Strategic Decision-Making with AI (MSB260)

In this course, we delve into the intersection of competitive strategy and artificial intelligence (AI), providing students with a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the complexities of today's business landscape. Students will learn how core concepts from strategic analytics and managerial economics can be applied to develop and determine strategies that allow them to grow a firm's profits within specific competitive contexts, with an added focus on AI. While AI may seem daunting, we have designed this course to be accessible, ensuring that students can confidently leverage these tools regardless of their technical background. By merging AI methodologies with traditional strategic principles, our goal is to empower students with the capability to make informed, data-driven decisions in a landscape where competitors are equally knowledgeable and consumers are highly informed. In today's fast-paced business environment, AI plays a crucial role in giving organizations a competitive edge. This course prepares students to be at the forefront of the AI ​​revolution, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to leverage AI for strategic advantage and drive their organizations forward.

NB! This is an elective course and may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled by January 6th for the spring semester.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

MSB260

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Content

The course covers a range of topics that blend classic competitive strategy with the latest AI applications, utilizing common software such as Excel and Python, including:

  • Utilizing principles from strategic analytics and managerial economics to devise growth strategies and enhance profits, while also gaining an understanding of AI basics.
  • Demand analysis, business forecasting, and industry analysis in the digital age.
  • Competitor dynamics, positioning, and competitive advantage in an AI-driven world.
  • Product differentiation, pricing strategies, and advertising optimization using AI insights.
  • Strategic behavior, game theory, and quantitative methods for analyzing industry competitiveness.

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to analyze and solve real-world business problems, such as enhancing competitive positioning, optimizing product portfolios, and identifying strategic market opportunities, using AI tools.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: Upon completion of the course, students will have a solid understanding of:

  • Strategic principles in competitive markets and industry analysis.
  • Fundamental statistical concepts and data analysis methods.
  • Core concepts of machine learning and deep learning.
  • Application of AI tools in solving strategic business decisions.

Skills: Students will be able to:

  • Utilize common software such as Excel and Python for strategic decision-making.
  • Conduct market analysis and profit optimization.
  • Develop and implement competitive strategies using AI insights.
  • Optimize advertising and pricing tactics and budgets.
  • Analyze competitive dynamics and industry competitiveness using AI tools.

This course utilizes cutting-edge AI software from Python, providing students with hands-on experience in applying AI tools to strategic business decisions. Additionally, students will work on a comprehensive hands-on project that simulates real-world strategic challenges faced by businesses today. AI methodologies can significantly enhance strategic decision-making by providing deeper insights, predicting future trends, and optimizing operations. In this course, students will learn how to integrate AI tools with traditional strategic principles to develop innovative solutions that address complex business challenges.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Term paper and school exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Term paper in groups 45/100 1 Semesters Letter grades
School exam 55/100 4 Hours Letter grades Valid calculator

The final grade is based on a group project and a final individual exam. No re-sit. The term paper (45%): work in groups of 3-4 students. Due at the end of the term.Individual digital written exam (55%).

Coursework requirements

Assignments, Attendance to 2/3 of all lectures
The assignments are given in the form of individual practice questions or group work.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Robert Kreuzbauer

Study Program Director:

Yuko Onozaka

Method of work

In this course, you will learn through a mixture of traditional lectures, instruction videos, learning sessions, data analytics sessions, and individual study. Lectures provide the basic theoretical and analytical concepts, while both learning and data analytics sessions will be problem/project-based in interactive and collaborative settings.

Open for

Industrial Economics - Master of Science Degree Programme Master of Science in Accounting and Auditing Business Administration - Master of Science
Exchange programmes at UIS Business School

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

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