AI, Ethics, and Innovation
We recently chatted with Dr. Sergio Janczak, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Cross-Cultural Management with the School of Management, Economics, and Mathematics, and an AI Certified Consultant, to discuss his new course, Introduction to AI Tools and Business Applications (MOS 2198), which will be offered in the 2026-27 academic year. This special topics course introduces students from across disciplines to artificial intelligence through a blend of technical literacy, ethical reflection, and responsible leadership, inviting them to explore how AI can enhance decision-making, boost productivity, and open new avenues for innovation.
Here's what Dr. Janczak had to say about why the course was developed and how it prepares students to engage with AI thoughtfully, in service of the common good.
What inspired you to develop an artificial intelligence course, and why now?
AI is reshaping businesses worldwide. When generative tools like Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) models and other large language models exploded into everyday use, I saw our students and clients experimenting without structure. Given King's mission to pursue truth and serve humanity, I felt compelled to create a course that pairs hands-on experience with reflection on ethics, bias and social impact. Industry leaders stress that graduates now need both technical competence and a grounded ethical outlook. Introducing this course now ensures our students can harness AI responsibly and creatively, aligned with our values of inclusivity and social justice.
How would you describe this course to someone who doesn't have a background in AI?
This course is a gentle introduction to artificial intelligence for business. We start with the basics—what AI is and how it works at a high level—and quickly move into practical demonstrations of how it can streamline tasks, improve decision-making, and spark creativity. We emphasize ethical use and accessible tools like GPTs and other large language models that generate text, images, video, audio, and actions. There's no coding required; the focus is on understanding AI's possibilities and limitations and learning how to apply it thoughtfully in the real world.
What are the key skills or learning outcomes students will take away from the course?
Students will gain a working vocabulary of AI concepts such as machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks, alongside hands-on experience using generative AI tools and large language models. They'll explore multi-modal systems, practice prompt engineering, and learn to evaluate outputs critically—addressing bias, accountability, and quality. By building a simple AI application, students strengthen their problem-solving and creativity, learning to see AI as a partner that enhances, rather than replaces, human insight.
How does this course prepare students to engage with AI in their future careers or studies?
Regardless of discipline—management, arts, science, or social work—AI is becoming part of the professional toolkit. This course provides a foundation that is both practical and reflective. Through case studies from multiple industries, students will see how AI can augment research, marketing, operations, and creative work. By practicing prompt crafting, evaluating outputs, and engaging with ethical questions around privacy, bias, and accountability, students will gain confidence to integrate AI thoughtfully into whatever field they pursue.
What excites you most about offering this course for the first-time next year?
Global leaders are clear that AI literacy is no longer a nice-to-have; it's an essential skill. Organizations such as the OECD, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum have emphasized that fluency in AI will define the 21st century, with many employers already expecting these skills. Against this backdrop, it's exciting to offer students a learning environment where they can explore generative AI tools, build their own applications, and engage deeply with the ethical questions surrounding these technologies.
Watching students discover how to use AI creatively and responsibly—and knowing we're equipping them with skills that are increasingly considered mandatory in the global job market—is what truly excites me about launching this course. As an AI certified consultant, I'm especially motivated to help students stay at the leading edge of the competencies that organizations are actively seeking.