AI, Governance, Compliance, and Ethics in International Business
Format
Hybrid with Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
Weekly Hours
5-6 hours
Credits
3 Credits
Prerequisites
Admission to the M.S. in Global Engagement Management program
Course Description
This advanced graduate course examines the complex intersection of artificial intelligence technologies, corporate governance structures, regulatory compliance frameworks, and ethical considerations within international business contexts. Students will critically analyze how organizations navigate diverse global regulatory landscapes, implement responsible AI governance practices, and address ethical challenges arising from AI deployment across cultural and jurisdictional boundaries. The course integrates theoretical frameworks from business ethics, technology governance, and international law with practical applications through case studies, industry partnerships, and work-integrated learning experiences. Emphasis is placed on emerging regulatory frameworks including the EU AI Act, national AI strategies, and industry self-governance initiatives.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Critically evaluate global AI governance frameworks and regulatory approaches, comparing jurisdictional differences and assessing their implications for multinational business operations.
Design comprehensive AI ethics and compliance strategies that address cross-cultural considerations, stakeholder interests, and evolving regulatory requirements in international business contexts.
Analyze complex AI governance scenarios using ethical frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and compliance auditing techniques to identify governance gaps and recommend remediation strategies.
Synthesize theoretical knowledge with practical experience through work-integrated learning activities, demonstrating professional competence in applying AI governance principles within organizational settings.
Formulate evidence-based policy recommendations for corporate AI governance structures that balance innovation objectives with ethical responsibilities, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder accountability.
Communicate complex AI governance concepts effectively to diverse audiences including executives, regulators, and cross-functional teams through professional written and oral presentations.
Weekly Schedule
15-week course schedule with topics, content, and assessment due dates
| Week | Topic | Key Content | Assessment Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundations of AI in International Business | AI fundamentals; Global business context; MIT AI Ethics Guide | Module 1 Discussion |
| 2 | Global AI Governance Frameworks | OECD AI Principles; EU AI Act Overview | Governance Analysis Due |
| 3 | Comparative Regulatory Landscapes | WEF AI Governance Report; Jurisdictional analysis | Module 2 Discussion |
| 4 | AI Ethics Theories and Frameworks | Ethical theories; Mittelstadt et al.; Jobin et al. | Ethics Framework Essay Due |
| 5 | Bias, Fairness, and Algorithmic Accountability | O'Neil selections; Barocas & Selbst | Case Study Analysis 1 Due |
| 6 | Data Privacy and Cross-Border Compliance | GDPR Overview; Cross-border data flows | Project Proposal Due |
| 7 | Midterm Examination and Review | Comprehensive review of Weeks 1-6 | Midterm Exam |
| 8 | AI in Multinational Operations: Risk Management | Deloitte AI Risk Framework; WEF Report | WIL Placement Begins |
| 9 | Corporate AI Governance Structures | Microsoft AI Principles; Google AI Ethics | Corporate Governance Brief Due |
| 10 | AI Due Diligence in International Transactions | Armour et al.; Business & Human Rights | Project Draft Due |
| 11 | Emerging Technologies: Ethics of Generative AI | Crawford Ch. 5; Industry white papers | Case Study Analysis 2 Due |
| 12 | Industry Applications and Sector-Specific Compliance | Sector-specific readings | WIL Reflection Journal Due |
| 13 | Future of AI Governance: Trends and Predictions | UN AI Advisory Report; Academic articles | Final Presentations |
| 14 | Final Presentations and Course Synthesis | Student presentations; Q&A sessions | Final Presentations |
| 15 | Final Examination Period | Comprehensive review | Final Exam / Final Submission |
Foundations of AI in International Business
AI fundamentals; Global business context; MIT AI Ethics Guide
Module 1 DiscussionGlobal AI Governance Frameworks
OECD AI Principles; EU AI Act Overview
Governance Analysis DueComparative Regulatory Landscapes
WEF AI Governance Report; Jurisdictional analysis
Module 2 DiscussionAI Ethics Theories and Frameworks
Ethical theories; Mittelstadt et al.; Jobin et al.
Ethics Framework Essay DueBias, Fairness, and Algorithmic Accountability
O'Neil selections; Barocas & Selbst
Case Study Analysis 1 DueData Privacy and Cross-Border Compliance
GDPR Overview; Cross-border data flows
Project Proposal DueMidterm Examination and Review
Comprehensive review of Weeks 1-6
Midterm ExamAI in Multinational Operations: Risk Management
Deloitte AI Risk Framework; WEF Report
WIL Placement BeginsCorporate AI Governance Structures
Microsoft AI Principles; Google AI Ethics
Corporate Governance Brief DueAI Due Diligence in International Transactions
Armour et al.; Business & Human Rights
Project Draft DueEmerging Technologies: Ethics of Generative AI
Crawford Ch. 5; Industry white papers
Case Study Analysis 2 DueIndustry Applications and Sector-Specific Compliance
Sector-specific readings
WIL Reflection Journal DueFuture of AI Governance: Trends and Predictions
UN AI Advisory Report; Academic articles
Final PresentationsFinal Presentations and Course Synthesis
Student presentations; Q&A sessions
Final PresentationsFinal Examination Period
Comprehensive review
Final Exam / Final SubmissionAssessments
Course assessments and their weight in the final grade
Final Project: AI Governance Implementation Plan
Comprehensive AI governance implementation plan for international business context (5,000-6,000 words + presentation)
Case Study Analyses
Two analytical case studies examining real-world AI compliance challenges (1,500 words each)
Midterm Examination
Comprehensive examination covering Weeks 1-6 concepts and frameworks
Participation and Engagement
Active contribution to synchronous sessions, discussion forums, and peer feedback
Governance Analysis Paper
Comparative analysis of AI governance frameworks across three jurisdictions (2,000 words)
Ethics Framework Essay
Critical application of ethical theory to an AI deployment scenario (2,500 words)
Corporate Governance Brief
Professional brief recommending AI governance structure for a multinational organization
Work-Integrated Learning Components
WIL placement activities, reflection journal, and professional competency demonstration
Course Resources
Required readings and open educational resources
Required Texts
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Principles, Challenges, and Opportunities
Floridi, L. (2023) - Oxford University Press
ISBN: 978-0198883098
Governing AI: A Global Regulatory Framework
Cath, C. (2024) - Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 978-1009234567
Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy
O'Neil, C. (2016) - Crown Publishing
ISBN: 978-0553418811