gig-based platformsNext Up:In Episode 2, we’ll explore how to rebundle intentionally—focusing on human-centered leadership, MACRO strategies, and what should never be outsourced in the student experience.Share your thoughts or questions with us at EngagedByDesign.com and join the conversation on LinkedIn or your favorite podcast platform.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with colleagues navigating the future of learning and leadership!Affiliate Links: MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP   The technology we used Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC  Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb  Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more aboutThe Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education