ISEDJ

Abstract: Information systems instructors face the challenge of teaching both data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration to novice students in introductory courses where students have limited experience with either tool. Mostly, these skills are taught separately, leaving students unprepared for modern workplaces where data analysis and AI collaboration happen together as standard business operations. This assignment provides a structured multi stage assignment to apply both foundational data analytics and AI collaboration skills through a real-world business scenario. Students assume the role of junior analysts at Starbucks Corporation directed to find stakeholder focused data insights. They work with nutritional data for beverages to develop actionable insights while learning to collaborate with large language models as analytical assistants. The assignment is designed for introductory IS courses where students have basic familiarity with visualization tools and AI platforms from earlier course modules. The four-stage assignment structure leads students through data exploration, dashboard creation in Tableau, AI supported revision and reflective analysis. The business context requires students to move from exploring their own interests in the dataset to developing insights that serve specific organizational stakeholders such as Marketing or Nutrition Policy teams. Assignment adoption across course sections demonstrate that novice students gain both analytical thinking and AI collaboration skills through the assignment. Student reflections indicate a shift in learning from a focus on completing tasks toward a more iterative and reflective approach to analytical work. The assignment contributes to IS education by demonstrating that both analytical reasoning and collaborative engagement with AI can be developed through structured, experiential learning.

Download this article: ISEDJ - V24 N6 Page 44.pdf

Recommended Citation: Ariyachandra, T., (2026). Introducing Data Analytics and AI Collaboration to Novice Students: An Assignment Using Real Business Data. Information Systems Education Journal 24(6) pp 44-62. https://doi.org/10.62273/IJIV9938