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AI Essentials for Business Course Syllabus

The course 'AI Essentials for Business' aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence technologies and their applications in business. It includes hands-on learning, weekly assignments, and a final group project focused on AI-driven business opportunities. Attendance and participation are crucial for success, and academic integrity is emphasized, particularly regarding the use of generative AI tools.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
53 views5 pages

AI Essentials for Business Course Syllabus

The course 'AI Essentials for Business' aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence technologies and their applications in business. It includes hands-on learning, weekly assignments, and a final group project focused on AI-driven business opportunities. Attendance and participation are crucial for success, and academic integrity is emphasized, particularly regarding the use of generative AI tools.

Uploaded by

minxuzheng8
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

AI Essentials for Business

2 Credits - Spring II, 2025

BU.520.710 51(DC)

Start: 3/28 to 5/16


Class: F 8:15-11:15am

Instructor:
Jim Kyung-Soo Liew, Ph.D.

Contact Information:
E: [Link]@[Link]

Office Hours:
Fri 1-2pm (on Zoom) or by appointment

Mohammad Junayed Hasan: mhasan21@[Link]

(Optional) Recommended Texts & Learning Materials


A significant proportion of the reading material for this course is available online and is free. When
necessary, additional reading material will be posted on Canvas. No need to purchase textbooks.

In case you would like to go deep with technology, a good reference book on the technology side:
Machine Learning with PyTorch and Scikit-Learn.
[Link]

Two good “business AI” books (although a bit outdated in AI – the tech is just advancing too fast):
1. A Human's Guide to Machine Intelligence, by Kartik Hosanagar
([Link] )
2. Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence, by Ajay Agrawal,
Joshua
Gans, Avi Goldfarb ([Link]
Intelligence-ebook/dp/B09Q6GT9JN )

Technology Requirements
For all exercises you will need a laptop with the Chrome browser.
Course Description
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making substantial inroads into our everyday lives, demonstrating
tremendous potential across numerous domains, including business and healthcare. This course aims to
impart learners with crucial understanding of AI's core technologies, such as neural networks, deep
learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and generative AI. We will also provide a
succinct introduction to the burgeoning areas within AI. This course takes a hands-on, experiential
learning approach, making use of the latest cloud computing platforms to provide practical understanding
and application. Through this course, students will establish a robust comprehension of vital AI
technologies, equipping themselves with the working knowledge required to harness these technologies in
driving business growth and creating value.

Technology is still evolving very rapidly. Therefore, there is a level of experimentation with new material
that will take place during the semester. Students are required to be flexible as and when topics or
material in class are revised or modified. We will do our best to ensure that no undue burden is placed on
students.

Prerequisite(s)
None
Learning Objectives
The course has two primary objectives:
1. To allow students to have working knowledge and exposure to key elements of AI
2. To allow students to understand critical business and strategic issues around the use of these
technologies in organizations and to help guide and add-value with successful designs and
implementations of complex business and data strategies.

By the end of the class, students should be able to:


● Understand the evolution of AI
● Think critically about the benefits and limitations of AI
● Implement the AI skills learned in a hands-on real-world assignment
● Communicate effectively the technology used in the project and the findings

Though mastery of this content requires more than one course, an introductory course, such as this, is
useful in allowing students to gain much-needed familiarity with AI for more advanced courses.

Attendance
Attendance and class participation are part of each student’s course grade. Students are expected to attend
all scheduled class sessions. Failure to attend class will result in an inability to achieve the objectives of
the course.

Excessive absence will result in loss of points for participation. Regular attendance and active
participation are required for students to successfully complete the course.

Assignments
We have weekly assignments, in-class exercises, and individual reports throughout the semester.
Class project
There is a final class project for each group (1 to 4 people). Each team will analyze and propose a
business opportunity that is empowered or disrupted by AI. Further details of the projects will be
provided in class.
Grading
The grade of A is reserved for those who demonstrate extraordinary performance as determined by the
instructor. The grade of A- is awarded only for excellent performance. The grades of B+ and B are
awarded for good performance. The grades of B-, C+, C, and C- are awarded for adequate but
substandard performance. The grades of D+, D, and D- are not awarded at the graduate level. The grade
of F indicates the student’s failure to satisfactorily complete the course work. For Core/Foundation
courses, the grade point average of the class should not exceed 3.35. For Elective courses, the grade point
average should not exceed 3.45.

Your final grade for the course will be composed from the following items:
Class participation: 10%
Assignments: 60%
Final / Group presentation: 30%

Policy on Generative AI
Academic integrity is a cornerstone of the Carey Business School. Generative artificial intelligence (AI)
tools such as ChatGPT are widely available, and these technologies present a number of exciting
opportunities in the classroom. In this course, you may use generative AI tools on assignments and class
projects. You may not use generative AI tools for any other assignments or assessments. Use of AI must
be cited, and all professors have access to an AI indicator on “TurnItIn” which will let them know of the
extent to which you likely used AI to complete an assignment. For guidance with referencing AI-
generated content, please use the following:
MLA Style Center
The Chicago Manual of Style Online
APA Style

Tentative Course Calendar


Week Topic
1 Introduction to Course & Overview of AI
2 Employ Neural Networks
3 Evaluate a model -- Human vs AI in decision making
4 Convolutional Neural Network
5 NLP, Word Embedding
6 LLM, Generative AI, Prompt Engineering
7 AI Agents, Responsible AI
8 In class FINAL Presentation

Instructors reserve the right to alter course content and/or adjust the pace to accommodate class progress.
Students are responsible for keeping up with all adjustments to the course calendar.
Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility
Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming,
equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including
those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request
accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability
Services. Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective
communication and arrangements. For further information or to start the process of requesting
accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at the Carey Business School.
Academic Ethics Policy
Carey expects graduates to be innovative business leaders and exemplary global citizens. The Carey
community believes that honesty, integrity, and community responsibility are qualities inherent in an
exemplary citizen. The objective of the Academic Ethics Policy (AEP) is to create an environment of trust
and respect among all members of the Carey academic community and hold Carey students accountable
to the highest standards of academic integrity and excellence.
It is the responsibility of every Carey student, faculty member, and staff member to familiarize
themselves with the AEP and its procedures. Failure to become acquainted with this information will not
excuse any student, faculty, or staff from the responsibility to abide by the AEP. Please contact the Office
of Student Affairs if you have any questions. For the full policy, please visit the Academic Ethics Policy
webpage.
Student Conduct Code
The fundamental purpose of the Johns Hopkins University’s regulation of student conduct is to promote
and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community
as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities.
Please contact the Office of Student Affairs if you have any questions regarding this policy. For the full
policy, please visit the Student Conduct Code webpage.
Student Success Center
The Student Success Center offers assistance in core writing and quantitative courses. For more
information, visit the Student Success Center webpage.
Other Important Policies and Services
Students are encouraged to consult the Student Handbook and Academic Catalog and Student Services
and Resources for information regarding other policies and services.
Copyright Statement
Unless explicitly allowed by the instructor, course materials, class discussions, and examinations are
created for and expected to be used by class participants only. The recording and rebroadcasting of such
material, by any means, is forbidden. Violations are subject to sanctions under the Academic Ethics
Policy

Common questions

Powered by AI

The course objectives emphasize providing students with a robust understanding of AI technologies and their application in business, reflecting how AI is continuously reshaping organizational strategies. These objectives aim to develop critical thinking about AI's benefits and limitations, enabling students to implement AI skills in real-world assignments and effectively communicate findings. This approach underscores the need for businesses to adapt to rapidly evolving AI technologies by equipping future leaders with the necessary skills to navigate and leverage AI for strategic advantage .

The strict attendance policy in 'AI Essentials for Business' underscores the importance of regular participation for achieving course objectives. Class participation constitutes a portion of the final grade, encouraging students to engage actively during sessions. This policy seeks to enhance learning experiences by fostering consistent interaction, discussion, and immediate application of AI concepts in class, which are essential for mastering complex topics and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the course material .

Students using generative AI tools must navigate ethical considerations such as ensuring the originality of their work, responsibly attributing AI contributions, and avoiding over-reliance on these tools which could impede genuine learning. These tools can blur authorship lines, challenging academic integrity principles. To address these concerns, students are required to cite AI usage transparently, fostering an understanding of intellectual property and ethical academic conduct .

The syllabus for 'AI Essentials for Business' is designed to balance technical knowledge of AI with business strategy insights. Technical topics such as neural networks, deep learning, and generative AI are covered to provide students with foundational AI competencies. Concurrently, the course stresses understanding strategic business issues related to AI implementation, such as evaluating human vs AI decision-making and appraising the impact of AI on business operations. This dual focus ensures that students not only grasp technical concepts but also comprehend how these technologies influence and drive business strategy .

The course prepares students to address strategic issues from AI integration by equipping them with an understanding of core AI technologies and their implications for business. Students are trained to think critically about AI's potential and limitations, enabling them to anticipate and navigate challenges. Through projects like analyzing AI-empowered business opportunities, they learn to propose solutions that align AI capabilities with strategic business goals, essentially preparing them to guide organizations in effectively leveraging AI for competitive advantage .

The course's emphasis on hands-on learning is crucial for deepening student engagement and understanding of AI technologies. By utilizing practical exercises and real-world assignments, students can directly apply theoretical knowledge, reinforcing learning through experience. This approach aligns with experiential learning theories, which suggest that active involvement in practical tasks enhances retention and insight into complex concepts. Consequently, students are better prepared to implement AI solutions in professional settings, thereby fostering both cognitive and practical comprehension .

The course aligns student evaluation with professional AI contexts by emphasizing practical application of AI skills through assignments and projects. Grades are distributed based on class participation, assignments, and a final presentation, reflecting a performance model similar to workplace environments where results are crucial. This structure promotes accountability, critical thinking, and communication skills—key competencies in professional AI roles—ensuring students are evaluated on their ability to apply knowledge and deliver outcomes effectively .

Integrating generative AI tools in assignments offers both benefits and challenges. On one hand, students gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, promoting innovative thinking and real-world problem-solving skills. These tools can enhance creativity, providing new avenues for assignments and projects. On the other hand, reliance on AI tools may lead to challenges such as overdependence, potential ethical issues concerning originality, and the need for clear guidelines to ensure appropriate use. Balancing these aspects can profoundly impact students' learning experiences, encouraging both technological adeptness and ethical responsibility .

The final class project plays a critical role in cementing students' understanding of AI's impact on business by requiring them to analyze and propose AI-driven business opportunities. This task demands the application of learned concepts in a comprehensive manner, encouraging students to synthesize technical know-how with strategic thinking. It fosters collaboration and critical analysis, pushing students to explore AI's potential disruptions and advantages in business contexts, ultimately enhancing their preparedness for real-world applications .

The course design incorporates adaptability as a core educational component, recognizing AI's rapid evolution. It introduces students to current best practices while maintaining flexibility to adjust topics based on technological advancements. This adaptability ensures that content remains relevant, equipping students with current insights and skills. The inclusion of experimentation with new materials reinforces a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, necessary for staying at the forefront of AI innovation in business contexts .

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