The demands on business leaders are undergoing a significant shift. While financial performance and operational efficiency remain crucial, a new imperative is emerging: a deep understanding of artificial intelligence and its implications. This isn’t simply about adopting new technologies; it’s about navigating the complexities of machine learning, ensuring data integrity, and mitigating algorithmic bias – challenges that require a fundamentally redefined skillset at the executive level.
Research from the McKinsey Global Institute underscores this point. Companies effectively integrating AI have seen profit margins increase by as much as 15 percent. However, the same study reveals a stark reality: 87 percent of organizations report significant skill gaps in AI leadership. This disconnect between AI’s potential and executive preparedness is driving demand for new forms of professional education.
The Growing Leadership Skills Gap in the Age of AI
Traditional business education, focused on established disciplines like finance, marketing, and operations, wasn’t designed for an AI-driven economy. Today’s leaders need to move beyond simply understanding what AI can do and focus on how to evaluate investments, manage risks, and lead teams through digital transformations. This requires a new level of technical literacy coupled with strategic business acumen.
The need for AI fluency extends beyond the C-suite. Middle managers, project leaders, and department heads are increasingly finding that a grasp of AI principles is essential for career progression. The World Economic Forum predicted in 2020 that 50 percent of all employees would require reskilling by 2025, with AI-related competencies topping the list of required skills.
IEEE and Rutgers Collaborate on an AI-Focused Mini-MBA
Recognizing this critical skills gap, the IEEE has partnered with the Rutgers Business School to offer a specialized educational program designed to equip leaders for the AI era. The IEEE | Rutgers Online Mini-MBA: Artificial Intelligence program aims to bridge the gap between business strategy and AI literacy.
Unlike programs that treat AI as a separate technical subject, the IEEE | Rutgers Mini-MBA integrates it into every facet of business strategy. Students learn to assess AI opportunities through financial modeling, establish governance frameworks to manage algorithmic risks, and apply change-management principles to facilitate successful technology implementation.
A Curriculum Designed for Practical Impact
The program’s modular structure allows professionals to focus on areas most relevant to their immediate needs while building a comprehensive understanding of AI in business. Each of the ten modules incorporates practical exercises and case study analyses designed for immediate application within organizations.
The introductory module provides a broad overview of AI’s capabilities, benefits, and challenges. Subsequent modules delve into specific areas, such as data analytics and process optimization. The Data Analytics module emphasizes the differences between AI projects and traditional programming, focusing on data readiness and optimization for improved accuracy. This module is designed to help leaders determine if their organization is prepared to launch successful AI initiatives.
The Process Optimization module focuses on reimagining core organizational workflows using AI. Students explore how machine learning and automation are transforming industries like manufacturing, distribution, transportation, and healthcare. They learn to identify critical processes, create AI roadmaps, establish pilot programs, and prepare their organizations for change.
Industry-Specific Applications and Real-World Case Studies
While the core modules are applicable across industries, the program highlights how AI is being applied in specific sectors. By analyzing case studies in fraud detection, medical diagnostics, and predictive maintenance, participants gain a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and how they can be adapted to their own organizations.
Flexible Learning for Busy Professionals
Acknowledging the demanding schedules of senior professionals, the mini-MBA program offers a flexible online format. Participants can engage with the content at their own pace, while live virtual office hours with faculty provide opportunities for real-time interaction. The program offers discounts to IEEE members and flexible payment options, and may qualify for tuition reimbursement programs.
Graduates of the program have reported successfully implementing AI strategies developed during the course, leading to tangible business results and career advancement. The curriculum empowers graduates to confidently evaluate AI vendor proposals, lead AI project teams, and make informed investment decisions.
Beyond the curriculum, the mini-MBA fosters a valuable professional network among AI-focused business leaders. Participants collaborate on projects, share implementation experiences, and build relationships that extend beyond the program’s 12-week duration.
Specialized IEEE Training in AI Applications
To complement the mini-MBA program, IEEE offers targeted courses addressing specific AI applications in critical industries. These include courses on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Chip Design, Integrating Edge AI and Advanced Nanotechnology in Semiconductor Applications, Mastering AI Integration in Semiconductor Manufacturing, and AI in Semiconductor Packaging. These programs offer professional development credits, including PDHs and CEUs, and provide digital badges that professionals can showcase on their professional networks to demonstrate their AI competencies.
Further information about IEEE Educational Activities’ corporate solutions and professional development programs is available at innovationatwork.ieee.org.
