AI is no longer optional, but most leaders are not equipped to make the right decisions. Initiatives are failing due to unclear strategy, weak business cases, and underestimated risk. This course closes that gap. Through practical frameworks, hands-on exposure to AI tools, and real-world business applications, you will develop the skills to move beyond AI awareness and become a confident, informed AI decision-maker.
Designed to help senior professionals cut through the buzzwords, understand where AI delivers genuine business value, and build credible, defensible recommendations that account for risk, governance, and ethical considerations.
Each participant receives 1 hour of one-on-one time with the course instructor, supporting direct application to your specific organizational context.
What you will learn
- How to identify which AI tools and approaches are relevant to your business context
- Frameworks for evaluating AI solutions against organizational needs and constraints
- How to assess limitations, risks, and ethical considerations associated with AI adoption
- How to develop credible, value-driven AI proposals and business cases
- Governance principles and responsible AI decision-making practices
- How to align AI initiatives with infrastructure, data readiness, and organizational capabilities
- How to translate AI capabilities into measurable business outcomes
- How to plan and prioritize early-stage AI adoption through a practical implementation roadmap
Skills you'll gain
- Strategic evaluation and selection of AI tools for business applications
- Business case development and ROI justification for AI investments
- Critical assessment of AI outputs and vendor claims
- Application of AI governance and ethics frameworks in organizational settings
- Confidence to lead AI-related conversations and decisions at the organizational level
Who should enrol
This course is designed for:
- Managers, directors, and senior professionals responsible for evaluating or recommending technology solutions
- Strategy managers, product managers, operations managers, and business analysts addressing AI-related decisions
- Professionals tasked with evaluating business problems, proposing AI solutions, and justifying ROI
Also valuable for data analysts, IT managers, and solutions architects looking to move into strategic roles — particularly those who understand AI tools but need to strengthen their ability to link outputs to business value and apply governance frameworks.
Course instructor
Peter Carr, PhD, P.L.Eng
Continuing Lecturer, University of Waterloo | Program Author and Instructor, WatSPEED
Peter Carr is an associate professor in the Department of Management Science and Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo, where his work focuses on how technology can be used to improve business performance and social outcomes. He works at the intersection of digital transformation, operations, project management, and technical entrepreneurship, helping organisations and students navigate the opportunities and risks of rapidly changing technologies.
Carr teaches a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including operations and supply chain management, project management, the strategic management of technology, the impact of information systems on society, and technology innovation and entrepreneurship. He has created multiple online simulations in project management and digital transformation and leads WatSPEED and extended learning offerings that support managers and professionals in leading technology enabled change.
Carr completed his PhD at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, where he studied the lean transformation of traditional manufacturing organisations. Before joining Waterloo, he served as executive director of the Centre for Innovative Management at Athabasca University and accumulated substantial industry experience, informing his practice oriented approach to teaching, curriculum design, and advising organisations on aligning technological innovation with human and organisational change.
Certificate and Academic Recognition
Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a professional certificate from the University of Waterloo. This course is also recognized for academic credit within the University of Dubai’s MBA Digital Leadership specialization.
Other courses in the Executive Certificate in Digital Leadership and Innovation