Unit rationale, description and aim

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs), in recent years has seen organisations race to adopt this emerging technology. Organisational leaders in all sectors are seeking ways to embrace AI to enhance productivity across all business functions and ultimately enhance profitability. However, the use of AI is not always considered or strategic, leading to organisations implementing AI quickly without a well-considered plan. Emerging professionals are expected to have an understanding of AI and how it can be used to support their work and enhance their individual productivity.

This unit focuses on exploring how AI can be used to enhance organisational productivity and profitability while creating value for all stakeholders. Students examine AI applications across various industries and business functions to develop a holistic understanding of its strategic and meaningful use. As AI increasingly intersects with analytics, digital innovation, and strategic business practices, this unit provides a foundation for subsequent coursework in these areas, ensuring students are equipped to leverage AI as a transformative tool in modern business contexts.

2026 10

Campus offering

No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.

Prerequisites

Nil

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Apply artificial intelligence principles in busine...

Learning Outcome 01

Apply artificial intelligence principles in business applications, considering both the potential benefits and challenges
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC9

Identify and discuss how artificial intelligence i...

Learning Outcome 02

Identify and discuss how artificial intelligence is applied in different business functions and industries
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC7, GC10

Collaborate effectively to explore and propose app...

Learning Outcome 03

Collaborate effectively to explore and propose applications of artificial intelligence in an organisational context
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC4, GC11

Content

Topics will include:

  • Introduction to artificial intelligence and large language models  
  • Strategic use of artificial intelligence 
  • When to and when not to use artificial intelligence in its current form  
  • Writing effective prompts for artificial intelligence large language models  
  • Using artificial intelligence in different business functions 
  • Leading the adoption of artificial intelligence in an organisation  
  • Artificial intelligence across various business contexts  
  • The dark side of artificial intelligence  
  • Developing and pitching business strategies  


Assessment strategy and rationale

To pass this unit, students are required to complete and submit three graded assessment tasks and achieve an aggregate mark of at least 50%. Marking will be in accordance with rubrics specifically developed to measure levels of achievement of the learning outcomes for each assessment item. 

 The assessment strategy for this unit allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of how artificial intelligence works in real world business contexts and across different business functions. The first assessment allows students to demonstrate their understanding of how AI works and its specific use in a single business discipline. Students expand on this with assessment 2, where they analyse an organisational situation and explain how AI could benefit an organisation. In assessment 3, students' synthesis their learnings across the unit and work collaboratively to demonstrate how AI could be adopted across an entire organisation to enhance productivity and outcomes for each business function.  


Overview of assessments

Assessment Task 1 - AI Brief: Students prepare a...

Assessment Task 1 - AI Brief: Students prepare an 800-word proposal on a real world problem that can be addressed by AI is and how it can be used in a business context of their choice.

Mode: Individual

submission: proposal

Weighting

25%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO3
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC9, GC11

Assessment Task 2 - Business Pitch: Requires stu...

Assessment Task 2 - Business Pitch: Requires students to record a five-minute presentation pitching the use of AI to the executive team of an organisation in response to an organsiational analysis. 

Mode: Individual

submission: business pitch

Weighting

35%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC7, GC10

Assessment Task 3 - AI Report and solution: stud...

Assessment Task 3 - AI Report and solution: student will prepare a 2500-word analytical report briefing the executive team of an organisation on how AI could be adopted across the organisation. They should submit the program related to applying the available AI tools to address the problem of their choice with their submission.

Mode: Group

submission: report and program

Weighting

40%

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3
Graduate Capabilities GC4, GC7, GC9, GC11

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit over a twelve-week semester or equivalent study period, including class attendance, readings, online forum participation and assessment preparation.

This unit may be offered in “Attendance” and/or “Online” mode to cater for the learning needs and preferences of a range of participants.

Attendance Mode

Students will require face-to-face attendance in blocks of time determined by the school. Students will have face-to-face interactions with lecturer(s) to further their achievement of the learning outcomes. This unit is structured with required upfront preparation before workshops. The online learning platforms used in this unit provide multiple forms of preparatory and practice opportunities for students to prepare and revise.

Online Mode

This unit utilises an active learning approach whereby students will engage in e-module activities, readings and reflections, and opportunities to collaborate with peers in an online environment. This can involve, but is not limited to, online workshops, online discussion forums, chat rooms, guided reading, and webinars. Pre-recorded lectures will be incorporated within the online learning environment and e-modules. In addition, electronic readings will be provided to guide students’ reading and extend other aspects of online learning

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Babina, T., Fedyk, A., He, A., and Hodson, H., 2024. Artificial intelligence, firm growth, and product innovation. Journal of Financial Economics, 151.  

Canhoto, A. I., and Clear, F., 2020. Artificial intelligence and machine learning as business tools: A framework for diagnosing value destruction potential. Business Horizons, 63, pp.183-193. 

Grange, C., Ringeval, M., Bourdeau, S., and Demazure, T., 2024. Generative AI can boost innovation – but only when humans are in control. The Conversation, October 20, 2024. https://theconversation.com/generative-ai-can-boost-innovation-but-only-when-humans-are-in-control-240637 

Grewal, D., Guha, A., Satornino, C. B., and.Schweiger, E. D., 2021. Artificial intelligence: The light and the darkness. Journal of Business Research, 136, pp.229-236.  

Jarrahi, M. H., Askay, D, and Eshraghi, A. 2023. Artificial intelligence and knowledge management: A partnership between human and AI. Business Horizons, 66, 87-99.   

Jia, N., Luo, X., Fang, Z., and Liao, C., 2024. When and how artificial intelligence augments employee creativity. Academy of Management Journal, 67(1), pp.5-32. 

Krakowski, S., Luger, J., and Raisch, S., 2022. Artificial intelligence and the changing sources of competitive advantage. Strategic Management Journal, 44, pp.1425-1452.   

Mahroof, K., and Sivarajah, S., 2024. Generative AI is making traditional ways to measure business success obsolete. The Conversation, December 7, 2024. https://theconversation.com/generative-ai-is-making-traditional-ways-to-measure-business-success-obsolete-244903 

Shepard, D. A., and Majchrzak, A., 2022. Machines augmenting entrepreneurs: Opportunities (and threats) at the Nexus of artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. Journal of Business Venturing, 37, pp.1-19. 

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