17 Recommended AI Courses for Business Unit Managers in 2025

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal force in reshaping numerous industries, and its influence is particularly significant for Business Unit Managers. As AI continues to permeate various business functions, the need to upskill in this area is more urgent than ever. Business Unit Managers face the potential of AI to both enhance their roles and redefine the job landscape, making it crucial for these professionals to understand and leverage AI technologies effectively. This article explores a selection of AI courses specifically designed to equip Business Unit Managers with the necessary skills and insights to thrive in this evolving environment.

Why AI matters for Business Unit Managers today

AI is increasingly becoming a cornerstone for businesses aiming to stay competitive. According to recent data, 69% of businesses now utilize AI-driven solutions to optimize their operations. For Business Unit Managers, understanding AI is not just beneficial but essential, as it offers tools to improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and drive strategic decisions. This article is crafted to assist Business Unit Managers in identifying the most suitable AI courses that cater to their specific professional needs, helping them to choose from a comprehensive list of 17 courses, including offerings like CompleteAI Training.

The Growing Role of AI in Business Unit Managers

The integration of AI into business processes has introduced a range of applications that are particularly relevant for Business Unit Managers. Automation of routine tasks, advanced data analysis for better decision-making, and personalized customer interactions are just a few examples of how AI is transforming everyday workflows. By automating repetitive tasks, AI allows managers to focus on more strategic initiatives, while advanced data analytics helps in making informed decisions faster. Personalization powered by AI can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately contributing to the business's success. As AI continues to evolve, its role in redefining tasks and workflows for Business Unit Managers will only grow more significant.

Benefits of becoming an AI expert in Business Unit Managers

Gaining expertise in AI offers numerous benefits for Business Unit Managers. It empowers them to lead their teams more effectively by integrating AI insights into the decision-making process. With AI, managers can drive innovation, streamline operations, and improve the overall performance of their business units. Furthermore, knowledge of AI can enhance a manager's career prospects by positioning them as forward-thinking leaders in their field. By embracing AI education, Business Unit Managers can ensure they remain relevant and competitive in an increasingly AI-driven business landscape.

The article will provide an in-depth comparison of 17 AI courses available to Business Unit Managers, including the comprehensive offerings from CompleteAI Training. Each course is evaluated on various criteria to help professionals make informed decisions about their learning path. By focusing on practical application and strategic benefits, these courses offer invaluable resources for any Business Unit Manager looking to harness the potential of AI in their role.

Comparison: All AI Courses for Business Unit Managers (Updated Q2' 2025)

Course Name	Provider	Price	Key Topics	Pros	Cons	Best For
AI for Business Unit Managers	Complete AI Training	$29/month (monthly), $8.25/month (annually)	Video Courses, Certifications, AI Tools, Industry News	Highest rating, Extensive courses, Daily updates, Affordable pricing	Subscription based	Business Unit Managers
AI for Managers , Embracing the potential of AI	ESMT Berlin	$5,200	AI Strategy, Governance, Use Cases, Ethics, Workshops	Intensive focus, Industry collaboration, Networking	High cost, Travel required	Mid-to-senior level executives
The Business of AI: Strategies for Leaders - Online	London Business School	$2,830	AI Strategy, Business Cases, Generative AI	Comprehensive, Flexible learning, Global examples	Time commitment, Higher cost	Executives and Managers
AI Strategy for Business Leaders: From Hype to Impact	Harvard Division of Continuing Education	$3,150	AI for Innovation, Efficiency, Competitive Advantage	Strategic mindset, No IT expertise needed, Certificate	Short duration, Travel required	Business Leaders
Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy	MIT Sloan	Varies	Generative AI, Machine Learning, Robotics	Online, Flexible, Business integration	Cost unspecified, Conceptual focus	Business Leaders
AI for Business	INSEAD	$11,892	AI Benefits, Legal Challenges, Practical Communication	In-person, Practical focus	High cost, Travel required	Senior Executives
Leadership Program in AI and Analytics	Wharton	$16,000	AI Tools, Innovation, Business Growth	Long duration, Flexible modes	Very high cost, Time commitment	Experienced Business Leaders
Artificial Intelligence for Business Advantage	Bentley University	$5,250	AI Fundamentals, Ethics, Practical Tools	Short, Intensive, Engineering Certificate	Travel required, Limited depth	Strategy Leaders
Business Analytics in the Age of Generative AI	London Business School	$2,587	Generative AI, Data Visualization, Decision-Making	Online, Data skills focus	Proxy link, Limited networking	Mid-senior Executives
Generative AI: Technology, Business, and Society	Stanford Online	$2,985	Technical Fundamentals, Business Applications, Ethics	Self-paced, Comprehensive coverage	Self-motivation, No live interaction	Business Professionals
AI Essentials for Business	Harvard Business School Online	$1,850	AI Era Competition, AI-Powered Organizations	Short, Affordable, Practical focus	Limited networking, Short duration	Business Professionals
The Business of AI: Shaping the Future of Businesses with Generative AI	Columbia Business School	$10,100	AI Theory, Actionable Strategies, Industry Connections	In-person, Strong industry connections	Very high cost, Travel required	Senior Professionals

Understanding AI Training for Business Unit Managers Professionals

As AI continues to influence various business domains, professionals such as Business Unit Managers are increasingly seeking specialized training to effectively integrate AI tools and strategies into their workflows. This article compares a range of AI courses designed specifically for Business Unit Managers, providing insights into their offerings, costs, and who might benefit the most from each.

Course 1: CompleteAI Training

CompleteAI Training offers a comprehensive library of over 100 video courses and certifications tailored for Business Unit Managers. This subscription-based platform provides access to daily updates on AI tools and industry news, ensuring continuous learning.

Key Topics Covered: AI tools and strategies, industry-specific AI applications, daily AI updates.

Target Audience: Business Unit Managers looking for flexible, ongoing AI education.

Pros:
• Extensive range of courses and certifications.
• Daily updates on relevant AI tools and news.
• Affordable pricing with annual billing.

Cons:
• Requires subscription for ongoing access.

Who Would Benefit: Managers who prioritize continuous AI learning and want a cost-effective, comprehensive resource.

Course 2: AI for Managers , Embracing the potential of AI by ESMT Berlin

ESMT Berlin offers a 4-day face-to-face program in Berlin. The course covers AI strategy, governance, and practical use cases, including hands-on workshops at the Merantix AI campus.

Key Topics Covered: AI strategy, governance, ethics, compliance, industry collaboration.

Target Audience: Mid-to-senior level executives, including Business Unit Managers, seeking in-depth, practical AI knowledge.

Pros:
• Intensive and practical focus.
• Collaboration with a leading AI research platform.
• Networking opportunities with experts and peers.

Cons:
• High tuition cost.
• Requires travel to Berlin.

Who Would Benefit: Executives looking for a profound and interactive learning experience in AI strategy.

Course 3: The Business of AI: Strategies for Leaders - Online by London Business School

London Business School provides a 10-week online course focusing on the strategic implementation of AI, with practical business cases and data challenges.

Key Topics Covered: AI strategic implementation, data challenges, business case development.

Target Audience: Executives and managers looking for a flexible, strategic approach to AI in business.

Pros:
• Comprehensive, strategic approach.
• Flexible online learning.
• Real-life global examples.

Cons:
• Significant time commitment.
• Higher cost than some online alternatives.

Who Would Benefit: Leaders seeking strategic insights into AI applications and business transformation.

Course 4: AI Strategy for Business Leaders: From Hype to Impact by Harvard Division of Continuing Education

Harvard DCE offers a 2-day on-campus program focusing on AI strategy and implications for business leaders, emphasizing strategic use of AI.

Key Topics Covered: AI strategic mindset, managerial implications, strategic leveraging of AI.

Target Audience: Business leaders and managers interested in understanding AI's strategic potential.

Pros:
• Strategic focus on leading AI initiatives.
• Certificate from Harvard DCE.

Cons:
• Short duration may limit depth.
• On-campus format requires travel.

Who Would Benefit: Managers looking for a concentrated course on strategic AI leadership.

Course 5: Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy by MIT Sloan

MIT Sloan in partnership with MIT CSAIL offers a 6-week online program, focusing on AI technologies from a business perspective.

Key Topics Covered: Generative AI, machine learning, robotics, AI business integration.

Target Audience: Business leaders interested in conceptual understanding and integration of AI.

Pros:
• Flexible online format.
• Strong focus on AI and business integration.

Cons:
• Exact cost not specified.
• Conceptual focus may not suit hands-on learners.

Who Would Benefit: Leaders seeking a conceptual understanding of AI with a focus on integration into business.

Course 6: AI for Business by INSEAD

INSEAD offers a 5-day in-person course covering AI benefits, legal challenges, and collaboration with AI experts, focusing on practical communication.

Key Topics Covered: AI benefits, legal and ethical challenges, collaboration with AI experts.

Target Audience: Leaders and senior executives interested in practical AI applications.

Pros:
• In-person, practical focus.
• Emphasis on communication with AI teams.

Cons:
• High cost.
• Requires travel for in-person attendance.

Who Would Benefit: Executives who value hands-on learning and collaboration with AI experts.

Course 7: Leadership Program in AI and Analytics by Wharton

Wharton offers a 6-month online program focusing on using AI tools for innovation and business growth.

Key Topics Covered: AI tools for analysis, innovation, business growth strategies.

Target Audience: Business leaders with 10+ years of experience.

Pros:
• Long duration with flexible learning modes.
• Includes optional on-campus experience.

Cons:
• Very high cost.
• Significant time commitment.

Who Would Benefit: Experienced leaders aiming to drive business growth through AI tools.

Course 8: Artificial Intelligence for Business Advantage by Bentley University

Bentley University offers a 3-day in-person course focusing on AI fundamentals, ethical implications, and practical tools like ChatGPT.

Key Topics Covered: AI fundamentals, ethical implications, practical AI tools.

Target Audience: Leaders responsible for strategy, growth, or innovation.

Pros:
• Short, intensive, practical.
• Includes engineering certificate.

Cons:
• Requires travel for in-person attendance.
• Short duration may limit depth.

Who Would Benefit: Leaders seeking quick, practical AI insights and certifications.

Course 9: Business Analytics in the Age of Generative AI by London Business School

London Business School offers a 6-week online course focused on generative AI’s impact on business analytics and data-driven decision-making.

Key Topics Covered: Generative AI, business analytics, data visualization.

Target Audience: Mid-senior executives interested in data skills and AI tools.

Pros:
• Online, focused on data skills.
• Emphasizes generative AI tools.

Cons:
• Proxy link used, verify direct course access.
• Shorter duration may limit networking.

Who Would Benefit: Executives focused on enhancing data-driven decision-making skills.

Course 10: Generative AI: Technology, Business, and Society by Stanford Online

Stanford Online offers a self-paced, 34-hour course covering AI fundamentals, business applications, and human-centered AI.

Key Topics Covered: Technical fundamentals, business applications, human-centered AI.

Target Audience: Professionals interested in a comprehensive understanding of AI's impact on society.

Pros:
• Flexible self-paced format.
• Comprehensive coverage including ethics.

Cons:
• Requires self-motivation.
• No live interaction.

Who Would Benefit: Self-motivated learners seeking a broad understanding of AI's societal impact.

Course 11: AI Essentials for Business by Harvard Business School Online

Harvard Business School Online offers a 4-week, self-paced online course covering AI-powered organization building and digital transformation strategies.

Key Topics Covered: Competing in the AI era, AI strategies for digital transformation.

Target Audience: Business professionals and leaders looking for practical leadership insights.

Pros:
• Short, affordable, Harvard brand.
• Practical leadership focus.

Cons:
• Limited networking opportunities.
• Short duration.

Who Would Benefit: Leaders seeking a concise and practical introduction to AI strategies.

Course 12: The Business of AI: Shaping the Future of Businesses with Generative AI by Columbia Business School

Columbia Business School offers a 4-day, in-person course combining AI theory with actionable strategies and access to local AI networks.

Key Topics Covered: AI theory, actionable strategies, industry connections.

Target Audience: Senior professionals and executives interested in strategic AI insights and industry connections.

Pros:
• In-person, strong industry connections.
• Strategic focus.

Cons:
• Very high cost.
• Requires travel to New York.

Who Would Benefit: Executives seeking strategic insights and networking opportunities in AI.

Course 13: AI Strategies for Business Transformation by Kellogg School of Management

Kellogg School of Management offers an 8-week online course focusing on AI impact assessment and designing AI transformation plans.

Key Topics Covered: AI impact assessment, high-value use cases, AI transformation plans.

Target Audience: Senior executives responsible for digital transformation and AI integration.

Pros:
• Online, practical assignments.
• Focused on transformation leadership.

Cons:
• Proxy link used, verify direct course access.
• Requires significant weekly commitment.

Who Would Benefit: Executives leading AI-driven transformation efforts.

Course 14: Generative Artificial Intelligence: From Hype to Business Impact by Cambridge Judge Business School

Cambridge Judge Business School offers a 3-day, in-person course covering AI practice, ethics, and business strategy.

Key Topics Covered: AI practice, ethics, business strategy.

Target Audience: Mid to senior executives and managers interested in AI strategy and ethics.

Pros:
• Short, certificate-eligible.
• Ethical and strategic focus.

Cons:
• Requires travel to Cambridge.
• Short duration.

Who Would Benefit: Managers focused on AI ethics and strategic implementation.

Course 15: Oxford Artificial Intelligence Program by University of Oxford Saïd Business School

University of Oxford Saïd Business School offers a 6-week online program covering AI mechanics, ethics, and business integration.

Key Topics Covered: AI mechanics, ethics, machine learning, business integration.

Target Audience: Business leaders and managers seeking comprehensive AI knowledge.

Pros:
• Online, comprehensive.
• Ethics included.

Cons:
• Requires self-motivation.
• No live interaction.

Who Would Benefit: Managers interested in a thorough exploration of AI's potential and challenges.

Course 16: AI for Business Innovation: Beyond Generative AI by Imperial College Business School

Imperial College Business School offers a 6-week online course on AI for strategic growth and decision-making.

Key Topics Covered: Strategic growth, generative AI, ethical issues.

Target Audience: Professionals interested in strategic growth via AI.

Pros:
• Affordable, online.
• Practical and ethical focus.

Cons:
• Proxy link used, verify direct course access.
• Shorter duration.

Who Would Benefit: Professionals seeking practical AI strategies for organizational growth.

Course 17: Generative AI and AI/ML Digital Upskilling by Villanova School of Business

Villanova School of Business targets corporate and nonprofit executives, teaching AI/ML opportunities, data preparation, and AI culture.

Key Topics Covered: AI/ML opportunities, data prep, enterprise patterns, AI culture.

Target Audience: Corporate and nonprofit executives and senior managers.

Pros:
• Focus on organizational AI adoption.
• Emphasis on AI culture and ROI measurement.

Cons:
• Cost and duration not specified.
• Proxy link used, verify direct course access.

Who Would Benefit: Executives interested in fostering an AI culture within their organizations.

Overall Recommendations

When selecting an AI course for Business Unit Managers, consider your specific learning needs, budget, and time availability. For those seeking a comprehensive and flexible learning platform, CompleteAI Training offers an extensive range of courses at an affordable price. If you prefer in-person, intensive learning experiences, courses like those offered by ESMT Berlin or Columbia Business School provide valuable networking opportunities and strategic insights. For leaders seeking strategic and practical applications of AI, the courses from London Business School or Harvard DCE offer strategic focus and leadership insights. Ultimately, the best course will align with your career goals, learning style, and the resources you are willing to invest.