Effectively manage AI projects with practical frameworks, expert guidance, and real-world
applications.
- Address unique AI challenges: Learn how to tackle the distinct challenges of managing AI projects, including data
reliance, iterative development, and ethical considerations.
- Expert guest speakers: Hear from industry leaders who share real-world AI project experiences.
- Practical applications: Apply agile project management tools and techniques to real-world scenarios, including
creating an AI project canvas tailored to your organization or industry.
- Career advancement: Gain a competitive edge in AI leadership, driving innovation and success with specialized
skills.
- Collaborative learning environment: Participate in breakout sessions with peers to discuss case studies and share professional
insights,
- Flexible learning experience: Enjoy a blend of live and asynchronous materials with flexible deadlines to fit your
schedule, plus access to post-session instructor support.
- Direct instructor support: Work with an expert instructor during the live session and receive one week of continued
support to refine your learning and complete your project.
This four-week course combines synchronous and asynchronous learning for maximum flexibility
and engagement. It includes:
- Weekly live discussion sessions via zoom
- Peer discussion and networking opportunities
- Guidance from an expert instructor
- Four hours of independent work online each week (including).
- Attendance requirement: It is strongly recommended that participants attend live sessions, but it is not required. Live discussion sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing.
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped to confidently manage AI projects, leveraging
a blend of technical understanding, ethical foresight, and agile project management
expertise. Whether you are new to AI or already experienced, this course will prepare
you to lead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven innovation.
What you will learn
- Describe the fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence (AI)
- Differentiate between traditional and AI-specific project management practices
- Apply the CRISP-DM framework to the lifecycle of AI projects
- Discuss the ethical considerations of bias and risks unique to AI practices and how
to mitigate them
- Create an AI project canvas for a potential AI project at your organization
- Submit and activity to showcase your learning and complete the course
Receive a certificate from the University of Waterloo
Upon successful completion of this program, you will receive a professional education
certificate from the University of Waterloo.
This course is designed for individuals tasked with leading an AI development or implementation
project for their organization, including:
- Experienced project managers and department leads with limited technical backgrounds
who are exploring AI integration in their organizations.
- Data scientists transitioning into project management roles.
- Project team members and individuals who aspire to become project management specialists.
- Professionals who want to develop skills to deliver AI projects on target, on time,
and on budget.
Moreover, this course is also applicable to individuals in roles such as:
- Project managers: Enhance your knowledge and skills to lead AI projects with confidence and precision.
- Team leads: Equip your team with the methodologies needed to navigate AI-specific development
and implementation challenges.
- Data professionals: Gain a comprehensive understanding of AI project lifecycles and practical strategies.
- IT managers: Learn management strategies to ensure seamless integration of AI solutions within
your organization's infrastructure.
- Consultants: Offer clients cutting-edge AI project management solutions and insights.
- Technical leads: Bridge the gap between technical development and project management in AI initiatives.
- Product managers: Manage AI-driven product development and ensure alignment with business goals.
- Innovation managers: Stay ahead of technological trends and lead your organization in AI adoption.
- Entrepreneurs and start-up founders: Leverage AI to drive innovation and growth in your ventures with sound management
and implementation strategies.
Prerequisites
- There are no prerequisites for this course.
Learn alongside your team!
WatSPEED provides custom learning experiences tailored for large groups from any single
organization. Register three or more employees from the same organization and receive
15 per cent off. Contact our team at watspeed@uwaterloo.ca for details.
Dr. Sedef Akinli Kocak
Director of AI Professional Development, Vector Institute | Course Instructor
Dr. Sedef Akinli Kocak is the Director of AI Professional Development at the Vector
Institute, where she leads a suite of programs designed to build workforce capacity
in artificial intelligence and integrate advanced technologies into current and future
industry workflows. She has over a decade of management experience, including leading
large-scale, multi-industry AI initiatives focused on Natural Language Processing,
Computer Vision, and Privacy-Enhancing Technologies. In addition, she has facilitated
numerous roundtables on emerging AI topics, such as Generative AI and AI Regulations.
Recognized among the “Top 25 Women in AI: Canada Edition,” Dr. Akinli Kocak was also
nominated for the DMZ Women of the Year Annual Award (2022) and named a Finalist for
Women in AI in North America (2023). These accolades honor her impactful contributions
to the Canadian tech and AI ecosystem. Beyond her work at Vector Institute, she is
an Adjunct Professor at Ontario Tech University’s Trustworthy AI Lab. An active member
of ACM, IEEE, Engineers for a Sustainable World, Women in AI, and AI4Good, she also
serves on several academic advisory committees and has chaired or co-organized multiple
academic conferences and workshops.