As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries, the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah is addressing a pressing need among organizations to establish a clear AI strategy.
In Utah, businesses are witnessing a transformation driven by AI technologies. Startups are innovating, enterprise teams are experimenting with pilot projects, and investors are increasingly directing funds towards automation.
Yet, despite this surge of activity, many companies are still grappling with uncertainty regarding how to effectively implement AI. Leaders in these organizations are often faced with the daunting task of figuring out the best approach to leverage AI, yet they frequently lack the necessary tools and time to do so.
The result is often a landscape marked by fragmented experiments, internal conflict, and the anxiety of falling behind competitors.
The challenge isn’t one of interest but rather a deficiency in strategic direction.
To assist leaders in navigating this complex terrain, the University of Utah’s Executive Education team is launching a two-day course titled ‘Developing an AI Strategy for Your Business.’ This program is specifically designed for executives and decision-makers looking to transition from mere curiosity about AI to actionable strategies that drive significant business results.
This course aims to instill clarity rather than complicate matters. Participants will confront critical questions relevant to their industries, such as realistic use cases for AI, balancing innovation with inherent risks, and assigning ownership of AI initiatives within their organizations.
Attendees will engage in peer discussions and guided workshops that allow them to explore practical frameworks for assessing AI readiness and aligning AI projects with overarching business objectives. By the end of the course, participants will leave with a tangible product: a customized roadmap designed specifically for their business’s AI strategy.
The urgency for organizations to act on AI initiatives is palpable. AI capabilities are evolving from being a competitive differentiator to an essential standard in contemporary business practices.
Companies that seize this moment to integrate AI into their operations—whether for automating workflows, enhancing forecasting models, or reimagining the customer experience—will invariably position themselves advantageously in their respective markets.
Conversely, businesses that delay may find themselves addressing challenges that their more proactive competitors have already resolved.
This course is tailored specifically for those at the helm of business strategy who are charged with realizing the potential of AI within their organizations, even without a technical background. It is particularly suited for:
– Executives or directors who are experiencing pressure to implement AI solutions.
– Business unit leaders intent on increasing efficiency, revenue, or generating valuable insights through AI.
– Operators or strategists focused on aligning AI projects with broader organizational aims.
– Founders interested in building scalable processes without an established AI team.
– Functional managers preparing to take the lead on cross-departmental AI initiatives.
If your organization is turning to you with critical questions about AI, this course will equip you to respond with confidence and a strategic plan.
‘Developing an AI Strategy for Your Business’ is presented as an in-person course through the Executive Education program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business. This offering is tailored for high-level decision-makers eager to shift from theoretical engagement with AI to practical implementation.
The course will be facilitated by Matt Pecsok, MSBA, a distinguished educator and AI strategist with over 25 years of experience in analytics and product development. His diverse background encompasses roles such as lead data scientist at the Utah Education Policy Center and technical product manager for AI platforms at Optum.
Participants will also be eligible for credit toward the Executive Leadership Certificate, which focuses on preparing professionals to lead teams amidst the evolving challenges presented by technology, strategy, and innovation.
Key takeaways from the course include:
– A bespoke AI roadmap tailored to each participant’s organization.
– A framework for evaluating AI vendors, pilot projects, and organizational readiness.
– Insights into successful AI applications across different industries.
– Guidance on effective buy-in, adoption strategies, and achieving measurable outcomes.
– Access to a network of peers facing similar AI-related challenges.
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