Understanding Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals, Use Cases and Methods for a Corporate AI Journey

Artificial Intelligence is moving from a buzzword to a foundational capability for forward-thinking companies. In Understanding Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals, Use Cases and Methods for a Corporate AI Journey, Ralf T. Kreutzer and Marie Sirrenberg cut through the hype and give executives, managers, and change-makers a practical framework for turning AI into real business value. Part of Springer’s Management for Professionals series, this ebook brings together the core concepts, the most relevant application areas, and a clear path for bringing AI into an organization.

What Makes AI Matter Right Now

The authors start with a simple but powerful point: AI is already embedded in everyday tools like digital assistants, translation services, image recognition, and recommendation engines. Yet many companies still treat AI as a distant technology. This book closes that gap by explaining what AI really is, what it can (and cannot) do, and why it must become part of a company’s strategic agenda rather than an isolated IT project.

From Fundamentals to Real-World Use Cases 💡

The first part of the book builds a solid foundation, covering the basics of artificial intelligence, its key drivers, and the economic effects at a global level. You’ll explore core technologies such as natural language processing, computer vision, expert systems, and robotics in a way that is accessible to non-specialists. The authors then move into detailed examples across multiple industries, including:

• Production and smart manufacturing – optimizing value chains and processes
• Customer service, marketing, and sales – chatbots, sentiment analysis, dynamic pricing, and conversational commerce
• Retail, service, and maintenance – forecasting purchasing behavior and proactive maintenance
• Health care, education, and HR – AI-supported diagnostics, digital twins, and talent management
• Energy, smart home, mobility, and transport – smart grid, smart city, and autonomous driving

Your Corporate AI Journey ⚙️

One of the book’s strengths is its focus on implementation. Rather than stopping at theory, Kreutzer and Sirrenberg present a structured AI journey that helps leaders identify where AI can add sustainable value, build the necessary organizational and data foundations, and address the ethical and legal questions that come with responsible AI adoption. They also stress the importance of acting early: AI is not just another technology, but a basic innovation that will reshape entire industries.

Who Should Read This Ebook

This book is ideal for executives, business unit leaders, innovation managers, consultants, and students who need a practical overview of AI’s business implications. No programming or deep technical background is required – the emphasis is on strategic understanding and actionable insight. Whether you are exploring AI for the first time or looking for a structured way to communicate its value across your organization, this ebook offers a clear, well-organized starting point.