Oxford Programme in AI and Business Analytics

Oxford Programme in AI and Business Analytics

In collaboration with Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Develop the ability to turn data insights into strategic action and drive responsible AI adoption to support smarter business decision-making.

• Receive a certificate of completion from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
• Become part of the Oxford Saïd alumni network and connect with a global professional community.
• Oversee AI governance, ethics, and risk management in practical, real-world environments.

• 12 weeks length program of self-paced eLearning

This programme provides a comprehensive understanding of how analytics and AI operate within complex organisations. By analysing in-depth real-world examples, you will explore practical challenges related to governance, data quality, and system integration. You will also examine the essential role of human judgement in AI-enabled decision-making and learn how to address the ethical risks linked to automated technologies.

Our learning methodology is grounded in evidence-based practices, including the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Rather than relying heavily on lengthy video lectures, the programme is designed to encourage active engagement, reflection, and practical application. This flexible and relevant approach is tailored for senior professionals, enabling you to immediately apply new insights within your organisation.

Key Features

• Course and material are in English
• Intermediate level for professionals
• 12 weeks length program (3-5 hours/week time commitment)
• Self-paced eLearning with live faculty bonus interaction sessions
• 1 year platform access & class recordings
• 100+ hours of study time and practice recommended
• Cohort Manager for all your queries and help every learning step.
• Earn a certificate of completion from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
• Join the Oxford Saïd Alumni network

About Saïd Business School

Saïd Business School is a modern, forward-thinking institution rooted within the 800-year legacy of the University of Oxford. It prepares individuals for impactful business careers while fostering a community committed to addressing global challenges. Through world-class teaching and pioneering research, the School drives meaningful change across individuals, organisations, industries, and society.

What added value does Saïd Business School contribute to the program?

The program curriculum is designed and reviewed with the assistance of the university, which gives the program quality legitimacy and a co-branded certificate of completion. Please be aware that most of the courses are via self-paced eLearning video from the university faculty staff and industry experts.

Learning Outcomes

• Convert analytics into strategic action: Analyse descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive insights to guide sound business decisions.
• Leverage AI for decision support: Utilise generative AI tools to interpret data, uncover insights, and evaluate strategic scenarios.
• Align analytics with business objectives: Ensure data initiatives directly support organisational strategy and operational goals.
• Drive AI adoption at scale: Navigate the complexities of AI implementation, including governance structures, workforce capability, and systems integration.
• Embed ethical oversight: Identify and manage AI-related risks while maintaining meaningful human involvement in decision-making.
• Present strategic recommendations: Transform analytical findings into clear, evidence-based proposals for senior leaders and board members.

15+ Skills Covered

• Strategic decision-making
• Prompt engineering
• Predictive modelling
• Prescriptive analysis
• Generative AI application
• Ethical AI governance
• Risk mitigation
• Sentiment analysis
• Scenario planning
• Data interpretation
• Organisational leadership
• Business intelligence
• Market entry strategy
• Stakeholder communication
• Operational strategy

Target Audience:

This programme is tailored for mid- to senior-level professionals—generally with five or more years of experience—who play a key role in strategic decision-making and complex problem-solving. It is ideal for individuals who want to implement AI and business analytics responsibly at an organisational level, without needing to develop coding skills.

• Business managers and functional leaders aiming to leverage analytics to guide strategy and operational performance
• Strategy and transformation professionals leading the integration of data-driven processes within their organisations
• Analytics and business intelligence specialists seeking to expand beyond technical analysis and contribute to executive-level decision-making
• Consultants supporting clients through analytics-led transformation and governance initiatives
• Product and digital leaders tackling customer challenges through data-informed solutions

Prerequisites:

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in any discipline
• A minimum of five years of work experience in business, management, consulting, operations, analytics, technology or related roles

COURSE CONTENT DETAILS

Module 1: Getting Started

• Course welcome and introduction
• Ethical and effective use of Generative AI

Module 2: Foundations of Data Strategy

• The evolution of business analytics
• Core technological foundations
• Descriptive analytics
• Predictive analytics
• Prescriptive analytics
• Applying generative AI in data analytics
• Comparing different analytics approaches
• Sentiment analysis
• Connecting AI with business strategy

Module 3: Real-World Application

• Embedding business analytics within organisations
• Case study: Developing a strategy at Hartford HealthCare
• Overcoming challenges in AI implementation
• Leveraging generative AI for data analysis

Module 4: Emerging Perspectives

• Opportunities and potential risks of generative AI
• Human-in-the-loop decision-making
• Risk management strategies
• Ethical responsibilities in analytics

Module 5: Capstone Project

• Scenario: Rialto, a rapidly expanding e-commerce startup, is facing customer retention and competitive pressures. Participants take on the role of junior business analysts to design a data-driven strategic plan.
• Outcome: Produce a 1,200–1,500-word strategic research report supported by data-driven recommendations.

Module 6: Programme Wrap-Up

• Review of analytics development, AI applications in healthcare, and ethical AI practices
• Reflective exercise on the responsible use of generative AI

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is the program delivered?

The programme follows a blended learning approach. Key concepts are delivered through high-quality on-demand video lectures that you can access at any time, complemented by live interactive sessions where you can engage directly with faculty and discuss the material in depth.

Who leads the academic instruction?

The programme is led by Dr Agni Orfanoudaki, an Associate Professor at Oxford Saïd. She focuses on applying machine learning and optimisation methods to address complex, high-impact challenges in the healthcare and insurance industries.

What is the weekly time commitment?

You are advised to dedicate approximately three to five hours per week to the programme. This will allow you enough time to review the video content, participate in live sessions with Oxford University experts, and complete the required readings and project assignments.

How is the programme assessed?

There are no formal exams. Instead, your performance is evaluated through active participation in weekly discussion forums, in-module knowledge checks, and a final capstone project where you demonstrate your learning by applying it to a real-world business scenario.

What sets this programme apart from other AI courses?

Many AI courses focus exclusively on technical skills or remain largely theoretical. This programme bridges both perspectives by emphasising the strategic use of AI tools in real business contexts. As a result, you gain practical capabilities that you can apply immediately to address business challenges.

Can I enrol as a recent graduate?

The programme requires at least five years of professional experience. Since discussions and assignments are built around participants’ real-world industry insights and leadership responsibilities, it is not designed for individuals at the very beginning of their careers.

Which industries is this programme suited for?

The concepts covered are applicable across any industry where data informs decision-making. Professionals working in finance, healthcare, consulting, retail, technology, and related sectors will find the frameworks highly relevant to their day-to-day responsibilities.

How is data analysis handled in the programme?

The programme leverages AI-powered assistants that enable you to conduct advanced data analysis through a conversational interface. This approach shows how leaders can generate meaningful insights from data without requiring technical skills such as Python or SQL.

Will prompt engineering be covered?

Yes, prompt engineering is a core component of the programme. You will learn how to craft clear and effective prompts to generate accurate, high-quality strategic insights from generative AI tools—enabling you to use them as a powerful analytical partner within your team.

Does the programme include technical model development?

No. This is a strategy-focused programme designed for leaders. Rather than teaching you how to build machine learning models from the ground up, it focuses on how to interpret and leverage model outputs to drive more effective business decisions.

How can I access the Oxford Saïd Alumni Network?

After successfully completing the programme, you will be invited to join the Oxford Saïd Alumni Network. You will receive guidance on how to become a member of the exclusive LinkedIn group, along with details on accessing additional alumni benefits.

Will I be able to engage with other professionals in the programme?

Yes. Peer-to-peer learning is a key part of the experience. You will connect with a diverse, international cohort through facilitated discussion forums and live sessions, exchanging perspectives from various industries and geographic regions.