AI Courses: How Business Schools Are Meeting The Demand

Business schools are offering new courses in AI following a growing interest from business professionals.

Nearly half of the 10,000 respondents in a recent survey by CarringtonCrisp expect to need AI training in the next five years. Other in-demand topics include cyber security, digital marketing, ecommerce, and data analytics, the Financial Times reports.

AI TOOLS SPUR DEMAND

The introduction of tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT has spurred organizations to explore generative AI, leading to a strong demand for related executive education programs. In response, business schools have bolstered their curricula with courses and programs focused on the technology.

At INSEAD, a new AI program called “Transforming Your Business with AI” offers students deeper insights into how to harness AI in business, while dispelling misconceptions.

NYU Stern has launched a similar program, “Leading in the Age of AI,” to provide executives with a deeper understanding of AI beyond its hype. The course, which launched in April, has already been high in demand with a large waitlist.

“We just couldn’t fit enough people in the room,” Anat Lechner, clinical professor of management and organizations at NYU Stern School of Business, says.

CAN B-SCHOOLS KEEP UP WITH GROWING TECH?

Business schools face challenges in finding enough qualified experts to teach the latest technologies.

“Given how fast things change, it’s impossible for executives to keep up with what it means for them” Theos Evgeniou, a professor of decision sciences and technology management at INSEAD, says. “They cannot just wait for the next program a year from now.”

At MIT Sloan, the challenge of finding enough qualified experts to teach the latest technologies has led the business school to enlist professors at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory to deliver its “Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy” program, a six week course that costs $3500.

“We’re doing our best to keep pace with demand on the supply-side, but the expertise is in short supply,” Peter Hirst, senior associate dean for Sloan executive education, says.

Sources: Financial Times, INSEAD, NYU Stern, MIT Sloan