Adoption of AI tools and their impact on the academic research output of business school students

This study examines the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools on the academic research output of undergraduate students from a Business School in Peru during 2024. Likewise, seeks to understand how these AI tools can improve reference management, efficiency in writing, information management and, finally, its ethical and responsible use of technology. In addition, the gaps addressed refer to the scarcity of research in Latin America on students’ experiences of how AI influences their investigative learning. To achieve the objectives, a mixed concurrent methodology was applied, with data triangulation based on literature reviews and a survey of 88 students using a census sampling technique. The statistical data analysis was performed using Jamovi software with structural equation modelling (SEM) to assess the relationship between the adoption of AI tools and research productivity. Results indicate a positive perception of AI, with students reporting gains in literature review, writing clarity, and information organization in the Peruvian context. Findings reveal several research papers—co-authored with faculty—were accepted into Scopus-indexed conference proceedings. The practical implications suggest the role of AI, when used ethically and pedagogically, as a catalyst for student-led research and a model for business schools and universities, especially in emerging regions.