AI power for MBA program

Learning Objective: Familiarise learners with Copilot’s core functionalities, understand its practical relevance in MBA contexts, and get hands-on experience with Visual Creator.

• Welcome & Programme Overview:
• • Introduction to the overarching goals of the program.
  • Overview of Copilot’s capabilities and how it revolutionises academic and workplace productivity.
• Generative AI Foundations:
• • Fundamental concepts of Large Language Models (LLMs).
  • How Copilot integrates with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive to support academic projects and business tasks.
  • A short discussion on ethical usage of AI: emphasising data privacy, citation, and responsible usage.
• Copilot Pro Setup & Configuration:
• • A step-by-step guide to activating Copilot Pro.
  • Best-practice settings specific to MBA tasks:
  • • Word: Crafting academic reports, research papers, and CVs.
    • Excel: Data analysis, financial modelling.
    • PowerPoint: Rapidly generating structured presentations.
  • Quick orientation to Copilot Chat for brainstorming and instant AI assistance.
• Getting Organised with Copilot:
• • Techniques for managing digital study materials (reading lists, notes, assignment deadlines).
  • Summarising academic and business texts (lengthy PDFs, textbooks).
  • Top tips for time-saving in a demanding MBA schedule.
• Introduction to Visual Creator:
• • Explanation of Copilot’s image generation processes.
  • Significance of visuals in MBA contexts (marketing, consulting, finance).
  • Live examples showcasing different styles (infographics, diagrams, conceptual artworks) with prompts like:
  • • "An image of a simple gold trophy with confetti to recognise a job well done."
    • "A minimal bar graph with colourful rising bars and an up arrow to show business growth."
    • "A hyper-realistic image of a modern workspace with colourful furniture and a moss wall in a mid-morning light."
• Prompt Engineering for Visual Creator:
• • Crafting effective prompts: the do’s and don’ts.
  • Downloadable PDF Cheat Sheet: Quick-reference guide of key modifiers, styles, and relevant keywords.
• Hands-on Activity:
• • Configure Copilot Pro.
  • Draft a simple academic report in Word.
  • Summarise a PDF chapter using Copilot Chat.
  • Create at least one visual relevant to your MBA coursework (e.g., a business concept or marketing idea) with Visual Creator.

Learning Objective: Equip learners to conduct robust research, perform data-driven analysis, and design compelling data visualisations and presentations using Copilot.

• Copilot Chat for Advanced Research:
• • Advanced Search Techniques: Access reliable academic journals, industry reports, and marketing data.
  • Information Synthesis & Summaries: Merge insights from multiple sources into cohesive arguments.
  • Citation Assistance: Incorporate references in various styles (APA, Harvard, etc.) ethically and accurately.
• Copilot in Excel for Data Analysis:
• • Statistical Analysis: Learn to use Copilot to conduct statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard deviation) and basic regressions. Use this to identify trends and patterns in data.
  • Scenario Modelling: Build “What if?” analyses for strategic decisions (e.g., pricing changes, market entry) using Copilot’s formula suggestions and data table features. Gain experience in simulating different business outcomes.
  • Advanced Pivot Tables: Create advanced pivot tables for deeper data exploration and to uncover hidden insights in complex datasets.
  • Hands-on Activity: Use a sample dataset to perform a quick financial analysis with Copilot’s assistance.
• Visual Storytelling with Data:
• • Choosing the right chart or graph for the right data.
  • Embedding visuals into Word documents to support narrative flow.
  • Tips on data storytelling: balancing depth with clarity and ensuring accuracy.
• Enhancing Presentations with Visual Creator:
• • Generating custom images to simplify complex ideas (e.g., supply chain, organisational structures). Use Visual Creator to generate on-brand visuals.
  • Incorporating data visualisations into PowerPoint slides for maximum audience engagement. Create dynamic presentations that are both informative and visually engaging.
• Tailored Case Studies with Copilot:
• • Using Copilot to craft scenario-based case studies relevant to different MBA specialisations (marketing, finance, HR, operations).
  • Integrating robust data from credible sources into case narratives.
• Mini Case Study Exercise:
• • Learners collaborate in small groups to build a short, AI-assisted case study on a chosen industry.

Learning Objective: Teach learners to generate and analyse case studies, engage with business simulations, and produce professional-quality business reports—while also using Copilot to create concise notes from live sessions.

• Mastering Copilot 365 for Academic Efficiency:
• • Note-Taking on the Fly: Automate capturing major points, references, and important questions during lectures using Copilot's Live Session Support.
  • Summarising lengthy textbooks and PDFs for efficient revision (pre-reads, post-reads).
  • Creating personal knowledge databases for quick retrieval of information.
• Creating Tailored Case Studies:
• • Copilot as a research assistant: scanning the web and academic databases for up-to-date data.
  • Drafting new case studies based on real-time market and economic trends relevant to specific MBA tracks.
• In-Depth Report Writing with Copilot:
• • Structuring comprehensive reports: background, methodology, analysis, recommendations.
  • Integrating Copilot-generated graphs, charts, and images for compelling data representation.
  • Ensuring each section flows logically and remains consistent in style and tone.
• Interactive Business Simulations:
• • Generating hypothetical market entry or crisis scenarios using Copilot’s creative prompts.
  • Role-Playing with Copilot: Copilot simulates different stakeholders (CEO, CFO, customers) to facilitate realistic strategic decision-making. Demonstrate how to set up “character prompts” for Copilot to define their personalities and perspectives.
  • Real-time feedback and reflection on decision outcomes.
• Hands-on Simulation:
• • In groups, students craft a short “business crisis” scenario, use Copilot to propose solutions, and present them to peers.

Learning Objective: Demonstrate how Copilot can reduce administrative burdens, amplify communication skills, and support both individual and group-based projects.

• Copilot in Word for Academic Writing:
• • Perfecting Tone: Aligning language style with academic standards.
  • Grammar and Style Checks: Refining arguments and ensuring clarity.
  • Avoiding Plagiarism: Harnessing Copilot ethically to maintain academic integrity.
• Copilot in Outlook for Effective Communication:
• • Crafting professional emails quickly (to professors, recruiters, industry experts).
  • Managing inbox overload: organising and prioritising emails with Copilot’s assistance.
  • Scheduling and reminders for busy MBA timetables.
• Copilot in OneDrive for Organisation:
• • Establishing folder structures for group projects, personal notes, and final assignments.
  • Understanding version control and collaborative editing with real-time AI support.
• Copilot for Group Collaboration:
• • Joint Writing and Editing in Word: Distributing tasks and merging outputs. Using Copilot in Word to facilitate collaborative writing and editing in group projects.
  • Meeting Summaries: Use Copilot Chat to summarise key decisions and action items from group meetings.
  • Brainstorming and Idea Generation: Leverage Copilot Chat for group brainstorming sessions.
• Group Project Activity:
• • Students practise dividing tasks and using Copilot to keep track of progress, then present final outputs.

Learning Objective: Empower learners to harness Copilot for targeted career preparation, from researching roles and optimising CVs to practising interviews and crafting a winning elevator pitch.

• Career Research & Exploration with Copilot Chat:
• • Mapping industries to job roles: gleaning insights on salaries, growth, required skill sets.
  • Company deep-dives: culture, leadership style, recent news, and job openings.
• Skill Development Roadmap:
• • Building a personal skills matrix and identifying gaps.
  • Recommending courses, certifications, and experiences to fill those gaps (with Copilot’s curated suggestions).
• CV, LinkedIn & Cover Letters:
• • Tailored CVs: Rapidly align CVs to specific job postings, focusing on the relevant keywords.
  • LinkedIn Profile Perfection: Craft a compelling summary and refine sections with Copilot’s suggestions.
  • Writing personalised cover letters that effectively communicate your unique fit.
• Elevator Pitch Creation & Networking Strategies:
• • Structuring a concise, impactful pitch for job fairs, networking events, and interviews.
  • Utilising Copilot to draft bullet points and then refining them for memorability.
  • Identifying key events, conferences, and professional bodies to join; crafting outreach messages for potential mentors or peers.
• Mock Interview Preparation:
• • Setting up Copilot to generate likely interview questions for your targeted role.
  • Practising responses (behavioural, technical) using Copilot Chat’s feedback loop.
  • Interview Role-Play: Students pair up and use Copilot to critique and improve each other’s performance.
• Portfolio Development:
• • Showcasing Your AI Skills: Guide students to create a portfolio section highlighting projects where they used Copilot and Visual Creator.
  • Portfolio Platforms: Briefly discuss platforms like LinkedIn, personal websites, Behance (for visual work), or dedicated portfolio website builders.