OfflabelAI Executive Leadership
← All curriculum
Module 2 · Proof: build useful evidenceWed, Sept 960 min

Model judgment for executives

Build enough model fluency to choose a sensible approach, question a confident claim, and set a useful quality bar.

Faculty: Prof. Ani Adhikari · Dr. Vinitra Swamy

Learning objectives

  • Explain ML vs GenAI vs agentic systems to a board
  • Describe what LLMs are and their limits
  • Distinguish a model from an agent

Key concepts

Supervised vs unsupervised learningGenAI & LLMsTokens, context, transformers (high level)Agentic systems

Memorize this

🧠 ML vs GenAI vs agents🧠 LLM limits🧠 Model ≠ agent

Your study flow

  1. 1. Read

    Read the session guide above. Note the ideas that change how you see your organization's current AI question.

  2. 2. Test

    Take the module quiz in Learn & Memorize to check understanding.

  3. 3. Drill

    Run the spaced-repetition flashcards to lock in the terms from this module.

📝 Test this session

Question 1 of 6Model judgment for leaders

What is the key difference between supervised and unsupervised learning?

Flashcards for this module

  • Supervised vs unsupervised learning
    Supervised = model learns from labeled examples (X→Y). Unsupervised = model finds patterns in unlabeled data (clustering, segmentation).
  • LLM
    Large Language Model: a deep network trained on vast text to predict next tokens; the engine behind generative AI. Limits: hallucination, context window, no true reasoning.
  • Agentic AI
    Systems that use a model plus tools, memory, and loops to pursue a goal with limited supervision: vs a single model call. Example: Anthropic's agent patterns.
  • Data silos
    Data trapped in separate systems/teams. The #1 blocker to AI: if data isn't accessible and quality, no model can save the use case.
  • RAG
    Retrieval-Augmented Generation: feeding an LLM relevant retrieved context at query time to ground answers in your own data and reduce hallucination.
  • Build vs buy vs partner
    Build = custom IP/control; Buy = vendor SaaS (faster, but vendor lock-in & data risk); Partner = co-build with consultants. Decision depends on data reality and core competency.
Study all flashcards →
Build for Module 2: Use Case Map + Technical Brief + Prototype Demo
Test myself