Managing AI Projects

This one-day course combines synchronous and asynchronous learning for maximum flexibility and engagement. It includes:

• One day live teaching session
• Guidance from an expert instructor
• Direct interaction with peers and the instructor through collaborative sessions

By the end of this course, you’ll 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 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.

 

Himanshu is a globally recognized expert and keynote speaker in applied AI, AI transformation, and Strategic Management. As a member of the Applied AI team at Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, founded by Nobel laureate for AI, Dr Geoffrey Hinton, he drives initiatives to advance innovation and foster AI adoption at scale for Fortune 500 companies in a responsible and ethical manner. He leads Applied AI projects and conducts curated thought leadership sessions and Roundtable discussions for knowledge transfer for the senior executives and working professionals on the latest AI techniques as well as AI Adoption in Business. He also leads the AI adoption program focussed on Small and Medium Businesses. 

An MIT Sloan alumnus and doctoral candidate in emerging technologies, he mentors start-ups and holds advanced degrees in deep tech including AI. Himanshu serves as Clinical Professor at Woxsen University and Adjunct Professor at Yorkville University, championing AI adoption and responsible use. Known as the “AI Commander” and a LinkedIn and Gartner Top Voice in AI, he has been part of multiple deep tech startups.

 

Guest speaker

Paul is an Executive Business Partner at AltaML with over two years of experience leading applied AI initiatives for municipal and provincial governments. Committed to fostering transparency and collaboration in responsible AI, he holds a Master of Management of AI from Queen's University, a Master’s in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto, and a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. Paul excels in managing complex projects across sectors, leveraging machine learning and product management to deliver impactful solutions.

Prior to joining AltaML he led engineering and technology projects in industrial, healthcare, and commercial environments. Outside of AltaML, Paul chairs the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers working group on AI and the Engineering Profession."