A4Q AI Foundation: Understanding, Applying, and Responsibly Implementing AI

From AI Hype to a Viable Business Strategy. Learn how artificial intelligence works, where it creates real business value, and how to implement it safely, responsibly, and successfully.

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Brief Description

Artificial intelligence is transforming business models, processes, and entire job roles. Yet there is often a surprisingly large gap between impressive demos, overblown promises, and actual business results.

In the two-day A4Q AI Foundation Training, you'll develop a solid understanding of how modern AI systems work, where they can be effectively applied, and what technological, legal, and organizational prerequisites are necessary for a successful implementation.

You'll explore machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, computer vision, and generative AI. At the same time, you'll learn how to develop effective prompts, evaluate AI-based assistance systems, identify risks, and create a concrete AI roadmap for your company.

The training also specifically prepares you for the internationally recognized A4Q AI Foundation certification. It is jointly conducted by Obvious Works and the Shajan Academy and combines technical knowledge with business applications and hands-on implementation.

The official curriculum covers eight subject areas and includes at least 14 class hours. These include AI technologies, business applications, prompts, assistance systems, regulation, change management, and the development of an AI roadmap.

⏱️ 2 days
🏷️ CHF 2,500 (Get a 10% discount as an early bird)
💳 Payment by credit card, Paypal or by invoice
📑 English course documents in PDF format
🥇 A4Q AI Foundation Exam After the Training
ℹ️ Exam date can be booked flexibly
👥 12 participants maximum
💬 German or English (on request)

⭐ All-inclusive: Lunch and catering included - also available as a voucher for online courses!

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Unique Advantages

⭐ Lunch & catering included

For online courses with Uber Eats - voucher

⭐ Alumni network - Lifetime Access

Membership & access to exclusive AI and RE tools

⭐ KI Power Tools

Access to a curated collection of the best AI tools

At a glance

The A4Q AI Foundation provides you with a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence in a business context.

You'll learn how modern AI systems are structured, what role data and training methods play, and how applications such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and AI-based assistant systems work. At the same time, you'll explore specific applications in marketing, customer service, data analysis, pricing, supply chains, and other areas of business.

Another key focus is the responsible implementation of AI. You will explore the EU AI Act, data protection, ethical principles, AI security, and the question of how to ensure human oversight even as automation increases.

The training goes beyond individual tools. You'll learn how to engage employees, support organizational change, and develop a sustainable AI roadmap based on initial pilot projects.

This certification demonstrates that you can understand and apply AI concepts in an organizational context, taking both innovation and compliance into account.

Your Benefits

International Standard: Preparing for the A4Q AI Foundation Certification
Technology Explained in Simple Terms: Understanding AI Without Having to Program It Yourself
A Consistent Focus on Business: Identifying and Evaluating the Economic Viability of AI Use Cases
Direct application: Try out prompts, assistance systems, and use cases during training
Governance and Security: Understanding the EU AI Act, Data Protection, Ethics, and Human Oversight
Action, not PowerPoint fantasy: Develop a Concrete AI Roadmap for Your Company
Two strong partners: Organized by Obvious Works and the Shajan Academy

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Our Guarantee

🛡️ Satisfaction

With a smile, you will feel perfectly prepared for the exam.

🛡️ Online Refresher

1x free of charge (participate online again in the 1st year)

🛡️ Extra chance during the test

Second certification attempt in the 1st year is on us!

🛡️ Never go Alone

125 CHF voucher for you and your referral buddy (Info)

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A4Q AI Foundation Course Content

The training is based on the official A4Q AI Foundation curriculum. The following breakdown over two training days is designed as a practical agenda for your session.

Day 1: Understanding AI and Using It Effectively

1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Historical Development and Key Milestones
Symbolic and Data-Driven AI
The Strategic and Economic Significance of AI
Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses
Common Misconceptions and Unrealistic Expectations

2. Technology Overview

Machine Learning and Deep Learning
Artificial Neural Networks
Natural Language Processing
Computer Vision
Training Methods and Training Data
Data Quality, Bias, and the Data Lifecycle
ChatGPT, Gemini, and Other AI Models
Fundamentals of AI Agents

3. AI Applications for Revenue and Efficiency

Analysis of Customer Behavior
Generative AI for Data Analysis
Dynamic Pricing
AI-powered translations
Supply Chain Optimization
Marketing Automation
Automation in Customer Service
Selection and Evaluation of Appropriate AI Tools

4. Prompt Engineering

Characteristics of Effective Prompts
Components and Structure of a Prompt
Different Types of Prompts
Limitations of Prompt Processing
Iterative Improvement of Prompts
Reusable Prompt Structures
Hands-on exercises with current AI models

Day 2: Scaling AI and Implementing It Responsibly

5. AI-Based Assistance Systems

Types and Uses of AI Assistants
Typical Business Use Cases
Integration into existing processes
Opportunities, Limitations, and Interdependencies
Measuring Efficiency and Quality Gains
Technical and Organizational Requirements

6. Regulation, Ethics, and Safety

Legal Framework for the Use of AI
The EU AI Act and Data Protection
Fairness, Transparency, and Traceability
Human Oversight and Responsibilities
Social Impacts of AI
Security Risks and Manipulative Attacks
Guidelines for Generative AI in Organizations

7. Change Management for AI Projects

Involve employees early on
Professionally Managing Expectations and Resistance
Establish Transparent Communication
Building Skills and Roles
Create Appropriate Team and Organizational Structures
Factors for a Successful and Sustainable Implementation

8. Development of an AI Roadmap

The Four Dimensions of an AI Roadmap
From the initial idea to production use
Prioritizing Appropriate Use Cases
Pilot Testing and Scaling
Establishing Appropriate Governance
Performance Measurement and Continuous Improvement
Developing First Steps for Your Own Organization

These eight subject areas correspond to the official curriculum structure. The largest portions of class time are allocated to technology, practical applications, and prompting.

Format

Agenda

Day 1: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Day 2: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Approach and didactics

Our training is interactive and consistently practice-oriented. Concise theory sessions are followed by exercises, discussions, and real-world application scenarios.

You will work both individually and in small groups. The results will be discussed as a group and applied to various business contexts.

We focus on dynamic, engaging learning and deliberately avoid a tedious barrage of slides. Our goal isn’t for you to learn as many new technical terms as possible in two days. We want you to be able to make better decisions about the use of AI.

In addition to presentations and handouts, we use the latest AI tools, practical case studies, collaborative formats, and gamification elements.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for participating in the A4Q AI Foundation training.

You don't need any programming skills or experience in data science. General knowledge of business processes, digitalization, or information technology is helpful but not required.

Above all, what matters is an interest in artificial intelligence and a willingness to explore technological, economic, and social issues together.

The official A4Q description confirms that no formal prerequisites or knowledge of programming or data science are required.

Target group

This training is designed for anyone who not only wants to use artificial intelligence but also wants to understand, evaluate, and actively shape its application.

Executives and Entrepreneurs

You want to realistically assess the opportunities and risks of AI, make better investment decisions, and set a clear direction for your company.

Subject Matter and Process Experts

You want to identify which tasks can be supported or automated by AI and how to develop suitable use cases.

Project Managers, Product Owners, and Business Analysts

You want to plan AI initiatives in a structured way, define requirements for AI solutions, and serve as a liaison between business, technology, and governance.

IT, data, and technology experts

You want to expand your technical knowledge to include economic, regulatory, and organizational perspectives.

Compliance, Data Protection, and Governance Officers

You want to better assess AI risks and understand what controls, responsibilities, and governance structures are needed.

Consultants and Change Managers

You want to help organizations implement AI, engage employees, and facilitate sustainable change.

The official target audience includes, among others, executives, consultants, IT and compliance experts, as well as employees in marketing, sales, and operations.

A4Q AI Foundation Certification

With the A4Q AI Foundation certification, you demonstrate that you understand the fundamentals of modern AI systems and can evaluate their use in a business context from a technical, economic, and responsible perspective.

The exam is based on the official A4Q AI Foundation curriculum.

Exam Facts at a Glance

Format: 40 multiple-choice questions
Duration: 60 minutes
Time Extension: An additional 15 minutes if the exam language is not your native language
Passing limit: 65 percent
Exam format: Online Exam with Remote Proctoring
Languages: German and English
Validity: Two years from the date of issue
Prerequisites: No formal requirements

Upon passing the exam, you will receive the internationally recognized A4Q AI Foundation certification.

A4Q AI Foundation as an In-House Training Course

Would you like to build a shared understanding of AI within your company?

We also offer the A4Q AI Foundation training as a customized in-house course for teams and organizations. In these sessions, we combine the content of the official curriculum with use cases, questions, and challenges specific to your company.

Establishing a Consensus on AI

All participants will gain a common language and a solid understanding of technology, its applications, risks, and responsibilities.

Integrate Your Own Use Cases

We can tailor examples and exercises to your industry, processes, and strategic goals.

In-Person or Live Remote

The training can be conducted at your company, at an off-site location, or as an interactive live remote training session.

Follow-up AI Roadmap Workshop

Upon request, we can supplement the training with a workshop in which you’ll prioritize specific use cases, clarify responsibilities, and develop the next steps for your AI roadmap.