An overview of an online specialisation that equips professionals to understand, adapt to, and ethically harness the disruptive power of generative AI in the modern workplace.
The Navigating Disruption: Generative AI in the Workplace specialisation from the University of Michigan on Coursera equips learners with a deep understanding of how generative AI functions, its historical precedents, and its transformative impact on jobs, tasks, and organisational strategies. Comprising four sequential courses, this series covers foundational AI concepts, the reshaping of work, broader labour and workforce dynamics, and critical policy, ethics, and risk considerations. Each course blends theoretical insights with hands-on modules, complete with videos, readings, discussions, and practical assignments, enabling professionals to forecast AI disruptions, integrate AI responsibly, and craft workplace policies that safeguard both innovation and ethical standards.
Generative AI is poised to redefine the modern workplace by automating tasks, augmenting human capabilities, and introducing novel organisational challenges. The specialisation’s introduction outlines key learning outcomes: gaining perspective on AI’s strengths and limitations; understanding its effects on jobs and tasks; analysing organisational implications; and forecasting domain-specific risks. Taught by Professor Josh Pasek, the four-course series is designed for beginners and recommends about one month of study at 10 hours per week.
Course 1
Generative AI: Forecasting Disruption
In the foundational course, learners contextualise generative AI by studying analogues with revolutionary communication technologies, exploring how past innovations such as the printing press and radio inform our understanding of AI’s disruptive potential. They then delve into the operational mechanics of large language models and generative visual systems, culminating in guided prompt-engineering exercises that sharpen practical skills and set realistic expectations for AI outputs. Through critical reflection and case-driven analysis, participants come away able to articulate both the affordances and inherent limitations of current generative AI tools.
Modules: 3
Duration: 4 hours
Videos: 11
Readings: 9
Course 2
Generative AI: Shaping Work and Tasks
Building on foundational theories, this course examines how generative AI is reshaping roles in journalism, education, marketing, and beyond, guiding learners to classify tasks that are ripe for automation versus those that remain inherently human-driven. Interactive case studies and expert interviews provide the basis for frameworks that map AI exposures within job designs, and participants apply these frameworks directly to assess high-impact AI use cases in their own workplaces.
Modules: 7
Duration: 6 hours
Videos: 19
Readings: 10
Course 3
Generative AI Integration: Effects on Labour and Workforce
This intermediate course shifts the lens to macro-level workforce implications by prompting learners to evaluate organisational readiness and to forecast AI’s impact on managerial functions, worker autonomy, and customer relationships. Drawing on industry examples, participants draft policy recommendations that aim to balance innovation imperatives with workforce well-being, equipping them with the skills to craft responsible AI governance strategies.
Modules: 3
Duration: 4 hours
Videos: 12
Readings: 9
Course 4
Generative AI in the Workplace: Policies, Ethics, and Risks
The capstone course focuses on ethical AI governance, steering learners through discussions on algorithmic bias, data privacy, and transparency challenges within real-world organisational contexts. By analysing deepfake case studies and legal expert interviews, participants design robust risk-mitigation plans and articulate long-term strategies for sustaining trust and accountability in AI-driven workplaces.
Modules: 3
Duration: 6 hours
Videos: 11
Readings: 16
As generative AI continues to redefine how we communicate, work, and govern, the Navigating Disruption specialisation stands out as a timely and essential resource for professionals seeking clarity amid rapid change. Rather than focusing solely on technical fluency, the series thoughtfully integrates societal, ethical, and organizational dimensions, empowering learners to make informed, context-sensitive decisions. By the end of the four-course journey, participants not only understand the capabilities and risks of generative AI but also possess practical tools for shaping AI strategies tailored to their unique industries and roles. With a curriculum grounded in both theory and application, and enriched by insights from experts and real-world scenarios, this specialization provides a balanced, forward-thinking framework for navigating the future of work. Whether you are a policymaker, manager, or curious professional, this program offers a structured yet flexible path to engage with AI critically, ethically, and constructively in today’s evolving workplace landscape.
SPECIALISATION OVERVIEW
Courses: 4
Duration: 1 month
Level: Beginner
Flexibility: Self-paced
