Piloting with data: Flying into business analytics disciplinary knowledge

Abstract Flying a paper airplane as a standalone activity is hardly a novel instructional practice. However, in a typical university business analytics course where most work is on a computer, such a tactile experience is innovative. Aiming to build a paper airplane as an artifact, measure and record its characteristics, and report results provides an engaging opportunity for students to simulate a supply chain work experience. The paper airplane competition described in this brief provides instructors freedom within a framework to customize the practice of data acquisition for management decision‐making. The illustration of key concepts in operations and supply chain management leads students to content and experiences consistent with components of the Education 4.0 framework. Course data include high self‐reported levels of engagement; thus, we recommend using the paper airplane activity to demonstrate the business analytics process from data acquisition through visualization.