What is artificial intelligence and how does it work?
To understand how artificial intelligence works, we must imagine it as a system’s ability to emulate human skills such as reasoning, learning, planning, and creativity. An AI system allows a computer to perceive its environment, process what it senses, and solve complex problems to achieve a specific goal.
Its functioning is based on the intelligent management of data: receiving, processing and transforming it into useful outputs. Thanks to advancements in computing power and the availability of Big Data, today these systems work with a high degree of autonomy, analyzing the effects of their previous actions to constantly optimize their behavior. To further explore the impact of this revolution on the professional world, we recommend reading our deep dive on artificial intelligence and future employability.
What are LLMs?
One of the most innovative frontiers in the industry is represented by Large Language Models (LLMs). These are Deep Learning models trained on vast amounts of textual data to understand and generate natural language. The architecture behind LLMs is the Transformer, which allows the model to understand the relationship between words within a sentence contextually rather than just sequentially.
Although an LLM does not possess human “consciousness,” its ability to calculate the statistical probability of linguistic sequences is so advanced that it can generate logical reasoning, write computer code, and synthesize complex documents in moments, acting as a true co-pilot for the human mind.
Learning Methodologies and Regulation
The way an AI is trained determines its final capabilities. There are three main approaches that define its “study”:
- Supervised Learning: the model learns from labeled examples (input and correct output provided by humans).
- Unsupervised Learning: the model explores data autonomously to find hidden structures or relationships.
- Reinforcement Learning: the system learns through a feedback mechanism (rewards and penalties), optimizing its strategy through trial and error.
Regulation: The European AI Act
The European Union has taken a global leadership role with the AI Act, the first comprehensive law on artificial intelligence. The European approach is based on risk management:
- Unacceptable Risk: applications that threaten fundamental rights are strictly prohibited.
- High Risk: systems used in sensitive sectors (healthcare, security, education) must comply with rigorous control standards.
- Transparency: AI-generated content must be clearly identifiable to ensure honesty toward the end-user.
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Business
The ethics of artificial intelligence is the pillar that ensures sustainable technological development. For companies, this translates into three key concepts:
- Bias Mitigation: monitoring algorithms to prevent them from replicating human prejudices in decision-making processes.
- Explainability: ensuring that AI decisions are understandable and transparent for managers and users alike.
- Augmented Intelligence: viewing AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities, not to replace human ingenuity and sensitivity.
The Best Artificial Intelligence Programs for Daily Use
Today, AI offers a suite of ready-to-use tools that can revolutionize individual productivity. Among the best artificial intelligences, we highlight:
- ChatGPT and Claude: excellent for assisted writing, data analysis, and creative problem-solving.
- Perplexity AI: a conversational search engine that provides direct answers while always citing its sources.
- Midjourney and DALL-E 3: leading tools in the generation of high-quality images and visual content.
- DeepL: the standard for linguistic translations that maintain professional fidelity and context.
5 Professional Uses of AI for Business
- Predictive Analysis: anticipating market trends and consumer behaviors.
- Hyper-personalization: creating tailored purchasing experiences and communications for every user.
- Logistics Optimization: managing the supply chain in real-time, reducing waste and delays.
- Intelligent Recruiting: speeding up talent screening by improving the match between skills and company culture.
- Cybersecurity: identifying cyber threats proactively through network anomaly analysis.
Toward Technological Leadership
Mastering artificial intelligence is no longer just a technical skill, but a strategic requirement for anyone aspiring to leadership roles. Understanding how to integrate these technologies into business processes ethically and effectively is the key to successfully navigating the global market.
For those wishing to acquire an excellence-driven specialization, the International Online Master in Artificial Intelligence at Rome Business School offers a comprehensive path, designed to combine the most advanced technological skills with a solid strategic business vision.
