Tech Waves and Purposeful Leadership

This unit introduces the historical waves of technology—from the mainframe era to the rise of generative AI—and examines how these waves reshape business models, workforce roles, and public‑private collaboration. Through case studies (e.g., Deere and climate/AgTech) and practical frameworks for embedding ‘tech for good,’ students build foundational skills in ethical, narrative, and partnership design that prepare them for deeper technical and implementation work in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze major technological waves, including the mainframe era through generative AI, and identify their impacts on business models, workforce shifts, and decision‑making processes
• Evaluate Deere’s AgTech and climate solution case studies to recommend at least two data‑driven leadership strategies that advance sustainable business outcomes
• Apply ethical and governance frameworks to design a ‘Tech for Good’ initiative for a hypothetical company, specifying governance mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, and measurable success metrics
• Demonstrate the ability to craft a concise storydoing narrative and a public‑private partnership proposal that communicates and advances an AI‑driven climate or AgTech solution