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AI essentials for effective managers

Duration

8 weeks

Delivery

Hybrid (online and face-to-face)

Accreditation

CMI Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership

Ideal for

Middle managers across all sectors

Course description

AI essentials for effective managers is an 8-week hybrid programme designed to give middle managers a clear, practical understanding of artificial intelligence and its impact on leadership, decision-making and team performance.

This accessible, non-technical course explores how AI can be used responsibly and effectively in day-to-day management practice. You’ll gain practical tools, explore real-world case studies and build the confidence to lead in an AI-enabled workplace.

The course culminates in a workplace-based assignment assessed by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), leading to a nationally recognised qualification.

Course aim

Over 8 weeks, you’ll explore what AI is and what it means for managers, real-world applications across marketing, HR, finance and operations, data-driven decision-making and the importance of human oversight, how leadership behaviours are evolving in a tech-driven world, using AI to enhance productivity and free up leadership time, ethics, accountability and responsible adoption, and how to align AI with business goals and communicate its value.

Who is it for?

Want to understand and apply AI in their leadership practice
Are responsible for driving change, innovation or performance improvement
Need to support teams through digital or technological transformation
Are preparing for more senior leadership responsibilities
No technical background is required
What you'll gain

  • CMI Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership

  • Strategic understanding of AI in the workplace

  • Confidence to lead teams in a technology-enabled environment

  • Practical tools for productivity and decision-making

  • A peer network of forward-thinking managers

Accreditation

Awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), this qualification is mapped to the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 5, demonstrating your capability as a competent, ethical and future-focused leader.

Delivery includes two in-person workshops, weekly interactive content and discussion forums, access to CMI ManagementDirect, and ongoing facilitator support throughout.

Assessment: participants complete a CMI-assessed assignment focused on applying course content to their real-world management context. This ensures immediate workplace relevance and practical application of learning.

The programme runs over eight weeks, combining face-to-face workshops with weekly online content.

Welcome to AI in the world of management

What AI means for managers, cutting through the hype and the changing role of management. Face-to-face workshop.

AI in action

Real-world use cases across business functions, AI in your sector and peer discussions.

Data-driven decision making

How AI uses data, its limitations and bias, and better decisions through better questions.

Leading teams in the age of AI

Evolving leadership behaviours, emotional intelligence and supporting teams through change.

AI for enhanced productivity

Automating repetitive tasks and using AI tools for project management and performance tracking.

Responsible and ethical AI

Ethics, accountability and fairness, legal frameworks and your role in ethical AI adoption. Face-to-face workshop.

Strategy and implementation

Aligning AI with business goals, creating a responsible adoption roadmap and communicating value.

Assessment, reflection and action planning

Final assessment preparation, peer coaching and your post-course action plan.