(Also available as an in-person session on Monday 3rd March 2025)

This half-day course is tailored for professionals, managers, and individuals, with limited knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI), seeking a foundational understanding of AI and its transformative applications in business. Participants will gain a comprehensive introduction to key AI concepts, practical business applications, and essential ethical considerations. By the end of the session, attendees will have a solid understanding of AI’s potential to enhance business operations, decision-making, and innovation.

The course begins with an introduction to the objectives and scope, setting the stage with an overview of AI’s growing significance in business. This session introduces how AI is reshaping industries and highlights emerging trends in AI-driven business transformation, providing context for the topics that follow.

It then covers Basic Concepts and Definitions of AI. Here, participants will explore foundational terminology, including machine learning, neural networks, and generative AI, while distinguishing between narrow and general AI types. This session also introduces key concepts around data and algorithms, allowing participants to appreciate how AI systems operate and learn. By understanding these fundamentals, participants will be better prepared to engage with AI applications and consider the potential of AI in their own professional contexts.

The course also provides an Overview of AI Applications in Business, placing a focus on how AI can address specific challenges across areas such as customer service, marketing, and operations. Instances include chatbots for enhanced customer interactions, recommendation systems in marketing, and predictive analytics for supply chain optimisation. This section is designed to equip participants with knowledge of diverse AI applications and to stimulate discussion on which AI solutions might be most beneficial in their organisations.

The focus then shifts to Generative AI (GenAI) Applications and Tools. This segment of the course introduces participants to generative AI, its unique capabilities, and the widely-used GenAI tools such as ChatGPT. Participants will learn how these tools support tasks such as content creation, product design, and customer engagement. Use cases, prompts, and demonstrations will further illustrate how generative AI could drive innovation and add value within their own business settings.

The course also addresses Responsible AI (RAI) and Ethics, covering key principles for deploying AI in a responsible and ethical manner. Participants will explore concepts of fairness, transparency, accountability, explainability, and bias mitigation in AI applications, along with regulatory frameworks guiding ethical AI use. This aspect equips participants with an understanding of responsible AI practices, essential for organisations aiming to implement AI in a way that aligns with societal and ethical expectations.

The course concludes with a recap of the main topics and providing participants with the opportunity to ask questions on AI applications, ethical considerations, or other areas of interest. This session also includes guidance on next steps, with suggestions for further learning, action planning, and practical applications of AI within the participants’ professional environments, and additional support that might be available at the Hertfordshire Business School.

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