AINS6201: Automation & Process Optimization

AINS6201: Automation & Process Optimization#

Aurnova MSAI track: Business AI
Credits: 3
Format: 8-week online graduate course

Examines automation, RPA, extraction, optimization, agentic workflows, controls, and business cases.

This course follows the Aurnova/Castalia course-site pattern used by AINS6003: each module includes book prose, an assignment notebook, slide notebook, narration, instructor notes, and an executable lab.

Course Outcomes#

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • explain the major concepts and tradeoffs in Automation & Process Optimization;

  • build or evaluate applied AI artifacts aligned with the course domain;

  • document assumptions, evidence, limitations, and operational risks;

  • connect technical work to governance, stakeholder needs, and deployment readiness.

Module Map#

  1. Process discovery and workflow mapping — Which processes are good candidates for automation?

  2. Robotic process automation basics — How do rule-based and AI-assisted automation differ?

  3. Document and data extraction — How does AI convert unstructured work into structured workflows?

  4. Optimization and scheduling — How can models improve resource allocation?

  5. Agentic workflow orchestration — When should AI coordinate tools and humans?

  6. Controls, auditability, and failure handling — How do automated processes remain accountable?

  7. Change management and workforce impact — How should organizations adopt automation responsibly?

  8. Automation business case — What evidence justifies automation investment?