Leadership Crisis in the AI Age: IEEE's Mini-MBA Solution

Artificial Intelligence Challenges Leadership Skills

Technological advancement is driving transformation across all sectors, including business. However, the rapid adoption rate of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has outpaced the adaptation capacity, particularly within management and leadership ranks. A recent study published by McKinsey & Company clearly highlights this gap. 87% of companies participating in the research acknowledge a serious lack of skills and knowledge regarding AI within their management tiers. This situation leads to companies failing to achieve expected returns from AI investments, delays in strategic decision-making, and risks to competitive advantage.

A Critical Step from IEEE and Rutgers: The AI Mini-MBA Program

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), the world's largest technical professional organization, has taken action to provide a solution to this global problem. In collaboration with Rutgers Business School, IEEE has launched a fully online, AI-focused Mini-MBA program. The program combines the intensive content of traditional MBA education with a targeted curriculum focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into business strategies, operations, marketing, and financial decision-making processes.

Program Goal and Scope

The program's primary objective is to enable non-technical managers and leaders to understand AI's business potential, manage AI projects, and make decisions within an ethical framework. Participants will receive training across a broad spectrum, from the fundamental principles of algorithms and data-driven decision models to the ethical and social implications of AI and leading transformation processes. This training aims not only to transfer theoretical knowledge but also to provide hands-on experience through case studies and practical projects.

Global Trend and Local Implications

IEEE's initiative underscores that AI literacy is no longer required only for technical teams but is essential across all management levels. The skills gap identified in the McKinsey report is a global phenomenon affecting organizations worldwide. Programs like this AI Mini-MBA are crucial for bridging the divide between rapid technological innovation and the leadership capabilities needed to harness it effectively. This development signals a shift in executive education, where understanding and strategically deploying AI is becoming a core component of modern leadership training.