AI BIZ GURU – Applied Intelligence through Case Study Analysis
Welcome to the AI BIZ GURU Case Study Challenge, a hands-on learning experience that merges real-world business scenarios with the power of artificial intelligence. You will take on the role of a business analyst, using one of the specialized AI BIZ GURU Agents to solve a business challenge faced by a recognized global company.
Your Mission
Your task is to select one Case Study from the options provided under each AI BIZ GURU Agent category and simulate how the Agent would be used to approach and solve the challenge. You will follow a structured process to learn how AI can enhance decision-making across finance, operations, strategy, marketing, and innovation.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Start by reading the documentation for the selected AI BIZ GURU Agent.
Each Agent comes with:
7 Key Elements that define the Agent’s analytical logic.
Sample Input Data to understand what kind of real-world data is expected.
Sample Report to see how the Agent interprets and presents insights.
2. Choose a Case Study from the list tied to the selected Agent.
Each Case Study refers to a challenge a well-known company faces and aligns with the Agent’s expertise.
Research the Company & Situation.
Use publicly available data (e.g., news, financial reports, interviews, academic articles) to understand the company’s context and collect information relevant to the Agent’s task.
3. Simulate the Agent’s Process.
Based on your research, fill out a first round of Sample Input Data that reflects the situation.
Run the initial AI Agent simulation to generate a report.
4. Review and Reflect.
Analyze the Agent’s Report and identify gaps, assumptions, or questions that need deeper research.
5. Iterate and Improve.
Collect additional data or refine your assumptions based on the Report feedback. Run a second Agent simulation to gain more accurate or nuanced results.
Learning Objectives
By completing this challenge, you will:
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Learn how to structure data-driven business analysis using AI tools.
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Improve your research and critical thinking skills.
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Understand how departments (finance, strategy, HR, operations) integrate data into decision-making.
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Gain experience with iterative modeling and strategic forecasting using AI.
Tips for Success
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Choose a Case Study that aligns with your interests or background.
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Don’t aim for perfection in the first round — learning comes from iteration.
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Be resourceful with publicly available data, even when numbers are missing.
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Use the Agent Report as a lens to identify what’s missing, what matters most, and where deeper investigation is needed.
Now Get Started
Begin by selecting your AI BIZ GURU Agent, reading its documentation (7 Key Elements, Sample Input, and Sample Report), and choosing your Case Study. Your journey into AI-powered business problem-solving starts now.
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Use Cases by Agent Categories
1. Financial Intelligence & Risk Management
1.1. Apple – Cash Flow Optimization Strategy
Apple manages a global supply chain and significant cash reserves. This case explores how Apple strategically allocates cash across operations, investments, and buybacks while maintaining liquidity. Students can analyze Apple’s treasury strategies and global tax planning mechanisms.
1.2. Tesla – Funding Readiness and Scaling
Tesla’s journey from an unprofitable startup to a $1T company involved aggressive funding rounds, partnerships, and grants. The case studies Tesla’s funding readiness in key growth phases, with a focus on investor pitch evolution and risk tolerance.
1.3. Enron – Risk Detection & Fraud Audit
Enron’s collapse is a cornerstone in understanding financial risk, ethics, and fraud detection. This case details how loopholes in regulatory compliance, off-book entities, and internal control failures led to a historic downfall—reshaping financial audits.
1.4. Netflix – Revenue Forecasting with Predictive Analytics
Netflix revolutionized subscription modeling. This case reviews how Netflix used customer behavior data and content engagement metrics to project revenues, forecast churn, and assess market expansions.
1.5. Wells Fargo – Regulatory Compliance Failures
An analysis of Wells Fargo’s fake account scandal and the repercussions on its risk management and compliance framework. The case evaluates internal culture, KPIs misalignment, and audit negligence.
1.6. Facebook (Meta) – Valuation Challenges
As Meta transitioned toward the Metaverse, its stock value fluctuated. This case analyzes valuation complexities during a pivot from a profitable business model to a long-term, uncertain bet.
1.7. Target – Cybersecurity Assessment Post-Breach
After the 2013 data breach, Target’s cybersecurity strategy was overhauled. The case explores pre-breach vulnerabilities, incident response, and the long-term implications on trust and IT investments.
2. Business Strategy & Operational Efficiency
2.1. Amazon – Supply Chain & Workflow Optimization
Amazon’s supply chain is among the most efficient globally. This case examines how real-time data, robotics, and decentralized distribution hubs create operational excellence, reducing delivery time and increasing customer satisfaction.
2.2. Toyota – Manufacturing Optimization with Lean Principles
Toyota’s use of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement (Kaizen) is legendary. Students explore how Toyota minimized waste and improved quality—lessons widely adopted across industries.
2.3. McDonald’s – Workflow & Strategy Integration
The case analyzes McDonald’s consistent service through operational playbooks. It discusses automation, labor optimization, and franchisee coordination across global markets.
2.4. Zara – Supply Chain Agility
Zara’s fast fashion model revolutionized apparel. This case studies how Zara’s vertically integrated supply chain enables rapid design-to-shelf cycles and limited inventory risk.
2.5. General Electric (GE) – Cost Optimization Initiatives
GE implemented Six Sigma to streamline costs across divisions. The case discusses its transformation under Jack Welch and the consequences of over-focus on cost at the expense of innovation.
2.6. Siemens – Project Management of Global Infrastructure
Siemens manages complex global projects in energy and transportation. This case provides insights into cross-border coordination, compliance, and resource management.
2.7. Microsoft – Legal Audit and Strategic Acquisitions
Microsoft’s legal preparedness played a critical role in its acquisition strategy (e.g., LinkedIn, Activision). This case highlights internal legal audits and regulatory alignment.
3. Negotiation, Innovation & Productivity
3.1. Pfizer – Vaccine R&D and Negotiation with Governments
This case looks at Pfizer’s strategic vaccine R&D during COVID-19 and its global negotiation for supply agreements. Explore pricing strategies, exclusivity contracts, and public-private collaboration.
3.2. Google – IP Portfolio and Innovation Culture
Google’s innovation stems from a robust IP portfolio and a culture that encourages “moonshots.” This case investigates how they protect inventions while promoting internal experimentation.
3.3. Apple vs. Samsung – Patent Negotiation Battle
A high-profile IP litigation battle, this case helps students understand how companies defend innovations and the role of cross-licensing in tech ecosystems.
3.4. 3M – R&D and Continuous Innovation
3M maintains a wide range of patents through incentivized employee innovation and decentralized R&D. The case focuses on processes that drive incremental and radical innovations.
3.5. Toyota – Negotiation with Unions
Toyota’s approach to union negotiations in Japan contrasts with Western adversarial models. Explore collaborative strategies that led to improved productivity and employee relations.
3.6. Salesforce – Employee Productivity in Hybrid Work
This case looks at how Salesforce supports productivity in hybrid and remote settings, using data dashboards and internal wellness tools.
3.7. Tesla – Innovation in Battery Tech
Tesla’s vertical integration and investment in battery R&D positioned it ahead in EV tech. The case tracks how innovation is aligned with strategic priorities.
4. Performance Optimization & Market Positioning
4.1. Procter & Gamble – KPIs and Global Brand Metrics
P&G uses a pyramid of KPIs from global to product-level to track performance. The case explores how these metrics support innovation, marketing, and supply chain alignment.
4.2. Amazon – Customer Experience & Data Feedback Loops
This case studies Amazon’s obsession with CX, including innovations like one-click ordering and smart recommendations driven by behavioral data.
4.3. Nike – Market Benchmarking and Strategic Partnerships
Nike benchmarks performance not only against competitors but cultural trends. This case highlights partnerships (e.g., with Apple) and adaptive market positioning.
4.4. Unilever – Sustainability & Process Optimization
Unilever integrated sustainability into core processes. The case explores how green policies enhanced efficiency and market perception.
4.5. Intel – Tax Strategy and Global Operations
Intel’s use of tax optimization through IP migration and global entities offers insight into advanced tax planning and ethical boundaries.
4.6. Walmart – Inventory & Quality Assurance
Walmart’s Just-In-Time inventory and quality control systems at scale are key to its low-cost leadership. The case covers tech tools and vendor compliance.
4.7. IBM – Policy Alignment in Global Operations
IBM’s internal policy management across 170+ countries ensures consistency and legal alignment. This case discusses harmonization of policies with local contexts.
5. Sales, Marketing & Growth Acceleration
5.1. HubSpot – Digital Marketing Funnel Mastery
HubSpot pioneered inbound marketing. This case shows how content strategy, automation, and SEO tactics built a billion-dollar SaaS funnel.
5.2. Spotify – Customer Retention through Personalization
Spotify’s use of AI for playlist recommendations created a high-retention model. The case discusses churn reduction through emotional engagement and behavioral insights.
5.3. Zoom – Growth During the Pandemic
Zoom’s viral growth during COVID-19 is analyzed through the lens of demand surges, user acquisition strategies, and B2B sales scaling.
5.4. Adobe – Sales Conversion Post-Subscription Model
Adobe’s shift from boxed software to SaaS improved conversion and retention. This case studies pricing models, value propositions, and customer feedback loops.
5.5. Coca-Cola – Localized Marketing Strategies
Coca-Cola adapts marketing by region. This case discusses campaigns like “Share a Coke” and how cultural nuance boosts engagement.
5.6. Shopify – Supporting SMB Sales Globally
Shopify’s platform enables millions of businesses to grow online. Explore how its sales tools and user education support entrepreneurial success.
5.7. Airbnb – Viral Growth & Customer Trust Building
Airbnb’s peer-to-peer model required building trust at scale. This case explores how marketing, reviews, and policies drove adoption and loyalty.
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