Unlocking the Future: A Comprehensive Guide to Integrating AI in Business Strategy and Education

Since generative artificial intelligence (AI) emerged, educators have had mixed feelings. Some are excited and already using AI in their classrooms, allowing students to take advantage of this tool in their projects. They’ve written articles to share how integrating AI can improve learning and teach students how to prompt AI effectively.

On the other hand, some academics are cautious. They worry that AI hinders students from developing essential skills needed for success in their careers. These educators often ban the use of AI, look for signs of cheating, or stick to traditional testing methods.

Personally, while we are still figuring out how to use AI in our professional lives, we see its growing role in education. To prepare students for the future, we must embrace AI in our teaching methods. It’s becoming crucial for instilling the core skills needed in our fields.

In management and strategy, AI is already a common tool. Professionals use it for meeting notes, automate financial audits, and even consult AI over entry-level help. The key question has shifted from whether to use AI to how it can enhance students’ critical thinking and core skills.

Our aim as educators is to develop critical thinkers who will be responsible managers. Students traditionally sharpen these skills by writing dissertations, analyzing business strategies, and reflecting on company decisions. Instead of pushing AI away, we think it should be integrated into these projects.

For instance, when students work on their dissertations, treating them like researchers can help them make real contributions. Professors should engage actively with students’ drafts and ideas, guiding them in how to frame their questions and analyze their data. Just like we do with PhD candidates, we must help students find their unique perspectives.

As we raise expectations, students will start to realize that AI has its limits. Like past technology—Wikipedia, for example—AI can help but doesn’t provide original thoughts or insights. Prior evaluations often focused on aspects like structure and writing style, which AI can manage now. So, we need to shift our focus to assessing critical thinking—students should analyze literature and defend their viewpoints rather than just summarizing existing work.

Another opportunity lies in using AI for strategic analysis. Here, students become consultants-in-training, expected to gather data and offer valuable recommendations. While AI assists in processing information, it doesn’t replace the need for students to deliver meaningful analyses and solutions based on their understanding.

Additionally, using AI for reflective essays encourages students to delve into personal connections with strategic decisions. They can still articulate their thoughts and advice, building arguments beyond AI’s output and refining their own voices.

We shouldn’t see AI as a threat to our teaching roles. Instead, by raising our expectations and viewing students as future professionals, we can use technology to help them build the skills they need. This approach enhances our teaching and focuses on developing students’ core competencies for their futures.

Guillaume Carton is an associate professor of strategy at EMLyon Business School, and Julia Parigot is an associate professor of strategy at Institut Supérieur de Gestion.

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