Diz’s Café

The critical incident offers a useful initial discussion about incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into daily operations in a small business. When Diz’s Café owners asked an AI platform for similar restaurants, the generated list included businesses that differed significantly from their own. This catalyzed them to explore the cause of the misinformation, and then to explore the use of AI in other aspects of the business. The case is written so that it can be assigned in two parts. The first has students speculate about the reasons for incorrect AI output, such as considering where AI’s data comes from and how well people can access it. The second part focuses on how the restaurant’s owners considered how AI might assist the “leadership team” with its business operations. Students consider the business needs and opportunities for using AI. The learning can be extended by having students incorporate in-class research on the various uses of AI to solve those needs as well having them explore its possible problems or limitations.