Ehsan's paper tower approach to management principles and thought: an experiential learning method for enhancing management education at Soran University

Purpose This study explores how experiential learning enhances undergraduate students' understanding of management principles. By integrating practical activities, it aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Design/methodology/approach A total of 74 students from Soran University participated in two paper tower activities. The first activity focused on creativity and improvisation, reflecting pre-scientific management, while the second applied structured management principles, representing classical, neo-classical and modern management theories. Data were collected through observations, tower height and stability measurements and student surveys. Findings The study found that applying structured management principles improved teamwork, resource management and task execution. Towers built with a structured approach were significantly more stable and taller than those constructed without predefined principles. The findings highlight the effectiveness of experiential learning in enhancing students' comprehension of management concepts. Originality/value This research introduces three new theories – paper tower experiential learning theory, paper tower predefined principles theory (PTPP) and dual-mode management learning theory (DMLT). These theories emphasize task-driven learning, the role of predefined principles in improving team coordination and the transition from trial-and-error to structured management application. The study contributes to management education by demonstrating how experiential learning can reinforce theoretical knowledge.