AI Cost Benefit Analyzer

Learning objectives

• Explain the main ai/ml decision that AI Cost Benefit Analyzer is designed to support.
• Use Data acquisition cost, Compute and tooling cost to test how different assumptions change the scenario.
• Interpret the result in plain language, not just as a number, chart, or AI recommendation.
• State one limitation, risk, or governance consideration before using the result in a real decision.

Run modes

• Supported modes: Browser
• Demo type: Interactive browser demo
• Primary launch surface: index.html

Before you start

Starts immediately in browser with no installs, no API keys, and classroom-safe defaults.

This helps set classroom expectations before students click into the live experience.

Core context

Look for the cost categories, benefit drivers, and AI adoption assumptions.

Observe how the payback period changes when benefits are delayed or implementation costs rise.

Concepts covered

What students should note

Note that AI business cases should separate measurable savings from strategic option value.

List of steps

• Choose the run mode that fits the class: Browser.
• Review the default assumptions before changing anything.
• Change one or two inputs, then use `Calculate Business Case`.
• Read the output first, then compare any supporting metrics, charts, or AI text.
• Capture one insight, one limitation, and one action recommendation.

Input variables explained

• `Data acquisition cost` changes one part of the scenario; increase or decrease it deliberately and watch how the output shifts.
• `Compute and tooling cost` changes one part of the scenario; increase or decrease it deliberately and watch how the output shifts.
• `Implementation hours` changes one part of the scenario; increase or decrease it deliberately and watch how the output shifts.
• `Hourly personnel rate` changes one part of the scenario; increase or decrease it deliberately and watch how the output shifts.
• `Monthly transaction volume` changes one part of the scenario; increase or decrease it deliberately and watch how the output shifts.
• `Value per transaction` changes one part of the scenario; increase or decrease it deliberately and watch how the output shifts.
• `Efficiency gain (%)` changes one part of the scenario; increase or decrease it deliberately and watch how the output shifts.

Decision buttons explained

• `Calculate Business Case` is the main action that computes, compares, or generates the next result from the current inputs.

Outputs explained

• The important outputs are total cost, expected benefit, payback timing, and the overall business-case conclusion.
• Students should compare optimistic and conservative assumptions instead of treating one ROI number as final truth.

What to notice

• A positive ROI can still hide timing risk if benefits arrive much later than implementation cost
• Discuss which assumptions are operationally measurable and which are more speculative strategic upside
• Use the result to debate investment timing and governance, not just to approve or reject the idea automatically

Discussion and reflection

• What business or technical decision would you make differently after using AI Cost Benefit Analyzer?
• If you changed one assumption and ran `Calculate Business Case`, which output moved the most and why?
• What would you still want to validate with real data, policy, or expert review before acting on the result?