Pepperdine Graziadio Debuts Course on AI and Digital Innovation

This spring, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School launched ISTM 668: Digital Innovation and IS (DIIS) Client-Based Practicum, a groundbreaking course designed to prepare students to lead in an increasingly tech-driven business landscape.

Led by Dr. John Mooney, Professor of Information Systems and Technology Management, the course explores how emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT)—are transforming business strategy and operations.

As part of the curriculum, each student was required to collaborate with a Generative AI tool as a virtual partner. Students used the AI to brainstorm alternative problem framings, generate ideas for potential solutions, and co-develop prototypes for the most promising options. These collaborative exercises complemented live consulting projects with real companies, where students identified digital innovation opportunities, proposed strategic tech-driven solutions, and examined the ethical implications of implementation.

Courses like ISTM 668 reflect Pepperdine Graziadio’s continued commitment to experiential learning and values-driven leadership in the era of AI and digital transformation.