AI Impacts, Ethics, and Preparedness

This unit synthesizes foundational AI concepts and examines how artificial intelligence is changing business functions, management decision-making, and workplace roles. Students will distinguish AI from non-AI technologies, review historical drivers, evaluate current risks and ethical issues, and develop practical strategies managers can use to prepare for near-term AI trends.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze how artificial intelligence is transforming core business functions (e.g., operations, marketing, finance, HR) by mapping specific AI applications to changes in workflows, productivity, and managerial responsibilities and proposing integration strategies.
• Demonstrate understanding of AI fundamentals by accurately explaining core definitions and jargon, distinguishing AI from non-AI technologies, and classifying real-world examples.
• Apply historical and contemporary case examples to identify trends and anticipate near-term developments in AI, recommending actionable steps managers should take to adapt organizational practices.
• Evaluate ethical, legal, and human-resources risks associated with AI implementation and formulate mitigation plans and policy recommendations that align with business and regulatory expectations.