BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION PLANNING: WHERE AI FITS (AND WHERE IT DOESN'T)
AI is not the starting point. It's a possible tool at the end of a process.
This course teaches that process. The HOBA 6-step method for business transformation planning — with AI positioned exactly where it belongs: as one possible enabler, not as the strategy itself.
- ✓Plan faster and think more clearly using the HOBA framework
- ✓Know when AI helps, when it creates risk, and when fixing business design comes first
- ✓Leave with a repeatable planning method you can use immediately
WHY THIS COURSE MATTERS
Business transformation leaders and consultants are under pressure to move faster, improve planning quality, and make better decisions. The market — consultants, vendors, headlines — has convinced leadership that AI is the answer to everything. Buy the tools. Hire the experts. Implement now.
But 70% of transformation initiatives fail. And AI initiatives are failing even faster.
Why? Because most organisations start with technology and work backwards to the business problem. They treat AI as the diving board — the thing that launches the transformation — without checking whether the pool has water in it.
This course is different. It does not promise “all things AI.” It focuses on a specific, high-value outcome: better business transformation planning. You will learn how to plan transformation using the HOBA framework, and you will see exactly where AI adds value — and where it creates risk, distraction, or unnecessary cost.
You will also understand why a HOBA-trained, context-aware environment such as HOBA Pro is the better next step for delivery and execution. Not because AI is magic. Because context is everything.
START WITH THE SCORECARD
Before you begin this course, take the AI Transformation Readiness Scorecard. It takes 10 minutes and reveals where your organisation stands across six dimensions: Focus, Control, Analyze, Evaluate, Design, and Implement.
The scorecard assumes AI is the answer. This course shows you how to reframe those assumptions through the HOBA method. Together, they give you a complete picture: where you are, and how to get where you need to be.
TAKE THE SCORECARD — FREE, 10 MINUTES →HOW THIS COURSE FITS
Your transformation pathway:
AI Transformation Readiness Scorecard
Free, 10 minutes — Diagnose where you stand
This Course
Self-paced, 4 hours — Learn the HOBA planning method and where AI fits
One Day Intensive
In-person, 1 day — Apply the method to your real business with facilitation
HOBA Pro
Platform — Execute your transformation with context-aware AI support
This course is Step 2. It gives you the method. The Intensive gives you the application. HOBA Pro gives you the execution environment.
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR
This course is designed for professionals who need to think, plan, and communicate transformation clearly — not just experiment with AI tools.
Business Consultants
Advising clients on transformation
Transformation Professionals
Leading change initiatives
PMO & Change Leaders
Managing portfolios
Business Architects
Designing target operating models
Strategy & Operating Model Practitioners
Applying structure to planning
Executives
Who want a practical understanding of how AI can improve planning quality and speed — and when it cannot
It is suitable for both experienced practitioners and those newer to AI, provided they have an interest in transformation, planning, or change.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
Plan with Structure
Use AI to support structured planning activities — vision mapping, strategy mapping, analysis, and planning documentation — without letting AI do the thinking for you
Apply the HOBA 6-Step Process
Focus → Control → Analyze → Evaluate → Design → Implement
Use the 4+1 Ladder
Eliminate → Standardise → Optimise → Automate → AI (maybe)
Evaluate AI Fit
Understand where generic AI helps, where it creates risk, and when a context-aware platform is the better option
Judge the Right Lever
Evaluate whether AI is the right lever for a given business problem — or whether the answer lies in process design, governance, or organisational change
Prepare for Delivery
Prepare for the next step into HOBA Pro for AI-supported transformation delivery
COURSE OVERVIEW
Format
Self-paced, interactive online course
Duration
~4 Hours
Prerequisites
No prior AI experience
Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Assessment
Module quizzes, practical action items, final quiz (70% pass mark)
Certificate
Awarded on successful completion
3-MODULE CORE + BONUS MODULE
Welcome and Setup
Orient the learner and establish the business-first frame.
- •Welcome to the course
- •About Heath, HOBA, and why this course exists
- •How this course is structured
- •Start here: the AI Transformation Readiness Scorecard
- •Goal setting: what business outcome do you want to improve?
- •How support works: community, knowledge base, Q&A, assignments
AI in Business Transformation Planning
Explain where AI helps and where it creates risk — and why business design must come first.
- •What AI is — and what matters in transformation work
- •Why planning is the right place to start (and why AI isn't)
- •The risks of generic AI: weak context, hallucinations, false confidence
- •Human judgment, governance, and responsible use
- •What 'good' AI-supported planning looks like — and what it doesn't
- •Case example: from rough thinking to structured planning output
The HOBA Planning Method
Show how the HOBA method structures planning work — and where AI fits as one possible tool.
- •The HOBA framework as a planning discipline
- •The 4+1 ladder: elimination, standardisation, optimisation, automation, then AI
- •Using AI in focus and framing work
- •Using AI to support analysis and insight generation
- •Using AI to improve option development and decision framing
- •Prompting for structure, not just answers
- •Exercise: turn a vague transformation brief into a planning sequence
AI for Planning Artefacts and Analysis
Make the learning practical and output-oriented — with guardrails that keep human judgment at the centre.
- •The golden rule: AI structures, you decide
- •Vision mapping: using AI to organise inputs, not generate conclusions
- •Strategy mapping: how AI can help you arrange options, not choose them for you
- •Structured analysis (SWOT, PESTLE): getting organised input for human-led conclusions
- •Business motivation and planning assumptions: your judgment, AI's organisation
- •Creating clearer planning documentation: AI for structure and speed, not answers you don't own
- •Exercise: build a first-draft planning pack using course prompts and templates
From Planning to Delivery
Create the handoff into HOBA Pro without making this a software demo course.
- •Where generic AI starts to break down in delivery
- •Why context-aware AI matters in transformation delivery
- •How planning outputs feed delivery in a context-aware environment
- •Next steps, resources, and certification guidance
Bonus — Submit a video testimonial after completing the core program to unlock
WHAT YOU GET
Short, focused video lessons (most 6–10 minutes)
Practical exercises and downloadable templates
Module quizzes to confirm understanding
Action items to apply learning to real projects
Final assessment with certificate upon passing
Community access for peer discussion and support
Knowledge-base support and optional live Q&A
WHY THIS IS DIFFERENT
Most AI courses stay broad. They talk about tools, trends, and possibilities. This course is different because it is built around a transformation planning use case and a defined method. It teaches people how to plan transformation first — and how to use AI only where it genuinely adds value.
It also creates a natural bridge into HOBA Pro. The course helps learners understand how to think and plan with structure; the platform helps them move into delivery with more context, more structure, and less risk.
The key difference: this course does not assume AI is the answer. It assumes you have a business problem, and it teaches you a process for deciding whether AI is part of the solution.
GET CERTIFIED & FUTURE-PROOF
Stand out with a Business Transformation Planning certificate and become a leader in business-first transformation planning.
Be recognised as an expert in business transformation planning
Gain exclusive access to HOBA Pro & community networking
Future-proof your career as AI becomes a key part of transformation consulting
JOIN THE WAITLIST
Be first to access the course, templates, and next-step pathway into HOBA Pro.
Early Buyer
One-time payment
- ✓Full core program (Modules 0–3 + Final Assessment)
- ✓Certificate upon completion (70% pass mark)
- ✓Bonus Module access (after testimonial)
- ✓Community access
Standard
One-time payment
- ✓Everything in Early Buyer
- ✓Optional HOBA Pro demo for qualified organizations
FAQ
Got a question? You'll probably find the answer(s) below!
COMPLETION REQUIREMENT
To successfully earn the Business Transformation Planning Certificate, participants must complete all module quizzes, practical action items, and achieve a passing score of 70% on the final quiz. This assessment evaluates where AI is appropriate in planning, how the HOBA method structures planning work, how to evaluate AI output quality, how to choose between generic prompting and a context-aware environment, and how planning connects into delivery.
- •The final quiz consists of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions, ensuring a practical understanding of business transformation planning.
- •Participants who successfully complete the final assessment will receive their Certificate of Completion, which is verifiable and shareable on professional networks.
- •Those who do not meet the passing threshold may review the course materials and reattempt the final quiz (subject to course retake policies).
The Bonus Module is not required for certification. You earn your certificate upon completing the core program (Modules 0–3 + Final Assessment).
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION PLANNING CERTIFICATE
When you pass the Business Transformation Planning final quiz, you'll receive the Business Transformation Planning Certificate, along with a digital badge to showcase your achievement online.
This certificate validates your understanding of business transformation planning with AI positioned as one possible enabler, equipping you with the fundamentals of business-first planning, the HOBA 6-step process, and preparing for delivery using the HOBA® Agile Business Transformation Framework.
Didn't pass the test? You can retake it! Each new attempt costs $50.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“The AI for Business Consultants course gave me the confidence to implement AI tools into my transformation projects. The hands-on exercises were invaluable!”
Mark Sherwood
Enterprise Solutions Architect
“Heath's ability to demystify the process for getting to a real TOM, bring people at all levels onboard and his own productivity made hard work short work in the time I worked with him. I'd recommend him as a Business Architect any time.”
Bob Fox
Programme Delivery Project Manager
“Heath joined the team at a time critical period and had to pick up the process and terminology really quickly. He really helped drive the process, producing the documentation using his framework which enabled us to meet our deadline. The information produced was to a high standard and was well received.”
Mohammed Shahed Ali, CFA, PRM, IMC
Director, Internal Audit
“In the year I've worked with Heath I've found him to be excellent at 'hitting the nail on the head' by simplifying and getting to the core of what the business requires from very complex and often conflicting business requirements. If there is a better way or more efficient way to do something, Heath will find it.”
Mike Baker
Manager Claims Management
“Heath is a precise communicator and is someone who really walks his talk. His good nature and easy to approach style makes him very easy to work with.”
Beju Shah
Head of Data Collection & Publication
PLAN TRANSFORMATION SMARTER — WITH OR WITHOUT AI
Join the waitlist for Business Transformation Planning: Where AI Fits (And Where It Doesn't) and be first to access the course, templates, and next-step pathway into HOBA Pro.
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