AI for Beginners - An Overview for Business Professionals

Name: AI for Beginners - An Overview for Business Professionals
Rating: 4.3 (174 reviews)

Learn the basics of AI in business, how AI works, and how to evaluate its suitability for your business

Created byRichard Maxwell, Leighanne Miles

Last updated 5/2025

English

What you'll learn

Learn Generative AI technology basics in a business context
An understanding of common AI terms that business professionals should know
Learn the key AI technology concepts for Text, Speech, Image and Video based Gen AI
What questions to ask when evaluating AI solutions
Understand limitations of the technology

Course content

1 section • 8 lectures • 1h 3m total length

A Brief History of AI in Business4:27
This lesson walks through the evolution of AI in business, starting from the 1950s through to the present day, giving business professionals a grounding in how AI has developed and covering previous AI hype cycles, thought leadership and key historic moments.
Key Terminology and Concepts used in AI4:26
In this lesson we cover off the different terminology used in AI, different types of AI, and how they all relate to each other.
Key terminology and concepts in AI
Understanding AI's Text Capabilities in Business13:04
In this lesson, we explore the transformative power of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) in AI, highlighting their applications in text understanding, text generation, and more. We explore the capabilities of LLMs like GPT-4, BERT, and LLAMA. The lesson also discusses Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and developing custom LLMs to meet specific business needs, emphasizing the strategic importance of adopting AI for competitive advantage.
Understanding AI's text capabilties
Understanding AI's Image Capabilities in Business14:19
In this lesson we'll explore the powerful graphical and image-based capabilities that AI offers. We delve into key areas such as image recognition and classification, image generation and enhancement, and image analysis. Discover how AI can identify objects and scenes, generate and improve images, and extract valuable information from visual data. You'll learn about the benefits, limitations, and practical applications across various industries, from healthcare and retail to marketing and manufacturing.
Understanding AI's image capabilities in AI
Understanding AI's Speech Capabilities in Business9:49
In this lesson we go through the different terminology, capabilities and use cases of AI related to Speech, including speech analysis, text to speech, speech to text and natural language processing. We cover off some of the pitfalls in this area and key vendors that you can use to develop capabilities.
Understanding AI's Speech Capabilities in Business
Understanding AI's Video Capabilities9:03
In this lesson we'll explore the world of AI-powered video technology. Learn how Video AI can analyze, interpret, enhance, and generate video content, revolutionizing various industries from surveillance and security to media and entertainment. Discover key capabilities like video content analysis, facial recognition, emotion detection, and video generation. Understand their applications and limitations to harness these technologies effectively.
Understanding AI's Video Capabilities
Important considerations when evaluating AI for your business5:51
This lesson covers the key aspects to consider when evaluating AI capability to solve business problems. We guide you through essential questions to answer before implementing AI, applicable to any AI type. We cover critical factors such as setting measurable goals, determining the required level of AI customisation, evaluating data quality and accessibility, and assessing the maturity of AI capabilities. This lesson aims to help you navigate the complexities of AI opportunity assessment.
Important considerations when evaluating AI for your business
Bonus Lecture: Where to take your learning next2:54

Requirements

Working knowledge of business

Description

Unlock the potential of AI in your business with our AI for Beginners course. Tailored for business professionals, this course helps anyone in business learn what they need to know about AI (including Generative AI), so that they can evaluate AI and have informed conversations about AI in their business. It is a AI technology "primer" that takes you through the technology of AI, but always in a business context. This course:

Gives you a Brief History of AI in Business - Understand the evolution of AI and its impact on business.
Teaches You Key Concepts and Terminology - Get familiar with essential AI concepts and jargon you’ll encounter.
Gives you an Understanding of Current AI Capabilities - Learn about the latest AI technologies and their practical applications in business.
Helps You To Evaluate AI Use Cases - Arm yourself with critical questions to determine if AI is right for your business needs.

Who This Course is For:

Business Professionals seeking a high-level overview of AI technology and use cases.
Professionals looking to integrate AI into their business strategies.
Anyone interested in understanding the core concepts and terminology of AI technologies.

What You Will Learn:

The History and Evolving State of AI: Trace the development of AI and its growing role in business.
Key Concepts and Terminology: Master the fundamental terms and ideas in AI.
AI Capabilities and Maturity: Discover current AI technologies, their readiness for business, practical use cases and limitations.
Effective Communication with Technical Teams: Learn the right questions to ask when discussing AI solutions with technical teams and partners.
Next Steps in Your AI Learning Journey: Helps you plan your next step in learning about AI

Course Structure:

This concise course is designed for flexibility, allowing you to explore specific topics based on your role and interests in business. Please note, this course does not dive deeply into specific AI tools or technologies. It is not a "ChatGPT in business" or "How to do deep learning" course, but a AI technology primer for business professionals.

Recent updates:

6 quizzes added to aid learnings retention

Learn from Experts, not Professional Course Creators:

This AI course is designed to cut through the hype and scepticism surrounding artificial intelligence and Generative AI. Learn from experienced business leaders, consultants, and executives who have over 40 years of combined experience in digital transformation and technology. Our experts have worked with large blue-chip organisations, start-ups, and SMEs across the US, UK, Europe, and Oceania. Gain real-world knowledge to effectively leverage AI in your business.

Who this course is for:

Business Leaders and aspiring leaders that want to learn about AI in a business context, and don't want to go into technical detail.