Course Code: dwpaistrt
Duration: 35 hours
Overview:

This 5-day curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of AI for non-technical government employees, balancing theoretical knowledge with practical applications. It covers all the requested topics while maintaining a focus on UK government-specific contexts and use cases. The hands-on workshops and exercises will help participants gain practical experience with AI tools and concepts, preparing them to leverage AI in their roles effectively.

Format of the Course

  • Interactive lecture and discussion.
  • Lots of exercises and practice.
  • Hands-on implementation in a live-lab environment.
Course Outline:

Day 1: Foundations of AI and Historical Context

  1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Data Science (2 hours)
    • Defining AI, ML, and Data Science
    • Relationships between these fields
    • Importance in the public sector
  2. AI in a Historical Setting and Combinatorial Technologies (1.5 hours)
    • Brief history of AI development
    • Combinatorial technologies enhancing AI capabilities
    • UK's role in AI development
  3. Introduction to AI Concepts (2 hours)
    • Narrow vs General AI
    • AI capabilities: sense, reason, act
    • Different types of AI systems
  4. The Thinking in AI: Machine Learning (1.5 hours)
    • Basic principles of machine learning
    • How machines "learn" from data
    • Real-world applications in government services
  5. Advanced Analytics vs Artificial Intelligence (1 hour)
    • Differentiating between advanced analytics and AI
    • When to use each approach in government contexts

Day 2: Data, Analytics, and AI Algorithms

  1. Looking Back, Now, Forward in AI (1 hour)
    • AI's evolution and current state
    • Future trends and potential impact on government operations
  2. 4 Types of Data Analytics and Analytics Value Chain (1.5 hours)
    • Descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics
    • How analytics create value in government processes
  3. Algorithms Without Technical Jargon (2 hours)
    • Simplified explanations of key AI algorithms
    • Practical government applications of different algorithms
  4. Types of Machine Learning (2 hours)
    • Supervised learning
    • Unsupervised learning
    • Reinforcement learning
    • Use cases in UK government departments
  5. Data as Fuel for AI (1.5 hours)
    • Structured and unstructured data
    • The 5 V's of data: Volume, Velocity, Variety, Veracity, Value
    • Data governance in the public sector

Day 3: Data Architecture, AI Applications, and Project Ideation

  1. The Data Engineering Platform (1.5 hours)
    • Understanding data architecture basics
    • Big data reference architecture
    • 3 categories of data usage
  2. AI Opportunity Matrix (1 hour)
    • Identifying AI opportunities in government operations
    • Assessing feasibility and impact
  3. Successful Use Cases & Value Chain (2 hours)
    • Primary activities: Inbound logistics, Operations, Outbound logistics, Marketing & Sales, Service
    • Supporting activities: Firm infrastructure, Human resource management, Technology development, Procurement
    • UK government-specific examples
  4. Successful Use Cases by Technology (2 hours)
    • Natural Language Processing (NLP) in government communications
    • Image recognition for public safety and urban planning
    • Machine learning for policy analysis and decision-making
  5. Ideation of AI Projects (1.5 hours)
    • AI Funnel process
    • Idea generation approaches
    • Prioritizing projects
    • AI project canvas

Day 4: AI Project Management, Organizational Readiness, and Ethics

  1. Running AI Projects (2 hours)
    • Machine learning life cycle
    • AI machine learning canvas
    • Project management best practices for AI initiatives
  2. When to Make and When to Buy AI Solutions (1 hour)
    • Pros and cons of in-house development vs. outsourcing
    • UK government procurement guidelines for AI solutions
  3. Transforming to an AI-Ready Organization (2 hours)
    • AI strategy cycle
    • Dimensions of the AI framework
    • Practical approach to assess AI maturity
    • Best organizational structures
  4. AI Center of Excellence (1 hour)
    • Benefits of an AI Center of Excellence
    • Skills and competencies required
  5. AI and Ethics (2 hours)
    • Risks of AI in government contexts
    • Ethical guidelines for AI use in the public sector
    • Realizing trustworthy AI
    • UK's approach to AI ethics and governance

Day 5: Practical Applications, Tools, and Future Outlook

  1. Hands-on AI Tools Workshop (3 hours)
    • ChatGPT: Policy analysis and report generation
    • Claude: Complex document analysis and summarization
    • DALL-E/Midjourney: Creating visual aids for public communications
    • Poe: Collaborative problem-solving for inter-departmental projects
  2. Prompt Engineering for Government Applications (2 hours)
    • Crafting effective prompts for various AI tools
    • Best practices and ethical considerations
    • Hands-on exercises with real government scenarios
  3. AI Project Selection and Management Exercise (2 hours)
    • Group activity: Identifying and planning an AI project for a government department
    • Applying the AI project canvas and machine learning life cycle
  4. Future of AI in UK Government (1 hour)
    • Emerging AI technologies and their potential impact
    • Preparing for future AI integration in government operations
  5. Summary, Q&A, and Conclusion (2 hours)
    • Recap of key learnings
    • Open forum for questions and discussion
    • Resources for further learning and support
    • Final thoughts on AI's role in transforming UK government services