Through his research on how students learn with artificial intelligence, Andrew Hanna, assistant professor of management and Seacrest Teaching Fellow, transforms the classroom into a hands-on lab for innovation. In his Business Strategies (MNGT 475) capstone course, students use AI to consult with CEOs, analyze industries and make strategic recommendations based on real business scenarios.
Hanna and his research partner, Stephen Hyde of Boise State University, developed an AI-powered experience that allows students to simulate consulting sessions with virtual company leaders. The custom chatbot creates realistic conversations with AI-generated CEOs across any industry.
“It starts by asking students what kind of industry or business they are interested in,” Hanna explained. “Then it assumes the role of a CEO in that space and walks them through challenges the company is facing. Students have to ask questions, analyze the situation and recommend a strategic decision, just as they would in a real consulting role.”
Students apply the stakeholder theory, considering all parties affected by a company’s actions and not just shareholders, to guide their decisions, and evaluate tradeoffs and ethical implications. After each session, Hanna receives a transcript and qualitative evaluation of how well a student’s reasoning aligns with strategic principles.
“We’ve done this for ethical dilemmas, industry analysis and strategic decision-making,” Hanna said. “The AI gives students a practical way to apply what they’re learning to something that actually matters to them, and that makes all the difference in how engaged they are.”
Hanna’s research explores how students’ attitudes toward AI affect learning. His findings reveal a striking pattern: students who view AI as an ethical and trustworthy tool perform significantly better.
“The most predictive factor of performance wasn’t how much autonomy they felt or how tech-savvy they were. It was their ethical perception of AI,” Hanna said. “If they thought of it negatively, they used it poorly. But those who saw it as a useful, ethical tool absolutely knocked it out of the park.”
By blending his research with his class, Hanna not only studies how students learn with AI but also demonstrates its potential to transform business education.
“It is a phenomenal tool,” Hanna said. “It gives students a personalized, realistic experience that builds confidence in making strategic recommendations. It also does it in a way that is scalable, ethical and creative.”
