Fundamentals I and II
Chapter 1: Importance of Understanding AI and Machine Learning
Understanding the technical aspects of AI and Machine Learning (ML) on a conceptual level is essential for executives and domain experts. It's not just about facilitating collaboration with technical experts but also about integrating this knowledge into decision-making processes and strategies.
- 1.1 Key Learning Objectives
- Gaining a basic technical understanding of machine learning, including the underlying technology, data, and its capabilities and limitations.
- Understanding the workflow and processes of machine learning projects.
- Understanding roles and responsibilities in machine learning teams, and management of machine learning teams.
- 1.2 Understanding AI, ML, Deep Learning, and Data Science
- AI, ML, deep learning, and data science are interconnected aspects of a larger ecosystem.
- AI is the broader concept of machines behaving intelligently.
- ML is a tool used to achieve AI by enabling computers to learn patterns and make predictions.
- Deep learning is a specific algorithm within ML inspired by the functioning of human neurons.
- Data science is about creating insights from data, which includes but is not limited to predictions.
- 1.3 Understanding Popular Buzzwords
- Understanding popular buzzwords like the metaverse and blockchain is also important.
- The metaverse refers to a shared virtual reality where people can interact with digital content.
- Blockchain is a decentralized, immutable ledger that stores encrypted data and enables trust and transparency.
Chapter 2: Machine Learning Process
Machine learning involves computers applying statistical learning techniques to automatically identify patterns in data. This process involves two major steps: training and model application.
- 2.1 Training and Model Application
- Training involves feeding past observations to the algorithm, which learns patterns from these observations. Once trained, the algorithm becomes a model.
- Model application involves feeding new input data to the model, which applies the learned pattern to make predictions.
- 2.2 Types of Machine Learning Training
- There are three types of machine learning training: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.
- Supervised learning is when the classification of data is known, and the machine is taught to do it.
- Unsupervised learning is when the classification of data is unknown, and the machine is tasked with finding the classifier.
- Reinforcement learning is when the machine learns by interacting with its environment over time.
Chapter 3: Application of Machine Learning - Importance of Training Data
Machine learning can be used in various applications, such as autonomous driving. However, the complexity of real-world scenarios can make it challenging for machines to make accurate predictions.
- The importance of training data being representative of the business reality is highlighted.
- This is a task that requires domain expertise rather than technical knowledge.
- If a machine learning model is trained on poor quality data, it will produce poor quality output, following the principle of "garbage in, garbage out".
Chapter 4: Evaluating Machine Learning Models
Understanding and evaluating Machine Learning (ML) models in a business context is essential. This involves both technical understanding and domain expertise to ensure the models are trained and tested on appropriate data and evaluated using the most fitting metrics.
- 4.1 Training and Testing ML Models
- Training and testing an ML model is similar to the learning process in school, where students learn from practice questions and are then evaluated on slightly different exam questions.
- To prevent overfitting, it's crucial to ensure that the training and testing data sets are separate. A typical split is 80% of the data for training and 20% for testing.
- 4.2 Metrics for Evaluating ML Models
- The effectiveness of an ML model is measured using metrics such as accuracy (the overall rate at which the model makes correct predictions), sensitivity (the proportion of actual positives that are correctly identified by the model), and precision (the proportion of positive predictions that are actually correct).
- The choice of metric depends on the specific business task. For instance, in a marketing campaign where the aim is to reach as many potential customers as possible, sensitivity would be the most important metric. Conversely, if the task involves minimizing costs, precision would be the most important metric.
Chapter 5: Applying ML Models in Business Contexts
The application of ML models in business contexts requires an understanding of the business task at hand and the selection of the most appropriate evaluation metric.
- 5.1 Case Study: AI Model for Image Detection
- In a hypothetical scenario where an AI model is developed to detect specific images in a photo library for marketing purposes, the model's performance is evaluated based on the metrics of accuracy, sensitivity, and precision.
- The importance of choosing the right metric based on the business task is highlighted. For instance, if the aim is to reach as many potential customers as possible, sensitivity would be the most important metric. If the aim is to minimize costs, precision would be the most important metric.