AI for Strategic Decision Making 1: Introduction

This micro-course can be applied toward the UBC Certificate in AI Skills Accelerator for IT, Digital and Enterprise Systems Professionals and is the introductory level 1 micro-course in the AI for Strategic Decision Making track.

This introductory micro-course explores the transformative role of AI in business solution development. It equips IT professionals with a solid understanding of how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing business process optimization, solution architecture and strategic implementation, along with the skills to participate confidently in AI-powered business transformation initiatives.

This micro-course is designed for IT professionals in managerial, project management and leadership roles.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define AI driven decision making and explain how it augments, rather than replaces, human judgment compared with traditional analytical approaches
• Identify and describe the three layer architecture of an AI Decision Support System (data management, model management, user interface) and articulate the role of explainability
• Distinguish among descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics and select the appropriate analytic type for a given business question
• Apply the 5 criterion AI Decision Framework (data availability, complexity, stakes, frequency, human role) to determine when AI is suitable and when a simpler method is preferable
• Interpret AI outputs, translate them into concrete business outcomes, and craft evidence based recommendations and visualisations for diverse stakeholders
• Recognize ethical, governance, and over reliance risks of AI, formulate mitigation strategies, and integrate systematic human oversight into AI augmented strategic planning

Platform and tool selection varies and is regularly updated to reflect current industry trends. Students can expect to interact with:

• Business process mapping tools (Lucidchart, Visio)
• AI solution design platforms (Microsoft Visio, Draw.io)
• Basic project management tools (Trello, Asana)
• Business case development templates
• Introduction to low-code/no-code AI platforms

Course outline

• Module 1: AI fundamentals for business solutions
• Module 2: Business process analysis and AI integration opportunities
• Module 3: Introduction to AI solution architecture
• Module 4: Stakeholder requirements and AI solution design
• Module 5: Basic implementation planning and resource assessment
• Module 6: Introduction to ROI and business value measurement

The course outline may be subject to change as AI evolves and the course is updated to reflect the latest content.

How am I assessed?

You will be assessed on successfully completing weekly activities, including exercises, quizzes, applied case study projects (based on real-life scenarios) and your contributions to discussion posts. These activities are marked using a proficiency scale, and your instructor provides you informal feedback during live online sessions.

While you are not assessed on your attendance of the live online sessions, we encourage you to attend so you can learn and interact with your instructor and other participants. All sessions are recorded in case you miss one.

This micro-course operates on a pass/fail basis. You must achieve an overall grade of 70% or greater to pass and be eligible to earn the UBC Certificate in AI Skills Accelerator for IT, Digital and Enterprise Systems Professionals.

Expected effort

Expect to spend approximately 14 hours per week per course completing all learning activities, including attending live sessions online.

Requisites

Completion of AI Foundations 1: Concepts and Tools equivalent foundational AI knowledge.

Course format

This 100% online part-time program consists of instructor-supported real-time classes combined with independent study. 

Each micro-course will consist of a weekly virtual class taught by subject matter experts and a high degree of personal engagement and interactivity. Live sessions are recorded. Outside of class, you can access online materials on your own time.

One business day before the micro-course start date, we'll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your micro-course.