Teaching AI effectively in business schools requires a deep understanding of various disciplines, including computer science, statistics, mathematics, business strategy, ethics, and social responsibility. To address this challenge, business schools are developing courses that combine these disciplines. For example, an MBA program at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business has introduced an AI and Business course that integrates business strategy, ethics, and AI technology. This course requires professors with expertise in both business and AI, demonstrating the need for interdisciplinary knowledge in teaching AI in business schools.
Another example of interdisciplinary AI education in business schools is a course on AI and its impact on strategy and business models offered at MIT’s Sloan School of Management. The course covers topics such as AI algorithms, data analytics, and business strategy, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge in AI education. These examples demonstrate how business schools are leveraging interdisciplinary knowledge to effectively teach AI.
Rapid Pace of Technological Change
The rapid pace of technological change poses a significant challenge for business schools. AI-related job postings increased by 450% from 2010 to 2020, according to a study published in the Journal of Information Technology Education. This rapid growth highlights the importance of keeping the curriculum up-to-date, as AI technologies evolve rapidly.
The challenge of keeping up with technological change is further emphasized by a survey conducted by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), which found that 80% of AI professors reported that their curriculum was outdated within two years of development. This underscores the need for business schools to continuously update their AI courses to keep up with technological advancements.
Partnerships with Industry
To address the challenges of teaching AI, business schools are partnering with technology companies and consulting firms to develop AI-focused curriculum and provide students with hands-on experience in using AI in real-world business scenarios.
One example of such a partnership is between Harvard Business School and the analytics software company SAS, which has resulted in a course on AI for Managers. This course integrates business strategy and AI technology, leveraging the expertise of industry professionals and academia.
Another example is the collaboration between Columbia Business School and the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, which has led to the development of a course on AI and Business Strategy. This course provides students with hands-on experience in using AI tools and techniques to solve real-world business problems.
These examples demonstrate how partnerships with industry can help business schools effectively teach AI by providing access to industry expertise, helping to keep the curriculum up-to-date, and offering students hands-on experience in using AI in practical business scenarios.