AI in Business: Tools and Techniques 110 Curriculum Structure & Learner Modules Course Overview
Course Title: AI in Business: Tools and Techniques
Total Program Hours: 24–36 contact/engagement hours
Duration: 2-5 weeks (flexible pacing to accommodate working professionals) Delivery Modes: In-person, online synchronous, online asynchronous, or hybrid Target Population: Ohio business professionals, managers, entrepreneurs, and
support staff who are unemployed, underemployed, or seeking advancement; adult learners needing practical AI skills for business operations, sales, marketing,customer service, and management roles.
Credential Awarded: AI in Business: Tools and Techniques Microcredential Cost to IMAP Participants: No cost
Program Rationale and IMAP Alignment
This AI in Business: Tools and Techniques course meets Ohio's Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP) goals by delivering short-term, no-cost training that equips eligible Ohioans with practical AI skills for high-demand business occupations. The course focuses on using AI tools to drive revenue, improve
efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and support data-driven decision-making across Ohio's key business sectors including retail, manufacturing, professional services, healthcare administration, and logistics.
The program addresses employer demand for workers who can leverage AI-enhanced platforms (CRM systems, marketing automation, financial analysis tools, inventory management) while maintaining ethical standards and human oversight. Skills gained are directly applicable to in-demand occupations such as business operations specialists, customer relationship managers, marketing coordinators, sales support, administrative managers, and small business owners.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the AI in Business: Tools and Techniques microcredential, participants will be able to:
- Apply AI tools to core business functions including sales, marketing, customer service, operations, and financial analysis
- Use AI-powered CRM, marketing automation, and analytics platforms to improve business outcomes
- Analyze business data using AI tools to identify trends, opportunities, and performance gaps
- Automate repetitive business processes while maintaining quality control and compliance
- Create AI-supported business content (proposals, reports, marketing copy, customer communications)
- Measure AI tool effectiveness through key business metrics (time saved, revenue impact, customer satisfaction)
- Implement responsible AI practices specific to business contexts (data privacy, customer trust, regulatory compliance)
Curriculum Structure
The curriculum follows a competency-based structure with seven modules completed over 2-5 weeks. Each module combines business-focused case studies, hands-on AI tool practice, and performance assessments. Free or low-cost business AI platforms provide practical experience applicable to real-world Ohio businesses.
Module 0 – Orientation & AI in Ohio Business Contact Hours: 2–3 hours
Learning Objectives:
- Understand course structure, business AI applications, and career impact
- Identify AI opportunities in participant's current or target business role
- Set up access to free business AI tools and platforms
- Course overview and business-focused learning outcomes
- AI transformation in Ohio businesses (retail, manufacturing, professional services)
- Overview of AI tool landscape for business (free tiers, trial versions)
- Technology setup: AI platform accounts, data privacy best practices Free Learning Resources:
- JobsOhio business technology reports
- Ohio Small Business Development Centers AI resources
- Platform onboarding videos (HubSpot Free, Google Analytics, ChatGPT Business use cases)
- Business role survey: "What business tasks take you the most time?"
- Group discussion: "Where could AI help your business or department?"
- Tool setup verification and first login walkthrough Assessment/Comprehension Check:
- 5-question quiz on course expectations and Ohio business AI trends
- Tool access confirmation and initial business goal statement
- Explain how AI creates business value across functions and industries
- Match AI capabilities to common business challenges and opportunities
- Differentiate business AI tools from consumer/personal AI tools
- Business value framework: Revenue generation, cost reduction, risk mitigation, customer experience
- AI applications by business function:
- Sales: Lead scoring, forecasting, proposal generation
- Marketing: Content creation, audience segmentation, campaign optimization
- Customer Service: Chatbots, ticket prioritization, sentiment analysis
- Operations: Inventory forecasting, process automation, supplier evaluation
- Finance: Expense categorization, cash flow prediction, fraud detection
- Free paid AI tools for business; compliance considerations Free Learning Resources:
- HubSpot Academy "AI for Business" free lessons
- Google Analytics Academy "AI in Marketing" modules
- Harvard Business Review AI for business articles (selected free content) Learning Activities:
- Case study analysis: "How [Ohio company] used AI to solve [business problem]"
- Business function mapping: Match AI tools to participant's specific role/challenges
- Demo: Free CRM AI features (HubSpot Free lead scoring) Assessment/Comprehension Check:
- 12-question quiz matching business scenarios to appropriate AI solutions
- Business AI opportunity worksheet (graded for relevance and specificity)
- Set up and use free CRM platforms with AI features
- Use AI for lead qualification, customer segmentation, and personalized outreach
- Track AI-assisted sales activities and measure impact
- CRM platforms with free AI tiers (HubSpot, Zoho CRM Free, Pipedrive Essentials)
- AI features: Lead scoring, email personalization, next-best-action recommendations
- Customer journey mapping with AI insights
- Sales forecasting basics using AI predictions Free Learning Resources:
- HubSpot Academy "CRM + AI" certification path (free)
- Zoho CRM free tier tutorials
- YouTube: "HubSpot AI lead scoring demo" Learning Activities:
- Hands-On: Create HubSpot Free account, import sample contacts, activate AI lead scoring
- Practice personalized email generation using AI suggestions
- Build simple sales pipeline with AI next-action recommendations Assessment/Comprehension Check:
- CRM setup verification + screenshot portfolio
- AI-generated sales email (before/after human edit) with effectiveness analysis
- Quiz: CRM AI features and business applications
- Create marketing content using AI writing and design tools
- Use AI for audience research, content optimization, and campaign planning
- Analyze marketing performance using AI-powered analytics
- AI content tools: ai (free tier), Jasper free trial, ChatGPT Business prompts
- Marketing applications: Social posts, email campaigns, blog outlines, ad copy
- AI image generation for marketing (Canva Magic Studio free, Microsoft Designer)
- Free analytics: Google Analytics 4 AI insights, social media native analytics Free Learning Resources:
- ai Academy free lessons
- Canva Design School "AI-powered design"
- Google Analytics "AI-powered insights" tutorials Learning Activities:
- Hands-On: Generate 5 social media posts for a sample Ohio business using AI
- Create email newsletter using AI content + Canva AI design
- Analyze sample website traffic using Google Analytics AI insights Assessment/Comprehension Check:
- Marketing content portfolio (3 AI-assisted pieces with editing notes)
- Campaign performance analysis report (1 page)
- Quiz: Marketing AI tools and optimization techniques
- Use AI for inventory management, demand forecasting, and process automation
- Analyze business data using no-code AI platforms
- Automate repetitive operational tasks while maintaining compliance
- Operations AI: Inventory optimization, supplier evaluation, scheduling
- No-code analytics: Google Sheets AI (Explore), Microsoft Power BI Free
- Process automation: Zapier free tier + AI triggers, com free plan
- Basic predictive analytics for business decisions Free Learning Resources:
- Google Sheets "Explore with AI" tutorials
- Zapier University "AI automation" path
- Microsoft Power BI "Getting started with AI visuals" Learning Activities:
- Hands-On: Build inventory forecasting model in Google Sheets using AI Explore
- Create 2-step workflow automation (lead → CRM → email) using Zapier + AI
- Analyze sample sales data using Power BI AI visuals Assessment/Comprehension Check:
- Automation workflow documentation + test run screenshots
- Data analysis report (1-2 pages) showing AI insights applied to business decision
- Quiz: Operations AI applications and platforms
- Use AI for expense tracking, cash flow analysis, and financial forecasting
- Generate professional business reports and proposals with AI assistance
- Apply AI insights to strategic business decisions
- Financial AI tools: QuickBooks AI features, Wave Accounting free tier
- Expense categorization, invoice generation, cash flow prediction
- Business reporting: AI-powered slide decks, executive summaries
- Decision support frameworks using AI scenario analysis Free Learning Resources:
- Wave Accounting tutorials
- Google Slides/Docs AI features
- QuickBooks Online free trial business AI demos Learning Activities:
- Hands-On: Categorize sample expenses using AI tools, generate financial summary
- Create 5-slide business proposal using AI content generation + human polish
- Run "what-if" scenarios for pricing or staffing decisions using AI Assessment/Comprehension Check:
- Financial analysis report + AI-generated proposal (edited version)
- Scenario analysis exercise showing business decision impact
- Quiz: Financial AI applications and reporting best practices
- Measure AI tool ROI using business metrics (time saved, revenue generated, customer impact)
- Implement responsible AI practices for business compliance and trust
- Develop scaling plan for AI adoption across business functions
- ROI frameworks: Time saved × wage rate, leads generated, conversion improvement
- Business AI ethics: Customer data privacy (CCPA compliance), transparency, bias mitigation
- Vendor evaluation: Free paid AI tools, contract considerations
- Scaling AI responsibly: Training teams, change management, continuous improvement
- HubSpot "AI ROI calculator" templates
- Business ethics case studies (HBR free content)
- Ohio Small Business Administration AI compliance guides Learning Activities:
- Calculate ROI for one AI tool used in course (time tracking + results)
- Develop business AI ethics checklist for your role/organization
- Create 1-page AI scaling roadmap for sample business Assessment/Comprehension Check:
- AI ROI analysis report (1-2 pages with calculations)
- Business AI ethics policy brief (1 page)
- Quiz: ROI measurement and business ethics
- Design and execute comprehensive AI solution for real business challenge
- Document implementation process, results, and ROI
- Present business case for AI adoption to stakeholders Project Description:
- Sales/Marketing: Lead generation campaign using CRM AI + content AI
- Operations: Process automation reducing manual work by 50%+
- Customer Service: Chatbot implementation or response optimization
- Financial: Cash flow forecasting model improving decision accuracy
- Strategic: Market analysis report using multiple AI data tools Project Components:
- Business Problem Definition (1 page): Challenge, current process, desired outcomes
- AI Solution Design (2 pages): Tools selected, workflow diagram, implementation steps
- Execution Documentation (screenshots, before/after metrics)
- Results & ROI Analysis (1-2 pages): Time saved, revenue impact, lessons learned
- Stakeholder Presentation (5 slides or 3-minute video): Business case for adoption
- 25-question exam covering business applications across all functions
- Practical demonstration: Live AI tool usage for business scenario
- Passing: 75%+ on all components Microcredential Requirements:
- Complete all modules with 75%+ on assessments
- Capstone project scoring 75%+
- Final assessment passed
- Business AI implementation portfolio submitted
- Deploy AI across core business functions
- Measure and communicate business ROI
- Implement responsible AI practices
- Stackable with advanced business, digital marketing, or data analytics credentials
- Business tool access: Guided setup for all platforms (free tiers verified)
- Office hours: Scheduled support for complex implementations
- Career translation: Resume templates highlighting business AI achievements
- Flexible pacing: Self-paced modules + cohort support
- Ohio business focus: Local case studies, SBDC partnerships
- Completion rate: 75% target
- Business skill confidence increase: 80%+ improvement
- Employment outcomes: Promotion, new role, business growth within 6 months
- ROI demonstration: 70%+ of completers show measurable business impact
- 3+ years business management, sales, marketing, or operations experience
- Documented success implementing AI tools in business contexts
- Experience training adult professionals in technology adoption
- Preferred: HubSpot/Salesforce/Google Analytics certifications
Content Topics:
Learning Activities:
Module 1 – AI Fundamentals for Business Applications Contact Hours: 4–5 hours
Learning Objectives:
Content Topics:
Module 2 – AI-Powered Customer Relationship Management Contact Hours: 4–6 hours
Learning Objectives:
Content Topics:
Module 3 – AI for Marketing and Content Creation Contact Hours: 4–6 hours
Learning Objectives:
Content Topics:
Module 4 – AI for Business Operations and Analytics Contact Hours: 4–6 hours
Learning Objectives:
Content Topics:
Module 5 – Business Financial AI and Decision Support
Contact Hours: 3–5 hours Learning Objectives:
Content Topics:
Module 6 – Business AI Ethics, ROI Measurement, and Scaling Contact Hours: 3–5 hours
Learning Objectives:
Content Topics:
Free Learning Resources:
Module 7 – Capstone: AI Business Improvement Project
Contact Hours: 4–8 hours Learning Objectives:
Participants select a real or realistic business challenge from their work experience and implement multi-tool AI solution:
Options:
Rubric:
|
Criterion |
Points |
|
Business Problem Relevance & Clarity |
20% |
|
AI Tool Selection & Integration |
25% |
|
Implementation Quality & Documentation |
20% |
|
Results Measurement & ROI Analysis |
20% |
|
Professional Presentation |
15% |
Assessment: Must score 75%+ for microcredential award
Summative Assessment and Credential Award Final Business AI Assessment:
AI in Business: Tools and Techniques Microcredential verifies ability to:
Learner Support and Equity
IMAP Reporting and Outcomes Key Metrics:
Data Collection: Pre/post surveys, project ROI calculations, 6-month employer follow-up
Instructor Qualifications
Upon Course Completion
Course Certificates
110 : AI in Business Certificate
Master Certificate
