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Course

Leading AI for Business Value

08 October 2026

Discover how to turn AI potential into real business value.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in this course, please contact us:

Our Executive Education offering is focused on tailored learning solutions developed and delivered in partnership with organisations. If you’re looking for flexible professional development options for individuals or teams, explore the range of online courses available through UC Online: uconline.ac.nz Contact UC Online’s Partnerships Manager, Lisa Burdes to discuss any group or organisational online learning: partnerships@uconline.ac.nz

Course Structure and Topics Covered

This two-day executive education course explores what organisations that use AI effectively do differently, and how managers and senior leaders can apply these principles in their own organisations. It focuses on the leadership decisions and organisational practices that help translate AI capabilities into business value, including choosing where to invest, adapting how work gets done, and supporting responsible adoption.

 

Through case studies, practical frameworks and applied exercises, participants will examine opportunities in their own organisational context. The course develops practical judgement about where AI can contribute, what successful adoption requires, and how to move from experimentation towards measurable results. Participants will leave with a clearer set of priorities and practical next steps for their organisation. The course is accessible to leaders from all functional backgrounds and requires no technical expertise.

 

Course Outcomes and Benefits

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the core principles behind effective organisational use of AI and assess their relevance to their own organisation.
  • Identify and prioritise AI opportunities that support organisational goals and create business value.
  • Identify the changes to processes, people and organisational capabilities needed to support effective AI adoption.
  • Evaluate leadership and governance responsibilities for AI use, including human judgement, accountability and ethical considerations.
  • Outline practical next steps for a priority AI opportunity, including how to test its value, support adoption and measure progress.

This course empowers you to streamline tasks, enhance productivity, and make Generative AI a part of your daily operations.



Upcoming Course Dates

There are currently no scheduled sessions of this course for 2026/2027. Please explore the range of short courses available through UC Online here.

    Course Facilitators


    Elsamari Botha

    Elsamari Botha is an Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury, where she previously served as Director of the MBA and Executive Education Programmes. Her research and practice focus on AI governance, implementation, and responsible digital transformation, bridging technical systems with organisational strategy and human-centric change.

    She has co-authored several studies on AI adoption, including the AI Implementation Compass for managing socio-technical change in AI implementations, the CARE Framework for human-centric governance of generative AI, and the GenAI Prompt Protocol for human–AI knowledge co-construction. Her earlier work on the AI-enabled Retail Value Chain mapped one of the first conceptual frameworks for AI integration across value-chain activities.

    Beyond academia, Elsamari is a recognised voice in AI strategy and governance, is frequently invited to speak with boards and senior leaders on the responsible adoption of AI, and has been recognised by LinkedIn as a Top Voice in both Higher Education and Consulting. With a PhD in Industrial Economics and Management from KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm), Elsamari combines 15 years of consulting experience with academic leadership.

    If you have any questions about our Executive Education & Professional Development Programme

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