Applying AI into your organisation

Four-day executive short course | 21–22 and 28-29 September 2026
Durham University Business School – Waterside Building

£1500

Course overview

Designed for professionals who want practical AI skills they can apply immediately, this programme focuses on real-world implementation rather than theory. Through hands-on sessions, live case studies, and expert insight, you will learn how to use AI strategically, improve productivity, and lead AI-driven change within your organisation. Ideal for professionals looking to build confidence, capability, and practical experience in applied AI.

Why attend?

Designed to address the growing demand for practical, implementation-focused AI training. Unlike many existing programmes, this course focuses on real-world deployment, organisational transformation, and hands-on application. Participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to adopt AI strategically within their organisations, supported by live case studies, expert contributors, and practical tools they can continue using after the programme. The programme is aimed at senior leaders, managers, MBA students, and professionals seeking to build practical AI capability, governance understanding, and leadership skills in an increasingly AI-driven business environment. Delivered through intensive, interactive sessions, the courses combine strategy, implementation, and applied learning to create immediate organisational impact.

What you’ll learn

Participants will be able to:

• Understand the current AI landscape and identify high-value opportunities for AI adoption
• Develop practical AI strategies tailored to their organisation or professional context
• Build and configure AI tools, workflows, and custom AI assistants
• Design AI governance frameworks and policies aligned with responsible innovation principles
• Lead organisational change and manage AI transformation effectively
• Evaluate real-world AI deployment case studies across multiple sectors
• Apply AI tools confidently to improve productivity, decision-making, and operational efficiency
• Create a board-ready AI transformation plan with actionable implementation steps
• Demonstrate practical understanding of AI applications without requiring technical or coding expertise
• Gain a recognised Durham University credential in applied AI and leadership

Venue and experience

The programme will be held at Durham University Business School’s state-of-the-art Waterside Building, offering modern teaching spaces and an inspiring learning environment. Catering is included across all days, allowing participants to focus fully on learning and networking.

Taught by

Mackenzie Howe, Atheni

Mackenzie Howe is a human capital economist specialising in applied AI. She has been guiding organisations through digital and technology change since the early 2000s, and now advises governments, regulators, education systems and organisations large and small on how to adopt AI safely, productively, and successfully.

She sits on international standards boards tasked with defining the KPIs for effective AI transformation, and is the co-founder and CEO of Atheni, an AI capability transformation company working across financial services, education, manufacturing, public sector, and professional services.

Mackenzie is particularly interested in the intersection of policy and AI - how we build the governance, measurement and human infrastructure to make this technology work for everyone. She is a former GB international swimmer, current endurance athlete, and a mother of three.

Take the Next Step

A registration link will be available for you to use soon. Until then, please contact one of our team at exec.ed@durham.ac.uk