Artificial Intelligence has come a long way from simply creating drafts and organizing basic materials into some semblance of order. AI is becoming an increasingly valued partner for business leaders, supporting them in making faster and better informed decisions. One of the most significant developments in this regard is the rise of Agentic AI, a manifestation of AI that can operate with relative independence, respond spontaneously within dynamic environments, and interact successfully both with humans and with other AI systems.
For students pursuing graduate degrees in business, understanding and working with Agentic AI is no longer a sidebar skillset. Agentic AI is rapidly becoming the tool of choice for those looking to lead organizations in a data-driven world. At Acacia University, we recognize that preparing leaders for tomorrow means equipping them with the ability to integrate, supervise, and apply these powerful and rapidly evolving systems effectively.
Agentic AI refers to intelligent software systems designed to perform with a high degree of autonomy. These systems can take in information from their environment, simulate decisions based on pre-set goals and priorities, and adapt to new data on the fly, in real time. Unlike traditional software tools that follow static rules, Agentic AI systems reliably exhibit the ability to act independently:
Rather than serving as passive assistants, these AI agents behave more like junior decision-makers—far faster than their human counterparts at managing routine operations, flagging operational risks, prioritizing and reallocating resources, and even proposing strategic alternatives. The human role shifts from execution to higher-order engagement in judgment, guidance, and quality assurance.
Agentic AI operates across all tiers of business decision-making:
Agentic AI is not speculative. It is already being used across a range of industries in ways both rapid and profitable. The following examples illustrate briefly how businesses and institutions have begun deploying these tools to improve performance and enhance the decision-making capabilities of managers at all levels.
JPMorgan Chase has integrated AI agents into virtually every part of its operations, from fraud detection to algorithmic trading. CEO Jamie Dimon has publicly stated that AI is “embedded in every one of the bank’s processes.” One key application is in AI-driven trading, where autonomous agents identify market inefficiencies and execute trades at speeds no human can match and with efficiency unmatched by earlier software used in optimizing trading in stocks, bonds, and derivatives. Agentic AI systems also assist in regulatory compliance, the administration of CSR objectives, and portfolio risk assessment.
Delta Airlines has implemented an AI-powered HR platform known as “Nadia,” which helps managers deliver performance reviews aligned with company values and strategic goals. The system provides personalized coaching and talent development suggestions based on real-time performance data. On the operational side, Delta has integrated generative AI into its web presence Delta Concierge, providing a powerful AI assistant for travel planning. This element reflects a broader organizational strategy to integrate AI across both internal operations and customer-facing services.
The Port of Rotterdam, one of Europe’s busiest logistics hubs, launched a multi-agent AI system in November 2023 to coordinate truck schedules, container movements, and dock operations. These AI agents manage appointment slots, predict bottlenecks, and balance workloads across terminals. The result has been an impressive 30% reduction in truck waiting times and more efficient use of port infrastructure.
Cleveland Clinic began piloting AI “scribes” in early 2024 to transcribe and structure patient visit notes in over 80 clinical specialties. Human scribes have long been used at Cleveland to “shadow” physicians and other care givers to monitor efficiency and recommend improvements. In healthcare as in every other kind of endeavor, time is money. With AI taking over paperwork, gathering data, recording interactions, and logging information into the care management system, the value proposition of the scribe process has been increased exponentially. The new AI scribes reduce administrative burdens on healthcare providers and improve the quality and speed with which vital information is stored, retrieved, and analyzed. In a bold move, the Cleveland Clinic appointed its first Chief AI Officer, Dr. Ben Shahshahani, in August 2024, signaling a long-term commitment to integrating AI into clinical operations, emergency triage, diagnostics, and research.
In 2023, Marina Bay Sands deployed Agentic AI for guest services and facilities management. Predictive systems now monitor maintenance needs and personalize service delivery based on guest preferences and past behavior. These innovations have improved operational uptime, increased customer satisfaction, and allowed staff to focus on higher-value, human-centered interaction.
At Acacia University, we believe future business leaders must understand not only the capabilities of AI systems, but also how to work with them strategically and ethically. Our MBA and DBA programs incorporate Agentic AI not as a separate topic, but as a key component of 21st-century leadership.
We emphasize three main dimensions of this shift:
Students explore how AI systems are now being tasked with real decision-making, from scheduling and logistics to portfolio management and diagnostic support. Coursework focuses on how to supervise and collaborate with AI systems, ensuring accountability without stifling innovation.
We analyze how Agentic AI delivers tangible benefits such as reduced fraud, higher employee engagement, faster response times, and more precise forecasting. Students work on applied projects that simulate the integration of AI tools in real organizational settings.
While AI is becoming more capable, human judgment of course remains essential. Acacia’s curriculum emphasizes the importance of leadership, governance, and ethical foresight. Students engage in case-based learning to navigate trade-offs and prevent unintended consequences of automated decision-making.
Acacia University is committed to offering high-quality, affordable, 100% online business degrees that are both flexible and rigorous. Our programs are asynchronous to accommodate working professionals, but structured with regular assignments and deadlines to maintain momentum and ensure deep learning.
As Agentic AI becomes a standard feature in the global economy, business leaders who understand how to work with intelligent systems—not just use them—will stand apart. Acacia’s MBA and DBA students are gaining those skills now, not years from now.
If you are preparing yourself for leadership in a data-rich, rapidly changing world, this is your moment. And Acacia is ready to help you seize it. Come visit us at Acacia University.
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