New Technologies for Business Leaders from Coursera

This introductory course is developed for high level business people (and those on their way) who want a broad understanding of new Information Technologies and understand their potential for business functions (e.g. marketing, supply change management, finance). This is not a course for people looking for guidance on how to become a deep technical expert or implement these technologies.

From Blockchain over Artificial Intelligence to Virtual Reality technologies: This course will empower business leaders to embrace the concepts and bring the state of the art information technologies into their organizations to improve client and customer engagement and ultimately the bottom line of their businesses. Instead of digital disruption, the new technologies and management methods will become the foundation of a Digital Transformation journey for better customer relationship management and client satisfaction.

The content is structured in a way that promotes discussions on challenges that business management and marketing functions face due to the rise of new technologies such blockchain, cryptocurrencies, internet of things (IoT), virtual, mixed and augmented reality (VR/AR), artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. This course will use case studies to explore frameworks, tools, and strategies that are already proven in the real world and prepare ourselves and our organizations to have the tools needed to succeed in a fast and changing world. This course is not a deep technical curriculum, but based on thousands of hours helping (often C-level) executives to grasp the technologies' potential in their own areas of expertise.

This course is available in English.

What's inside

Syllabus

INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

This module will introduce business professionals to the concept and underlying trends of Digital Transformation as they relate to business strategy and especially to customer engagement. Compared to the earlier industrial revolutions, the so called fourth revolution, Digital Transformation, opens opportunities, creates challenges and requires new and creative cross functional collaboration at a much accelerated trajectory. Business leaders need to have an understanding of Digital Transformation and assess the current state of their companies regarding the use, misuse, or lack of the new technologies. The module provides the comprehensive understanding of the technology driven revolution and frameworks to discuss and implement digital transformation projects that can include VR/AR, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and Blockchain technologies.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a broad understanding of how Information Technologies are revolutionizing business functions (e.g., marketing, supply chain, and finance)

Designed for high-level business professionals and others who want to understand the implications of new technologies for their organizations

Emphasizes the practical applications of these technologies in the real world, providing case studies and examples

Uses a multi-modal approach, including videos, readings, and discussions, to provide a more well-rounded learning experience

Taught by experienced business professionals who have a deep understanding of the impact of new technologies on business

Assumes no prior technical knowledge, making it accessible to learners from a variety of backgrounds

Reviews summary

High-level tech for business leaders

According to learners, this course provides a positive high-level overview of key new technologies like AI, Blockchain, IoT, and VR/AR, specifically tailored for business leaders and non-technical professionals. Many found the case studies and practical examples particularly useful for understanding real-world applications and strategic implications. However, some students found the course too superficial or too basic if they had prior knowledge or were seeking more depth on strategic implementation, indicating it is best suited as a foundational introduction.

Instructors are clear and engaging.

"The instructor was clear."

"The instructor was engaging, and the content was relevant and up-to-date."

Case studies help apply concepts to business.

"The case studies were particularly insightful, showing real-world business applications."

"The examples and case studies made it easy to connect the dots."

"Found this course very informative... The case studies were helpful for visualizing applications."

"The case studies were a highlight."

Great introduction for non-technical leaders.

"This course was exactly what I needed as a non-technical leader. It provides a fantastic high-level overview..."

"Excellent course for business leaders! It demystifies terms... The focus on *why* these matter for business is spot on."

"Perfect course for its target audience... It clearly explains the concepts and uses cases. The focus is on business impact, not technical architecture."

"It covers a broad range of technologies and presents them in a way that is accessible to business professionals."

Some sections feel rushed or less structured.

"My only minor complaint is the Blockchain module felt a little less structured compared to others..."

"Some sections were better than others. Felt a bit rushed at times."

Too superficial for those seeking more detail.

"While the course description says it's for business leaders, I found it too superficial."

"Too basic, too superficial... If you have any prior exposure to these topics, you won't learn much."

"For someone who already had some basic understanding... it felt a bit too introductory. I was hoping for a little more detail..."

"It's definitely only scratching the surface... leaves you wanting more depth on how to actually use these ideas in practice."

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 New Technologies for Business Leaders with these activities:

Course Materials Compilation

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Consolidate and review course materials by organizing notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams, reinforcing key concepts and improving retention.

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Organize your notes and assignments by topic
Review your notes regularly
Create summaries or flashcards for key concepts

Read "Technology Tools for Today's Business"

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Create a strong foundation by understanding the impact of modern technologies on the contemporary business landscape.

View Biotech Industry: A Global, Economic, and... on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-4
Summarize the key concepts
Identify potential applications to your own business

AI and Big Data Discussion Group

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Engage with peers to discuss the latest advancements and ethical implications of AI and Big Data, fostering a deeper understanding of their impact.

Browse courses on Artificial Intelligence

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Join or create a discussion group
Participate in weekly or bi-weekly discussions
Share resources and insights

Five other activities

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AI Chatbot Development Tutorial

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Follow guided tutorials to build your own AI chatbot, enhancing your understanding of AI principles and natural language processing.

Browse courses on Artificial Intelligence

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Find an AI chatbot development tutorial
Follow the steps to create your own chatbot
Test your chatbot and make improvements

VR/AR Simulations

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Immerse yourself in VR/AR simulations to experience these technologies firsthand and grasp their potential applications.

Browse courses on virtual reality

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Try out different VR/AR simulations
Analyze the capabilities and limitations of each technology
Brainstorm ideas for using VR/AR in your business

VR/AR Design Workshop

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Acquire practical experience in VR/AR design principles and techniques through hands-on workshops, refining your ability to create immersive experiences.

Browse courses on virtual reality

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Attend a VR/AR design workshop
Learn about 3D modeling, animation, and interaction design
Create a VR/AR prototype

IoT Implementation Plan

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Develop a comprehensive plan to implement IoT solutions in your organization, outlining the benefits, challenges, and potential ROI.

Browse courses on Internet of Things

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Define the scope and objectives of your IoT implementation
Identify potential use cases and applications
Research and select appropriate IoT devices and platforms
Develop a security and data management plan

Blockchain Hackathon

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Participate in a Blockchain hackathon to apply your knowledge, collaborate with others, and develop innovative solutions using this emerging technology.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Find a hackathon to participate in
Form a team or work independently
Develop a Blockchain-based solution
Present your solution to a panel of judges

Career center

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

Chief Technology Officer

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` will help you understand how to use new technologies to improve your business, which is essential for a Chief Technology Officer. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. You will learn how these technologies can be used to improve customer engagement, supply chain management, and other business functions. This course will also help you develop the skills you need to lead a team of technologists and implement new technologies in your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Technology Officer

Information Technology Manager

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` will help you understand how to use new technologies to improve your business, which is essential for an Information Technology Manager. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. You will learn how these technologies can be used to improve customer engagement, supply chain management, and other business functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager

Chief Digital Officer

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` will help you understand how to use new technologies to improve your business, which is essential for a Chief Digital Officer. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. You will learn how these technologies can be used to improve customer engagement, supply chain management, and other business functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Digital Officer

Digital Transformation Manager

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` will help you understand how to use new technologies to improve your business, which is essential for a Digital Transformation Manager. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. You will learn how these technologies can be used to improve customer engagement, supply chain management, and other business functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Transformation Manager

Business Analyst

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` will help you understand how to use new technologies to improve your business, which is essential for a Business Analyst. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. You will learn how these technologies can be used to improve customer engagement, supply chain management, and other business functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` will help you understand how to use new technologies to improve your business, which is essential for a Project Manager. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. You will learn how these technologies can be used to improve customer engagement, supply chain management, and other business functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Marketing Manager

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` may be useful for a Marketing Manager. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. You will learn how these technologies can be used to improve customer engagement, supply chain management, and other business functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` may be useful for a Sales Manager. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. You will learn how these technologies can be used to improve customer engagement, supply chain management, and other business functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Customer Success Manager

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` may be useful for a Customer Success Manager. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. You will learn how these technologies can be used to improve customer engagement, supply chain management, and other business functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Success Manager

Data Scientist

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` may be useful for a Data Scientist. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. You will learn how these technologies can be used to improve customer engagement, supply chain management, and other business functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Engineer

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` may be useful for a Software Engineer. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. You will learn how these technologies can be used to improve customer engagement, supply chain management, and other business functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` may be useful for a Web Developer. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. You will learn how these technologies can be used to improve customer engagement, supply chain management, and other business functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Graphic Designer

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` may be useful for a Graphic Designer. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies.

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Content Writer

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` may be useful for a Content Writer. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Social Media Manager

The course `New Technologies for Business Leaders` may be useful for a Social Media Manager. This course will teach you about blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager