AI is reshaping the way we do business—creating unprecedented opportunities while also introducing disruptive challenges for organizations of every size and sector. In this course, we examine AI through a strategic lens: how organizations can harness AI for transformation, and how AI is redefining competitive dynamics, industry boundaries, and the nature of work.

By integrating theory with practice, students will critically assess when, where, and how AI generates value, and explore the leadership and governance capabilities required to steer AI initiatives from conception to large-scale deployment.

The course follows an interactive approach, combining business cases, cutting-edge AI research, practitioner articles, and hands-on experimentation with AI tools.

Part 1: Foundations — AI for Business

The first part of the course builds a strategic and managerial foundation for understanding AI in organizations. Sessions combine lectures, discussions, case analyses, and practical exercises.

Core topics include:

• Firm-Level Transformation (via business cases)

• The AI Value Chain & Industry Disruption

• AI-Driven Strategic Decision-Making

• Human–AI Collaboration

• The Strategic Use of AI Tools

• AGI & the Future of Work

Part 2: Applied Project with Holzkern

In the second part of the course, students will work in teams on an applied project in collaboration with our business partner, Holzkern.

Students will apply the concepts, frameworks, and tools introduced in Part 1 to a real-world business context. The specific project focus, scope, and guiding questions will be communicated during the course in coordination with the partner organization.

The project is designed to:

• Bridge theory and practice

• Develop strategic thinking around AI applications

• Strengthen problem-framing, analysis, and communication skills in an organizational setting

• Grasp key strategic implications of AI for firms and industries

• Recognize main organizational challenges and enablers of AI adoption

• Formulate broad approaches to integrating AI into decision-making and workflows

• Appreciate evolving roles of humans and intelligent systems in the workplace

• Develop an informed outlook on how emerging AI trends may shape future work and competition

40 % Continuous assessment in-class: individual & group deliverables plus active participation.

40 % Business Partner Project

20 % Take-home assignment

Please log in with your WU account to use all functionalities of read!t. For off-campus access to our licensed electronic resources, remember to activate your VPN connection connection. In case you encounter any technical problems or have questions regarding read!t, please feel free to contact the library at readinglists@wu.ac.at.