Description
Curriculum
Instructor
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/ai-foundations-business-professionals
Course Overview
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Course Title | AI Foundations for Business Professionals Specialization |
| Institution | Saïd Business School, University of Oxford |
| Platform | Coursera |
| Instructor | Matthias Holweg |
| Level | Beginner (No prior experience required) |
| Delivery Type | Self-paced, Fully Online |
| Certificate | Shareable Certificate (add to LinkedIn / resume) |
| Certificate Fee | Paid (enroll + certificate) – subscription or Coursera Plus applies |
| Access to Content | Free to audit (no certificate) / Paid for certificate |
| Duration | ~4 weeks (approx. 10 hours per week) |
| Effort Required | ~40 hours total |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Languages | English + 11 subtitle languages |
| Last Update | July 2025 |
2. Learning Outcomes
| No. | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Understand core AI concepts, machine learning, and deep learning and their business value. |
| 2 | Distinguish generative and agentic AI from traditional models with practical applications. |
| 3 | Learn ethical considerations and governance strategies for AI deployment. |
| 4 | Assess and manage AI risks including system failures and bias mitigation. |
| 5 | Apply AI frameworks to strategic business decision-making. |
| 6 | Develop insights into responsible AI integration in organizations. |
(Source: Overview & course modules descriptions) Coursera
3. Course Modules (Specialization Breakdown)
| Course | Module / Focus | Topics Covered | Key Activities / Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Essentials | Core AI Concepts | Machine learning basics, neural networks, deep learning, practical AI use cases | Case studies + concept assessments |
| Generative and Agentic AI | Generative Models | Prompting, fine-tuning, retrieval methods, agentic AI evaluation | Practical guiding of generative systems |
| AI Governance | Ethics & Governance | Governance frameworks, risk evaluation, ethical AI deployment | Strategy frameworks + risk management exercises |
(Approx. hours per course: ~13-14 hours each) Coursera
4. Course Materials
| Material Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Video Lectures | Recorded expert-led videos covering theory and business cases |
| Readings | Optional curated readings and articles |
| Assignments | Assessments and case worksheets in each course |
| Projects | Scenario-based application tasks and strategy exercises |
| Quizzes | Topic checks to reinforce learning |
| Discussion Boards | Peer discussions and Q&A (public/forum) |
(Source: Coursera Specialization typical structure + course pages) Coursera
5. Skills Gained
| Category | Skills |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | AI fundamentals, machine learning insights |
| Generative AI | Prompting, large language insights, agentic concepts |
| Responsible AI | Ethics, governance frameworks, risk mitigation |
| Business Strategy | AI integration planning, workflow transformation strategies |
| Decision-Making | Strategic thinking with AI tools |
| AI Risk Management | Bias detection, accountability strategies |
(Source: Skills & learning outcomes sections) Coursera
6. Assessment Structure
| Component | Weight / Importance |
|---|---|
| Quizzes & Concept Checks | Medium |
| Assignments | Medium |
| Case Analyses / Projects | High |
| Peer Discussions | Low |
| Capstone / Applied Tasks | Moderate (embedded in modules) |
(General Coursera specialization format) Coursera
7. Certificate Information
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Issuer | Coursera & Saïd Business School, University of Oxford |
| Verification | Verified digital certificate with Coursera ID |
| Format | Digital Certificate |
| Add to LinkedIn | Yes |
| Credential Type | Specialization Certificate |
| Recognition | Widely recognized for business/AI understanding |
8. Who This Course Is For
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Leaders | Executives and managers seeking AI strategic insight |
| Professionals | Non-technical professionals exploring AI impact |
| Career Switchers | People moving toward AI-enhanced roles |
| Strategy Planners | Decision makers in digital transformation |
| General Learners | Anyone curious about responsible AI in business |
9. Tools & Technologies Used
| Category | Tools / Topics |
|---|---|
| AI Concepts | Machine learning, neural networks |
| Generative AI | Retrieval augmented generation, agentic systems |
| Strategy Frameworks | Governance models, ethical standards |
| Business Integration | Decision frameworks, risk assessment |
10. Summary
The AI Foundations for Business Professionals Specialization from Saïd Business School (Oxford) on Coursera is a beginner-friendly, fully online specialization designed for business professionals wanting strategic AI literacy. It covers AI basics, generative and agentic technologies, and the ethical governance of AI in organizational contexts. Completing the specialization awards a shareable digital certificate suitable for LinkedIn or CVs and equips learners with practical strategic insights for responsible AI deployment in business environments
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/ai-foundations-business-professionals
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