Certificate in AI for Productivity

Certificate in AI for Productivity 

An offering for business professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizational leaders

Facilitated by the Salve Institute and the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform businesses, enhance productivity, and change the way people work.  But for small and even mid-size businesses, sorting through the hype and finding tools that actually work can be daunting.

The Certificate Program in AI for Productivity from the Salve Institute and the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, developed with the generous support of the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, wants to help your business succeed and help you develop practical, usable skills in generative AI to enhance workplace productivity, creativity, and strategic decision-making.

A Program for Business Leaders

Over five weekday mornings at Innovate Newport (513 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840), you will receive hands-on experience with generative AI tools, taught by a Salve Regina University professor.

Each week, you’ll be able to go into the office and immediately apply what you’ve learned.  At the end of the program, you’ll be able to understand the fundamentals of generative AI and its application in professional contexts. You’ll be able to develop effective AI prompts for writing, analysis, and creative content generation.

You’ll have an understanding of some of the leading AI tools available to businesses. You’ll know how to use AI to improve communication, data management, and productivity. And you’ll be able to apply AI to solve real business challenges ethically and effectively.

Instructor: David Altounian, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Business & Economics, Salve Regina University

David Altounian is a technology executive, entrepreneur, and academic whose career spans more than three decades, leading organizations at the intersection of business strategy and emerging technology. He founded Motion Computing and iTaggit, and has since held senior leadership roles in both industry and higher education, including Vice Provost for Graduate and Professional Studies at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island.

Dr. Altounian brings a practitioner's perspective to AI adoption, having advised startups, served on the board of RIHub — Rhode Island's leading entrepreneurship network, as well as a mentor and partner at Capital Factory in Austin, Texas, and is a co-author of a book on strategic marketing for startups and small businesses. He works with organizations navigating the leadership and strategic challenges that come with integrating new technologies into their operations. He is especially interested in how leaders can move from AI awareness to confident, mission-aligned action.

Cost

The first cohort of students will receive a 50% discount for this piloted class, thanks to the generous support to the van Beuren Charitable Foundation. Cost is $500, reduced from $995.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Salve Institute.

Weekly Curriculum Overview

OCT 14: Introduction to Generative AI & Prompt Basics

• Overview of AI evolution and core concepts.
• Writing effective prompts and understanding AI outputs.
• Exercise: Compare search engine queries vs. generative AI prompts.

OCT 21: Writing & Communication with AI

•  AI for professional writing, reports, and email communication.
•  Exercise: Create client correspondence and marketing copy using AI.

OCT 28: Summarization, Research & Visual Content Creation

• Summarizing reports, research, and documents using AI.
• Exercise: Create briefing documents and presentation visuals with AI.

NOV 4: Data Management, Productivity & Engagement

• Using AI to analyze business data for insights.
• Automating scheduling, task prioritization, and follow-up communication.
• Exercise: Conduct AI-driven data analysis and workflow planning.

NOV 18: Creativity, Custom AI & Responsible Use

• Exploring creative AI applications and ethical considerations.
• Exercise: Develop a three-part AI implementation plan for your business.

Participants must commit to attending all sessions in full.

About the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce works to create valuable strategic partnerships, promote strong economic growth, diversity, and prosperity to serve its members and the Greater Newport region.

About the Salve Institute

Learning is a lifelong undertaking.  The Salve Institute offers opportunities for personal and professional development from youth camps to programs for adults 50 years of age and older.  Built on the Mercy foundation of walking with others through different phases of life, the Salve Institute draws from the faculty of Salve Regina University, its unique location, and its extensive network in a range of fields to offer programs that help individuals, organizations, businesses and communities grow.