AI for Business Leaders from Udacity

The AI for Business Leaders program is designed for those looking to deepen their understanding of Artificial Intelligence and the innovations in the field of Machine Learning that have driven its recent progress. The program is designed to arm students with a deep but approachable knowledge of how these systems work and what it takes to put them into practice. Throughout the program, we’ll follow a fictitious retailer in order to gain practice in making discriminating judgements on what AI use cases might be best for a given business at a given point in time. In the final project, students will replicate this experience, applying a similar series of exercises to a business of their choosing.

What's inside

Syllabus

We’ll begin studying machine learning and artificial intelligence. You’ll develop an understanding of their potential and the language to talk about AI and ML with your team, and build your first model!

This lesson will take a deeper dive into AI and ML techniques using a data-first perspective. We’ll also explore the mathematical underpinnings of how ML models learn.

This lesson focuses on capabilities and architectures commonly used in ML/AI systems, and develops student skills with building these architectures, including the data, capabilities, and user layers.

Machine Learning is a data-hungry process. In this lesson, we’ll talk about some of the more operational elements of building ML and AI systems, namely data labeling and infrastructure management.

What does it mean for a model to be useful? In this lesson, we’ll explore topics like accuracy and precision as well as model overfit and underfit, to figure out ways to assess a model’s usefulness.

Building support for an AI/Machine Learning project is an important part of the journey. We’ll talk about best practices for clearly understanding the priorities of your business and communicating how AI/ML can help to advance them.

Many times, progress with ML/AI requires a business to execute several projects in parallel. In this lesson, we’ll talk about how to bring use cases together to form a greater whole.

In this project, you will apply all the skills you’ve learned in the lessons to develop a strategic ML/AI roadmap. You may choose to work on your own business, or in a fictitious context we provide.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Describes real-world examples of AI use cases, making the topic relatable and applicable

Emphasizes practical skills through hands-on exercises, fostering an active learning environment

Led by experienced instructors with a proven track record in the field, ensuring high-quality content

Guided through a comprehensive curriculum covering fundamental concepts and advanced techniques

Suitable for individuals with varying backgrounds, offering a balance of foundational and specialized knowledge

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in AI for Business Leaders with these activities:

Read 'Artificial Intelligence for Dummies'

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Gain a comprehensive overview of AI and ML concepts in a beginner-friendly format, expanding your foundational knowledge.

View Artificial Intelligence For Dummies (For... on Amazon

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Review the basics of probability and statistics

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Refresh your foundational knowledge in probability and statistics, which are essential for understanding AI/ML concepts.

Browse courses on Probability

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Revisit the concepts of probability distributions, central limit theorem, and hypothesis testing.
Solve practice problems to reinforce your understanding.

Follow a tutorial on building a chatbot using natural language processing (NLP)

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Explore the practical applications of AI/ML by building a chatbot that interacts with users using natural language.

Browse courses on Natural Language Processing

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Find a tutorial on chatbot development using NLP.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step to build your chatbot.
Test and refine your chatbot's performance.

Four other activities

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Summarize key concepts from each lesson

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Reinforce your understanding of the core principles discussed in the lessons by actively summarizing and organizing the material.

Browse courses on Artificial Intelligence

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Review the lesson content and identify key concepts.
Write a brief summary of each concept, highlighting its significance.

Practice implementing ML/AI algorithms in Python

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Develop proficiency in implementing ML/AI algorithms using Python, the industry-standard language for data science.

Browse courses on Python

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Choose a dataset and define the ML/AI problem.
Select appropriate Python libraries and algorithms.
Implement the ML/AI algorithm in Python.
Evaluate the performance of your implementation.

Design an infographic illustrating the ML/AI project roadmap

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Enhance your understanding of the practical steps involved in developing an AI/ML project by visualizing it in an infographic.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Identify the key stages of the project roadmap.
Choose appropriate visuals and design elements to represent each stage.
Create a visually engaging and informative infographic.

Develop a small-scale, end-to-end AI/ML application

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Build hands-on experience with the fundamentals of AI/ML, applying your theoretical knowledge to a practical setting.

Browse courses on Artificial Intelligence

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Career center

Learners who complete AI for Business Leaders will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers develop, deploy, and maintain ML models, ensuring that they perform as expected. Course participants in the AI for Business Leaders program will find that this coursework provides a strong foundation in the development, testing, and deployment of ML models. Concepts such as data labeling, model overfitting, and model underfitting are critical knowledge areas for Machine Learning Engineers in any industry. Additionally, the focus on the business applications of AI in this program will set learners apart in a competitive job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists gather, analyze, interpret, and present data in order to help businesses make informed decisions. As AI becomes more popular, it is being used to enhance and automate many of these processes. Course participants who plan to work as Data Scientists will find the AI for Business Leaders program particularly useful, as it helps build a foundation in AI and ML technologies that can be applied directly to roles and responsibilities in this field. Additionally, many Data Scientists work with cross-functional teams including business leaders, so exposure to the perspectives and priorities of business leaders in this course will be especially valuable.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use advanced technologies and mathematic techniques to analyze quantitative data for a variety of functions such as risk management, trading strategies and financial modeling. The AI for Business Leaders program could be especially useful for anyone aspiring to be a Quantitative Analyst, as it provides a foundation in the development and application of AI and ML models, which are essential tools for this role. Coursework in machine learning, data labeling, and model assessment provide skills that can lead directly to success in this role.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a wide range of business issues, including strategy, operations, and technology. The AI for Business Leaders program could be especially useful for Management Consultants, as it provides a strong foundation in the business applications of AI and ML technologies. Course participants will benefit from exposure to the strategic planning and management of AI projects, as well as the perspectives and priorities of business leaders, which will prepare them to advise clients on the adoption and implementation of AI solutions.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for developing and launching new products or features, and typically work closely with teams across an organization, including business leaders, engineers, and marketers. The AI for Business Leaders program can be especially useful for aspiring Product Managers who plan to work with AI-powered products or services, as it provides a broad understanding of AI fundamentals, applications, and business value. Course participants will benefit from exposure to the strategic planning and management of AI projects, as well as the perspectives and priorities of business leaders, which will prepare them to succeed in this role.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve complex business problems, often involving the optimization of processes and resources. The AI for Business Leaders program could be especially useful for Operations Research Analysts, as it provides a strong foundation in the use of data and analytical techniques to make informed decisions. Course participants will benefit from exposure to the business applications of AI, as well as the perspectives and priorities of business leaders, which will prepare them to apply their skills to real-world business problems.

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Product Marketing Manager

Product Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies for new products or services. The AI for Business Leaders program can be especially useful for aspiring Product Marketing Managers, as it will help them understand the potential of AI and ML technologies to create new products and services. Course participants will benefit from exposure to the strategic planning and management of AI projects, as well as the perspectives and priorities of business leaders, which will prepare them to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate those needs into technical requirements, which are then used to guide software development and implementation. The AI for Business Leaders program can be especially useful for Business Analysts who plan to support projects involving AI or ML technologies, as it will help them develop the vocabulary and knowledge needed to communicate effectively with technical teams and stakeholders. Additionally, this course places special emphasis on the business applications of AI, so Business Analysts can prepare for their role advising business leaders on how to evaluate and implement AI solutions.

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Data Architect

Data Architects design, build, and maintain data architectures, ensuring that data is organized and accessible to meet the needs of the business. The AI for Business Leaders program can help prepare individuals for the role of a Data Architect, as it provides a broad understanding of data management and the use of AI and ML technologies to improve data quality, security, and accessibility. Course participants will benefit from exposure to the strategic planning and management of AI projects, as well as the perspectives and priorities of business leaders, which will prepare them to succeed in this role.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide financial advice and guidance to individuals and organizations. The AI for Business Leaders program could be especially useful for Financial Analysts, as it provides a strong foundation in the use of data and analytical techniques to make informed decisions. Course participants will benefit from exposure to the business applications of AI, as well as the perspectives and priorities of business leaders, which will prepare them to apply their skills to real-world business problems.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines that collect, process, and store data. The AI for Business Leaders program can be especially useful for aspiring Data Engineers, as it will help them understand the potential of AI and ML technologies to improve data management practices. Course participants will benefit from exposure to the strategic planning and management of AI projects, as well as the perspectives and priorities of business leaders, which will prepare them to lead data engineering teams in the adoption and implementation of AI solutions.

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IT Manager

IT Managers plan, implement, and manage the IT infrastructure of an organization. The AI for Business Leaders program can be especially useful for aspiring IT Managers, as it will help them understand the potential of AI and ML technologies to improve IT operations and better support the business. Course participants will benefit from exposure to the strategic planning and management of AI projects, as well as the perspectives and priorities of business leaders, which will prepare them to lead IT teams in the adoption and implementation of AI solutions.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for generating new business opportunities for their organizations. The AI for Business Leaders program can be especially useful for aspiring Business Development Managers, as it will help them understand the potential of AI and ML technologies to create new products and services. Course participants will benefit from exposure to the strategic planning and management of AI projects, as well as the perspectives and priorities of business leaders, which will prepare them to identify and pursue new business opportunities.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks to an organization. The AI for Business Leaders program may be especially useful for aspiring Risk Managers, as it will help them understand the potential of AI and ML technologies to improve risk management practices. Course participants will benefit from exposure to the strategic planning and management of AI projects, as well as the perspectives and priorities of business leaders, which will prepare them to lead risk management teams in the adoption and implementation of AI solutions.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. The AI for Business Leaders program may be especially useful for Software Engineers who plan to work with AI or ML technologies, as it provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of these technologies. Course participants will benefit from exposure to the business applications of AI, as well as the perspectives and priorities of business leaders, which will prepare them to build software solutions that meet the needs of the business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer