Teaching the Mindset Before the Tools: Operations in the Age of AI. A Semester of Perspective
As my Operations Management course comes to a close, I’ve spent some time reflecting on what this experience has reinforced for me as both a business leader and an instructor.
These students are seniors. In a matter of months, they’ll transition from classrooms to offices, operations floors, project teams, and customer-facing roles. That timing brings a different level of responsibility, not just to teach concepts, but to prepare them for the realities of the business world they are entering.
Why Emerging Technology Was a Core Focus This Semester
Operations Management has always been driven by efficiency, accuracy, productivity, and the customer experience. Those fundamentals haven’t changed. The tools we now use to achieve them have.
Throughout the semester, I intentionally emphasized the role of AI, automation, and business intelligence, not as trends, but as practical tools that are already shaping how companies operate, forecast, serve customers, and make decisions.
My goal wasn’t to turn students into technology experts overnight. It was to ensure they understand:
AI as a thought partner, not a substitute or time saver for their critical thinking.
Business intelligence as the foundation for visibility and accountability.
Automation as a way to elevate people’s time and talent
These tools, when applied with discipline, are how organizations can drive sustainable improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.
Preparing Seniors for Their First Real Business Environment
Because this class is made up of seniors, the focus went beyond theory. I felt a responsibility to help prepare them for how work actually happens:
Learning new systems quickly
Working across functions
Using data instead of instinct
Navigating change without losing momentum
They don’t need to have all the answers on day one. But I feel that they do need the right mindset:
Be curious
Ask better questions
Learn continuously
And always look for ways to improve what already exists
That mindset will outlast any single tool or job title.
What Teaching This Class Reinforced for Me
Watching students shift from solving isolated problems to understanding entire systems has been rewarding. It reinforced something I’ve seen throughout my career.
The companies and careers that separate themselves are built by people who improve consistently, not just occasionally.
That same principle applies whether you’re managing a production line, supply chain, sales organization, or even a service operation.
A Note of Gratitude and Confidence
I’m grateful for the engagement, effort, and professionalism this group of students brought into the classroom. Teaching them has been a privilege.
They are stepping into a business environment driven by constant change, accelerating technology, and higher expectations. I believe that if they remain committed to learning, contributing, and continuously improving, they will build meaningful and successful careers.
I am grateful to have played even a small role in their preparation.
