AI has become integral to modern business education, with universities across the world weaving it into their programs to help students navigate a rapidly shifting professional landscape. Spearheading this change are renowned faculty members who offer expertise, creativity, and practical know-how in AI-driven studies. This article highlights six exceptional educators who have significantly shaped AI learning in business schools.
1. Kartik Hosanagar – The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
As the John C. Hower Professor of Technology and Digital Business at Wharton, Kartik Hosanagar also serves as a Marketing Professor. His research delves into the digital economy, focusing on how analytics and algorithms affect consumers and society. A major aspect of his work is analysing AI-driven recommendations and their impact on business strategies. He also co-founded Yodle Inc., highlighting his efforts to translate academic research into practical solutions.
2. Robert Meyer – The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Robert Meyer is co-director of Wharton’s Human-Centered Technology Initiative and the Frederick H. Ecker/MetLife Insurance Professor. His scholarly work centres on consumer decision-making, behavioural economics, and marketing research methods. Meyer’s insights into how consumers interact with new technologies provide valuable perspectives on AI adoption and its societal implications. His editorial positions and a long list of publications highlight his impact on the subject.
3. Stefano Puntoni – The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Stefano Puntoni is the Sebastian S. Kresge Professor of Marketing at Wharton. His research investigates how new technology, including AI, is transforming consumption and society. Puntoni frequently contributes to management publications such as the Harvard Business Review, and his work has been published in prestigious journals. His emphasis on the relationship between technology and consumer behaviour enhances the conversation around AI in business education.
4. Prasanna (Sonny) Tambe – The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Prasanna Tambe is an Associate Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions at Wharton. His research explores the economics of technology and labour, with recent projects examining how firms compete for software developers and how AI is transforming human resource management. Tambe’s work provides critical insights into the labour market dynamics influenced by AI, informing both academic inquiry and practical business strategies.
5. Balaji Padmanabhan – Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
Balaji Padmanabhan recently joined the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business as a full professor of information systems. Padmanabhan has over 25 years of experience in AI, machine learning, and business analytics, and he holds a PhD from NYU’s Stern School of Business. He created technology-focused electives that connect AI theory and business practice, making him one of the first professors at business schools to incorporate machine learning into MBA programs. He moved to Maryland in order to improve AI programs, emphasising “contextual AI” to prepare graduates to make wise choices in AI-driven settings.
6. Michael R. Roberts – The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Michael R. Roberts is the William H. Lawrence Professor of Finance at Wharton. His studies cover asset pricing, banking, and corporate finance; more recently, he has looked at the impact of interest rates on bank lending and anomalies in share pricing. Roberts has taught courses in finance, economics, statistics, and data analytics and has received numerous teaching awards. He has made a substantial contribution to the integration of analytics and artificial intelligence in financial education.
The integration of AI in business education
Understanding the ethical, strategic, and operational ramifications of AI in business environments is part of the integration of AI into business education, which goes beyond simply imparting technical knowledge. In this integration, faculty members such as those mentioned above are essential since they help in:
Developing Interdisciplinary Curricula: Combining AI with traditional business disciplines to provide a holistic education.
Conducting Applied Research: Focusing on real-world problems to advance both academic knowledge and practical applications.
Engaging with Industry: Working together with companies to make sure AI education meets the demands of the present and the future.
Addressing Ethical Considerations: Exploring the societal impacts of AI to prepare students for responsible leadership.
AI’s influence beyond academia
The impact of AI extends beyond academic institutions, permeating various sectors, including Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and online marketplaces. By using AI-powered technologies to automate procedures from loan application to approval, NBFCs are revolutionising the lending industry and improving client satisfaction and efficiency.
Similarly, online marketplaces are adopting AI to transform e-commerce landscapes, integrating features like short-form videos to enhance consumer engagement and streamline the shopping experience.
Conclusion
As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionise industries, business schools, and their faculty play an essential role in preparing the next generation of leaders. The distinguished educators featured here exemplify the expertise and dedication required to embed AI within business education. Their efforts ensure that students not only master AI technologies but also understand the ethical and strategic dilemmas tied to their use in business and society. Furthermore, AI’s increasing integration in sectors like NBFCs and online marketplaces highlights its broad influence, emphasising the need for strong AI education to promote adaptability and innovation across industries.