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How AI is changing the role of product teams in business schools
AI, Business Schools, Executive Education
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping business education in a way many couldn’t have expected. While this means that there are emerging challenges facing schools, it also provides a wealth of opportunity. Perhaps more importantly, though, students themselves expect some element of AI integration in their education, which means that schools have to be ready to adapt.
Indeed, a recent study from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) revealed that 40% of students view AI as a ‘curricular must-have’ both in terms of course content and delivery. For context, this figure stood at 29% in 2023. Clearly, AI-enabled learning is going to become the norm, changing how courses are delivered, which in turn, will impact product teams.
With that in mind, we take a look at how AI is changing the role of product teams in business schools in our latest blog.
A personalised product
As regular readers of our insights will have already spotted, the age of AI is leading to more personalisation in business education and how courses and modules are delivered.
If we look at how some schools are integrating AI into their learner experience, we can see just how impactful it can and will be on product design and management. NEOMA business school, for example, has implemented a platform, managed by artificial intelligence, which allows the school to identify slow learners versus fast learners and recommend personalised approaches to help individuals catch up with their peers.
This tailored experience will alter how product teams and leaders view course and module creation, but the resulting impact will be significant and one that will certainly give schools a competitive edge.
AI-powered and human-led
It is important to note, though, that while artificial intelligence is altering business school education, it can never be a complete replacement for the human element of learning. By that, we’re not just talking about making sure that learners have access to expert academics. Product teams must ensure that courses – even those that are delivered solely online – have human touchpoints.
Product teams are going to have to find ways to ensure students are gaining access to their peers, which, as we all know, is an important part of business education. While AI won’t be able to solve this problem, professionals developing courses will require the knowledge and insights into emerging technology and the tech stacks needed to facilitate person-to-person conversations in a more natural way than we have perhaps seen so far. As a result, skills linked to engineering, or at least a level of understanding as to how platforms work and integrate for the best user experience, will be sought after.
Creating a whole new experience without damaging legacies
The role that product leaders and professionals have to play in the modern era of AI is a balancing act. Schools have inherent legacies that wholeheartedly need to be protected at all costs. But their future lies in adaptation. The heritage that leading business schools rely on must still be apparent in courses, modules and the way learning is delivered.
That means product teams need to ensure that online courses reflect the legacy and culture of the school, while those experiencing their education in person also don’t miss out on the innovative opportunities and tailored learning that artificial intelligence offers. It will be a tough balance to strike, and product developers will arguably have to work more closely with other functions than they ever have before.
Programme design, production, marketing, enrolment, IT and curriculum teams, for example, will all be significant allies and informants when it comes to striking this balance.
Creating a competitive team
Business schools that have product teams – and indeed experts across all functions – that are able to capitalise on the benefits of artificial intelligence will find that they are creating the most compelling courses in a highly competitive market. However, if schools are to attract individuals and leaders to deliver against this requirement, their recruitment strategy must appeal to a wider range of individuals.
That’s where Telfer Partners can help. We have a wealth of experience working with international business schools to support their recruitment needs – shouldn’t we be working with you too?
Looking to bolster your business school’s product team? Contact us today for more information.
