Next, we want to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into your Week 1 learning. To do this, we will utilize Google Gemini (or ChatGPT if you are so inclined) and the completed project from Assignment 1 to now complete Assignment 2. The core value of integrating artificial intelligence after the initial report is to elevate your work from demonstrating analytical skills (Descriptive) to providing strategic, future-focused insights (Prescriptive), a key expectation in National University’s MBA program.
You will use Gemini (or ChatGPT) to critically evaluate, contextualize, and expand upon the findings and recommendations in your completed Excel/Word reports.
Enhancing Recommendations (Prescriptive Analytics)
Instead of simply reporting what happened (e.g., "The margin is low in Region X"), you can use an AI tool to research and formulate what should be done by leveraging industry best practices and AI use cases.
- Benchmark Against AI Strategies: Input the report's findings and ask for strategic solutions.
- Prompt Example: "Based on my finding of high inventory holding costs due to poor forecasting for a computer company (Natun), what specific AI/ML applications (like demand sensing or predictive analytics) are logistics companies or electronics manufacturers currently using to optimize inventory and reduce costs in the 'Plan' phase?"
- Generate Contingency Scenarios: MBA work requires preparing for uncertainty. You can use an AI tool to run high-level "what-if" scenarios based on its core recommendations.
- Prompt Example: "My report recommends a sole-source supplier switch to save 10% on components. Find two non-financial risks of sole-sourcing in the consumer electronics industry. Then, generate a mitigation strategy for each risk to include in my final recommendation section."
Assignment 2 Instructions
Utilize the case study you wrote as the Senior Vice President of Sales for the Natun Computer Company. Remember, you summarized the recent performance of the company. Although all stores are approximately the same in terms of retail space and workforce, there have been falling sales in some stores. Leadership is interested in using data-driven decision-making to implement management changes at the regional and store level. In addition, Product Development is looking for a direction to focus investments. Marketing is also interested in how the “best sellers” can be leveraged in advertising and promotions to increase overall sales.
First, utilize Gemini or ChatGPT by uploading your case study report. Then, utilize the example prompt: "Based on my finding of high inventory holding costs due to poor forecasting for a computer company (Natun), what specific AI/ML applications (like demand sensing or predictive analytics) are logistics companies or electronics manufacturers currently using to optimize inventory and reduce costs in the 'Plan' phase?"
Second, refine your prompt. Ask Gemini or ChatGPT to provide five (5) specific AI/ML applications. What are the top two recommended applications? Do all five of the applications exist, or did Gemini hallucinate?
Third, develop your own prompt for improving the results of your case study. What are the top results? How did you narrow down your AI tool’s recommendations to two recommendations, and why?
Fourth, run a contingency “what-if” scenario for your case study. Practice with the example prompt: “My report recommends a sole-source supplier switch to save 10% on components. Use your selected AI tool to find two non-financial risks of sole-sourcing in the consumer electronics industry. Then, generate a mitigation strategy for each risk to include in my final recommendation section." What are the answers? Do you agree or disagree?
Fifth, develop your own prompt for generating “what-if” scenario results from your case study. What are the top results? Which scenario seems most likely to occur and why compared to the other Gemini or ChatGPT-generated scenarios? Choose the scenario that seems most likely to happen and provide solutions. Then run those solutions through your AI tool by creating an original prompt for feedback.