A Custom GPT for Executive MBA Students: A Case Study in Enhancing Learning

ABSTRACT This paper presents the development and implementation of a custom GPT‐based tool designed to enhance Executive MBA students' learning experience in Wharton's core business statistics course. The AI‐driven assistant was tailored to the specific course content, offering an interactive platform to review complex statistical concepts and improve comprehension. Insights from a multidisciplinary team are presented, focusing on the system's architecture, including the Retrieval‐Augmented Generation (RAG) framework, feedback mechanisms, prompt design and integration of course materials to guide replication and scaling across academic settings. The study explores the tool's alignment with student expectations, emphasizing strategies to build trust and engagement with AI‐generated outputs and the value of linking course materials and lecture recordings to key concepts. The importance of a feedback loop for continuous improvement and trust enhancement is highlighted. Additionally, the paper addresses the tool's limitations, demonstrates its impact through usage statistics and outlines planned enhancements to refine functionality. Critical considerations such as scalability, ethics and data privacy are also discussed. This case study provides valuable lessons for educators and technologists aiming to leverage large language models in higher education, offering a roadmap for integrating AI tools effectively into academic programs.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Stat
Published
2025-10-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/sta4.70109
Primary Topic
Teaching and Learning Programming
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

A Custom GPT for Executive MBA Students: A Case Study in Enhancing Learning

Richard P. Waterman, Neeraj Jain, Brandon D. Lafving, Ceren Okar
Stat
Teaching and Learning Programming
article

A Custom GPT for Executive MBA Students: A Case Study in Enhancing Learning

Richard P. Waterman, Neeraj Jain, Brandon D. Lafving, Ceren Okar
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper presents the development and implementation of a custom GPT‐based tool designed to enhance Executive MBA students' learning experience in Wharton's core business statistics course. The AI‐driven assistant was tailored to the specific course content, offering an interactive platform to review complex statistical concepts and improve comprehension. Insights from a multidisciplinary team are presented, focusing on the system's architecture, including the Retrieval‐Augmented Generation (RAG) framework, feedback mechanisms, prompt design and integration of course materials to guide replication and scaling across academic settings. The study explores the tool's alignment with student expectations, emphasizing strategies to build trust and engagement with AI‐generated outputs and the value of linking course materials and lecture recordings to key concepts. The importance of a feedback loop for continuous improvement and trust enhancement is highlighted. Additionally, the paper addresses the tool's limitations, demonstrates its impact through usage statistics and outlines planned enhancements to refine functionality. Critical considerations such as scalability, ethics and data privacy are also discussed. This case study provides valuable lessons for educators and technologists aiming to leverage large language models in higher education, offering a roadmap for integrating AI tools effectively into academic programs.

StatVol. 14(4)
University of Pennsylvania (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 69%
Teaching and Learning Programming
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.