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Integrating Generative AI at Rutgers Business School

As the professional landscape continues to change due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), educational institutions are also adapting to ensure future leaders are fully equipped for the challenges ahead. At Rutgers Business School (RBS), professors are incorporating Generative AI into their course work as part of a broader initiative aimed at preparing students for a tech-driven job market. This innovative approach includes not only new coursework but also partnerships with major tech companies to provide access to cutting-edge AI tools.

A Vision for the Future

Rutgers Business School’s Dean, Lei Lei, emphasizes the necessity of educating students on the technologies that will shape their careers. He states, “Our ambition is to prepare students with the skills and talent most in demand by industry.” To that end, RBS has launched specialized programs such as an MBA concentration in AI and a Master of Science in Marketing Analytics, ensuring that all graduates gain essential AI knowledge applicable to business environments.

In a strategic move, RBS partnered with Google to enhance learning experiences with AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. This partnership underscores the school’s commitment to offering students advanced resources that mirror real-world applications.

AI Integration in Classrooms

The integration of Generative AI spans various classes, demonstrating its versatility in enhancing educational outcomes. For instance, Professor Zeki Pagda incorporates AI into his Management Consulting class by using role-playing scenarios with ChatGPT. Students practice negotiation techniques by engaging with AI simulations that challenge them to respond to realistic situations, thus fostering vital negotiation skills in a dynamic environment.

This approach not only helps students practice but also provides instant feedback that is more nuanced than traditional peer interactions, facilitating deeper learning experiences.

In a different context, Professor Rudolf Leuschner utilizes Generative AI for demand management courses. Students generate forecasts and then use AI to analyze these projections, which allows them to understand the patterns in data. Leuschner emphasizes a critical perspective, urging students not to depend solely on AI but to use it as a supplement that enhances their analytical capabilities.

Enhancing Marketing Strategy Analysis

In the Marketing Strategy course taught by Professor Erich Toncre, students are encouraged to find and critique marketing strategies from various companies, excluding well-known giants like Apple or Amazon. This task is structured to shift focus away from trivial searches toward in-depth critical thinking and strategy application. AI serves as an aid in this process, with specific guidelines in place to prevent misuse and promote genuine engagement with the material. Toncre makes it clear: using AI should support students’ insights, not shortcut their learning.

Students are also permitted to utilize AI tools for enhancing visual presentations, but the grading focus remains on their comprehension and delivery of the content.

Conclusion

The integration of Generative AI at Rutgers Business School represents a forward-thinking approach to education that prepares students for the future job market. By blending AI technology into various academic disciplines, RBS not only enhances learning opportunities but also ensures that graduates have the critical skills needed in their careers. As the labor market evolves, educational institutions like Rutgers play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of business leaders, capable of leveraging technology in meaningful ways.