Liverpool Leads B-Schools Into AI Space

When Chirag Bhatia entered the Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM) specialized master’s program at the University of Liverpool Management School, he was already fascinated by how data-driven decisions can inform operations and supply management. As a Senior Analyst at Capgemini, Bhatia focused on data analytics, process automation, and service optimization. But he wanted to bridge the gap between his background in computer and communication engineering and data science to operations management. And with the specialized master’s with a specialization in Big Data Analysis, Bhatia did just that.

“At Liverpool, I honed my skills in using AI and analytics to optimise operations, which directly translates to my work at the Port of Dover, where I lead data-driven projects for traffic forecasting and operational efficiency,” Bhatia says. “The program also strengthened my ability to tell compelling data stories, something that’s crucial in my role today. Learning Tableau helped me develop a structured approach to data visualisation, which I now apply in my role using Power BI dashboards to automate reporting and deliver key business insights.

“Another key learning was the emphasis on digital transformation in supply chains. Understanding how AI and big data can improve operational decision-making has been invaluable, whether in optimising freight movement or managing cross-border logistics.”

LIVERPOOL FEATURES A HANDFUL OF AI-FOCUSSED DEGREE PROGRAMS

“Artificial Intelligence has recently garnered significant attention, largely due to the rise of publicly available software such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini or Microsoft’s Copilot,” says Grigorios Kasapidis, who is a lecturer in the OSCM program. “However, the term AI formally encompasses a broad family of technologies including Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Neural Networks, Reinforcement Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Computer Vision, among others.”

With this context, Kasapidis says, Liverpool has a long history in artificial intelligence research. Currently, the program offers degree programs like the MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, MSc AI for Digital Business, MSc Digital Chemistry: AI, Machine Learning, Automation and Robotics, and the Computer Science BSc.

“These programs continue to attract a growing number of students, reflecting the surging interest in the field,” Kasapidis says. “As a result — and in response to the rapid pace of technological innovation — academic departments are actively working to ensure that curricula remain aligned with the latest technological advancements and emerging trends in AI.”

Jennifer Davies, who is the director of studies of the MSc Project Management program and a lecturer in Project Management, says Liverpool has embraced AI and education. “When ChatGPT first emerged, much of the media focus centred on academic integrity, often framing AI as a source of conflict between staff and students,” Davies says. “At ULMS, we’ve taken a different path, one rooted in transparency and collaboration. Our students share many of the same concerns about fairness and responsible use, and we’ve found that working together is the most effective way forward. Our Centre for Innovation in Education has developed an excellent set of guidelines for acceptable AI use that strikes a good balance between allowing students to develop essential AI skills whilst protecting academic integrity.”

Davies says from a curriculum perspective, the program embedded AI across all programs. “Not just as a tool, but as a critical part of understanding how business models, leadership, and decision-making are evolving,” she says. “This supports our graduate attributes, which emphasize digital confidence and the ability to work with rapidly evolving technologies. Graduates who can engage critically and creatively with these tools will be better equipped to lead in a changing world.”

RESEARCH AND INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS ARE THE FOUNDATION OF LIVERPOOL AI

At the heart of the University of Liverpool’s advancements in AI education are research and industry partnerships. Kasapidis says AI technologies touch a wide range of domains at Liverpool, like law, finance, materials chemistry, robotics, and anonymous systems. Researchers at Liverpool are examining the application of AI in legal reasoning and how AI and blockchain can promote inclusive financial services by addressing algorithmic bias and promoting fairness in lending decisions through transparent ethical AI systems. The list goes on with research in economics, chemistry, electrical engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering.

“Beyond individual efforts, many faculties — including the ULMS — engage in interdisciplinary initiatives that foster collaboration between academic researchers and leading industrial partners,” Kasapidis says. “ULMS formalized this focus with initiatives like the Liverpool Advanced Methods for Big Data Analytics (LAMBDA) research cluster that focuses on the integration of AI with big data analytics to enable strategic decision making and enhance business performance. The university also conducts AI research in areas such as healthcare, law, and sustainability, often through interdisciplinary efforts involving the Digital Innovation Facility and Virtual Engineering Centre.”

Davies emphasizes the machine learning techniques to real-world challenges, like the optimization of complex supply chains. “There is also work exploring how AI is transforming key areas, including sustainability, finance, and the creative industries, like music,” Davies says. “We have experts working at the intersection of AI and business ethics, helping to shape more responsible digital futures.”

Industry collaboration helps Liverpool enhance real-world relevance. “One of the most notable partnerships is with IBM, with the University of Liverpool being the first UK institution to sign a Joint Study Agreement with IBM Research,” Kasapidis says. “This collaboration has provided students with valuable opportunities, including student internships, access to IBM Watson tools, and guest lectures from IBM professionals, such as Jez Bassinder, who recently spoke to students about both the practical and ethical dimensions of Generative AI.”

Kasapidis says the school also engages with external experts to bring industry insights into the classroom. “Such interactions bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, helping students better understand the societal and professional implications of AI,” he says.

Davies says depending on the program, Liverpool accommodates a wide range of AI skill levels from beginners exploring ChatGPT to advanced learners coding bespoke offline models. “Students can engage with live industry briefs involving AI challenges, adaptive learning AI simulations, and of course, the chance to explore all manner of Generative AI platforms,” Davies says. “For example, we have held seminar activities when we teach our BA Business Management Students how to ‘finetune’ LLMs through the process of building their own GPT on the OpenAI ChatGPT platform. On the AI for Digital Business MSc programme, we take this further moving beyond ‘no-code’ options and teaching students how they can create their own bespoke AI tools with offline models using code.”

REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS KEY FOR BHATIA

All of those research and industry partnerships are what initially drew Bhatia to the program at Liverpool. “The OSCM programme at Liverpool stood out because it combined the principles of supply chain management with cutting-edge analytical techniques,” Bhatia explains. “The Big Data Analysis specialisation was a big draw for me, it wasn’t just about traditional supply chain methodologies but about leveraging AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to optimise operations.”

And it was through hands-on learning experiences that Bhatia gained the most out of the program, including a visit to the Airbus factory. “Getting a closer look at their operations and seeing how such a massive supply chain functions in real-time was incredibly insightful,” Bhatia says. “It was fascinating to see the level of precision and logistics involved in aerospace manufacturing, and it really reinforced the importance of data-driven decision-making in operations.”

Bhatia advises future students to pick a program with those sorts of industry connections and opportunities for hands-on learning. “AI is no longer just for tech experts — it’s becoming a crucial tool in business strategy, operations, and decision-making,” he advises. “My advice is to develop both technical and business acumen. Learn programming languages like Python, get hands-on with data analysis tools like SQL and Tableau, and most importantly, understand how AI can be applied to solve real-world business problems.”