Artificial Intelligence in Experiential Learning for Business Education: A Systematic Literature Review

Authors

Li Chenyang

Faculty of Business and Management Department of Postgraduate and Professional Studies Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam Selangor (Malaysia)

Shamsul Baharin Saihani

Institute of Business Excellence Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam Selangor (Malaysia)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.1026EDU0349

Subject Category: Education

Volume/Issue: 10/26 | Page No: 4503-4517

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-05-17

Accepted: 2026-05-22

Published: 2026-06-18

Abstract

While experiential learning in business education increasingly integrates artificial intelligence, the current body of evidence remains fragmented across diverse pedagogical approaches and research designs. To synthesize these insights, this study presents a systematic literature review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines. The analysis examines 29 peer-reviewed publications, highlighting a marked escalation in research activity published between 2020 and 2026. By employing Kolb’s experiential learning cycle as a theoretical lens, the study identifies how AI facilitates knowledge acquisition, critical reflection, and practical application. The findings reveal that AI integration most frequently occurs within project-based, case-based, scenario-driven, and design-thinking frameworks. In these instructional settings, AI acts as a primary catalyst for real-time feedback, introspection, and iterative experimentation. These applications are positively associated with enhanced student engagement, critical thinking, creativity, and professional readiness. However, the literature also identifies critical challenges, specifically regarding assessment validity, the risk of shallow learning, and cognitive overreliance on automated tools. Consequently, this study outlines future research trajectories, advocating for more robust empirical designs, innovative assessment methodologies, and the development of sophisticated AI-enhanced learning ecosystems. This review provides a comprehensive foundation for educators and researchers aiming to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape of modern management education.

Keywords

Artificial intelligence; experiential learning; business education; PRISMA; systematic literature review

Downloads

References

1. Al‐Fattal, A. (2025). You Do It, AI Does It, You Compare and Reflect: Exploring Reflective Learning with Generative AI in Principles of Marketing. Journal of Marketing Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/02734753251356691 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Allil, K. (2024). Integrating AI-driven marketing analytics techniques into the classroom: pedagogical strategies for enhancing student engagement and future business success. University of Hertfordshire Research Archive (University of Hertfordshire), 12(2), 142–168. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41270-023-00281-z [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Anderson, J. E., Nguyen, C. A., & Hughes, M. Ü. (2025). Mapping theory to practice: AI-enhanced teaching theories for fostering diverse perspectives in business education. Journal of International Education in Business. https://doi.org/10.1108/jieb-07-2024-0081 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Aripin, J. J., Suryana, S., Hendrayati, H., Sulistyowati, R., Muhamat, A. A., & Rafliansyah, F. M. (2026). AI Integration in Entrepreneurship Education: A Systematic Review of the Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy. Jurnal Pembelajaran Bimbingan Dan Pengelolaan Pendidikan, 6(4), 4–4. https://doi.org/10.17977/um065.v6.i4.2026.4 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Batat, W. (2024). Revolutionizing Business and Marketing Education: The MECCDAL Model and a Case Study from the American Institute of Business Experience Design. Journal of Macromarketing, 44(3), 590–601. https://doi.org/10.1177/02761467241244472 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. de Araújo, S. A., De Barros, D. F., Da Silva, E. M., & Cardoso, M. V. (2018). Applying computational intelligence techniques to improve the decision-making of business game players. Soft Computing, 23(18), 8753–8763. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00500-018-3475-4 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. de Souza Lessa, B., de Lucena, N. F., de Menezes, L. M. L., & de Sousa Filho, J. M. (2026). Synthetic case studies in management education: The support of Generative AI. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2026.2621967 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Delina, G., & Kumar, R. M. (2026). Students’ Perceptions on the Generative AI Tool ChatGPT: Examining the Interrelationships Between Knowledge, Willingness and Challenges. Management and Labour Studies. https://doi.org/10.1177/0258042x261419180 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Du, C., & Qiao, S. (2026). Cultivating university students’ creativity and entrepreneurship: An AI-powered scenario-based design thinking approach. The International Journal of Management Education, 24(2), 101372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2026.101372 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Dubay, C., & Richards, M. B. (2024). Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Project-Based Service Learning to Advance Sustainable Development: A Pedagogical Approach for Marketing Education. Marketing Education Review, 34(4), 307–323. https://doi.org/10.1080/10528008.2024.2411975 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Dubey, A., Baghel, D., Kalita, R., Sharma, M., & Lashkari, S. (2026). The AI Co-Founder: Fostering entrepreneurial and Design-Thinking mindsets in engineering and management education. Journal of Engineering Education/Journal of Engineering Education Transformations/Journal of Engineering Education Transformation, 39(3), 32–41. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39is3/26095 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Espino, L. C., Espino, C. L., Antonio, R. P., Villanueva, J. E., & Antonio, L. D. (2026). Convergence of entrepreneurship and STEM Education: Trends and perspectives. STEM Education, 6(1), 109–139. https://doi.org/10.3934/steme.2026006 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Fadli, H. (2025). AI-Enabled Microlearning and Case Study Atomisation: ICT Pathways for Inclusive and Sustainable Higher Education. Sustainability, 17(24), 11012–11012. https://doi.org/10.3390/su172411012 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Fang, L., & Zhou, X. (2025). From Tool to Co-Learner: Exploring Student Engagement With GenAI Through the Lens of Social Constructivism. Evaluation Review. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193841x251411618 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Fulk, H. K., Dent, H. L., Kapakos, W. A., & White, B. J. (2022). Doing more with less: Using AI-based Big Interview to combine exam preparation and interview practice. Issues in Information Systems, 23(4), 204–217. https://doi.org/10.48009/4_iis_2022_118 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Gong, J., Geyer, J., Lewis, D. W., Lee, H. Y., & Holley, K. (2026). Towards an AI-Augmented Graduate Model for Entrepreneurship Education: connecting knowledge, innovation, and venture ecosystems. Administrative Sciences, 16(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16010033 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Gupta, P., Mahajan, R., Badhera, U., & Kushwaha, P. (2024). Integrating generative AI in management education: A mixed-methods study using social construction of technology theory. The International Journal of Management Education, 22(3), 101017–101017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2024.101017 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Haddaway, N., Page, M. J., Pritchard, C. C., & McGuinness, L. A. (2022). PRISMA2020 : An R package and Shiny app for producing PRISMA 2020‐compliant flow diagrams, with interactivity for optimised digital transparency and Open Synthesis. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1230 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Hasan, M. (2026). The power of entrepreneurial innovation capital in higher education: A diffusion of innovation approach to Generation Z entrepreneurship education. The International Journal of Management Education, 24(2), 101383–101383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2026.101383 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Hughes, M. Ü. (2025). Enhancing Social Marketing Education Through Experiential Learning: A Case Study of a Student Project for the Visually Impaired. Social Marketing Quarterly, 32(1), 102–123. https://doi.org/10.1177/15245004251382177 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Hyde, S. J., Busby, A., & Bonner, R. L. (2024). Tools or Fools: Are We Educating Managers or Creating Tool-Dependent Robots? Organizational Behavior Teaching Review, 48(4), 708–734. https://doi.org/10.1177/10525629241230357 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Imjai, N., Promma, W., Chanatup, S., Usman, B., & Aujirapongpan, S. (2025). Emerging roles of AI mindset, experiential learning and soft skills in developing career readiness for accountant 5.0 of Gen Z accounting students. The International Journal of Management Education, 23(3), 101208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2025.101208 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Johnson, M., Maitland, E., & Sofka, W. (2025). Developing judgement for business: an AI-based model of independent management learning. Journal of Business Research, 204, 115842–115842. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2025.115842 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Kim, Y.-C. (2025). A Generative AI-based System for Business Plan Development and Investment Simulation in Startup Education. Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information, 31(2), 259–267. https://doi.org/10.9708/jksci.2026.31.02.259 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. FT press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Kolb, D. A. (2015). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development (2nd ed.). Pearson Education. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Kremantzis, M. D., Essien, A., Pantano, E., & Lythreatis, S. (2025). Uncovering the Generative AI (GenAI) to Agentic AI (AgAI) Shift for Business School Education. Journal of Global Information Management, 33(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.4018/jgim.389920 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Lee, K. (2025). An integrated framework for Gen AI-assisted management learning: Insights from Kolb’s learning cycle theory and knowledge types perspectives. The International Journal of Management Education, 23(2), 101164–101164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2025.101164 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Leftheriotis, K., & Triantafyllidis, A. (2026). From static to dynamic: AI-assisted transformation of case study pedagogy. INTED2026 Proceedings, 1. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2026.0581 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Madegowda, J. (2025). Current Trends in Business and Management Education: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions. Asian Journal of University Education, 21(3), 1045–1059. https://doi.org/10.24191/ajue.v21i3.68 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Maulana, A., Fenitra, R. M., Sutrisno, S., & Kurniawan, K. (2025). Artificial intelligence, job seeker, and career trajectory: How AI-based learning experiences affect commitment of fresh graduates to be an accountant? Computers and Education Artificial Intelligence, 8, 100413–100413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100413 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., ... Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, Article n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Portuguez-Castro, M., & Castillo-Martínez, I. M. (2026). GenAI-supported portfolio assessment for complex thinking: a GPT-based innovation in business education. Frontiers in Education, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2026.1729156 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Ripolles, M., & Blesa, A. (2026). Generative artificial intelligence in venture creation learning: A new pedagogy of partnership. The International Journal of Management Education, 24(2), 101355–101355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2025.101355 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Rosário, A. T. (2025). Artificial Intelligence in Education Higher Education in the Business Area. In Advances in computational intelligence and robotics book series (pp. 227–266). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-4576-5.ch007 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Salinas-Navarro, D. E., Vilalta-perdomo, E. L., Palma-Mendoza, J. A., & Carlos-Arroyo, M. (2025). Integrating Generative AI into Live Case Studies for Experiential Learning in Operations Management. Education Sciences, 16(1), 15–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16010015 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Simoni, J., Urtubia-Fernandez, J., Mengual, E., Simoni, D. A., Royo, M., Egaña-Yin, D., Hertog, O. L. A., López-Ortiz, L., Muñoz-Tomás, A., Santiago-Martínez, P., Vahamaki, A., & Pereira, J. (2025). Artificial intelligence in undergraduate medical education: an updated scoping review. BMC Medical Education, 25(1), 1609–1609. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-08188-2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Strzelecki, A. (2023). Students’ Acceptance of ChatGPT in Higher Education: An Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Innovative Higher Education, 49(2), 223–245. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-023-09686-1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Varma, J., Fernando, S., Ting, B. Y., Aamir, S., & Sivaprakasam, R. (2023). The Global Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Undergraduate Medical Curriculum: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 15(5). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39701 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Wang, S., & Sun, Z. (2024). Roles of artificial intelligence experience, information redundancy, and familiarity in shaping active learning: Insights from intelligent personal assistants. Education and Information Technologies, 30(2), 2525–2546. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12895-6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Wang, S., Wang, F., Zhu, Z., Wang, J., Tran, T., & Du, Z. (2024). Artificial intelligence in education: A systematic literature review. Expert Systems with Applications, 252, 124167–124167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2024.124167 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. Yu, G., Ramayah, T., & Lin, Z. (2025). Toward understanding the role of generative AI in entrepreneurship education: A systematic review. Computers and Education Artificial Intelligence, 9, 100470–100470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100470 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

Metrics

Views & Downloads

Similar Articles