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AI Implementation & Risk: The Human Factor
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:51
Abstract
Many AI initiatives fail because they neglect human factor-based risks from poor AI implementation and use. This course guides participants to integrate human-centered approaches and consider psychological aspects of risk management for safe and effective AI use. Students apply these insights to company case studies and, where applicable, their own workplace experiences, ensuring real-world impact
Objective
After taking this course, students will be able to: • Identify psychological factors in AI risk management. • Develop specific mitigation strategies for human factor-based risks from poor AI implementation and use. • Apply socio-technical system principles to enhance safe and responsible use of AI. • Integrate insights from case studies in high-reliability organizations, such as healthcare and aviation. • Transfer the learnings to one’s own or other company cases.
Content
Course Description This 3-day block course guides participants on how to integrate human-centered approaches and consider psychological aspects of risk management for safe and effective AI use. Through essential frameworks, hands-on methodologies, and real-world case discussions, students learn how to implement AI solutions based on organizational contexts and socio-technical system principles. By examining psychological factors such as trust, automation bias, overreliance, and potential deskilling, participants gain the skills to anticipate human factors risks and develop risk mitigation strategies. The ultimate objective is to promote responsible and safe use of AI. Target Group This course welcomes students from various backgrounds who aim to drive AI initiatives within their organizations. Participants should have a basic understanding of AI (e.g., machine learning and LLMs). No extensive coding skills are required. Students with roles in product development, R&D, or operations will gain particular value as they refine how to deploy AI safely and responsibly in real business environments. Expected Course Deliverables • Group Project: Students collaborate in teams (3-4 members) to tackle a real or fictional AI implementation project from their workplace, applying frameworks discussed in class to outline a strategic approach, socio-technical integration, and human-centered risk mitigation strategy. • Individual Reflection: A short-written paper (2-3 pages) where each participant connects key concepts to their own professional context. • Participation & Discussions: Active engagement in class exercises, case analyses, and peer feedback sessions. Final Assessment The course concludes with a group presentation and final project report, showcasing the human-centered risk mitigation strategy of the chosen AI implementation project, each evaluated according to criteria that emphasize both theoretical understanding and practical application.
Resources
Lecture Notes
There is no script, but slides will be made available before the lectures.
Literature
There are texts for each of the course topics made available before the lectures.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 65
- Signup End
- 23.09.2026
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
AI Implementation & Risk: The Human Factor
Block course
|
No time listed | 21 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses. Particularly relevant for students interested in those subjects. All these courses are also listed under the category “Typ A”, and every student can enroll in these courses.)
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Management, Technology and Economics Master (Welcome and Introduction to MSc ETH MTEC 14 September 2026, 14.00 - 16.15, Room HG E 1.1)
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MAS in Management, Technology, and Economics (MAS MTEC Onboarding Workshop for 1st Semester Students: Friday, 11.09.2026, 09.00 -17.30, LEE E 101)