Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in higher education to support experiential learning in customer service training, where applying theoretical frameworks such as the SERVQUAL model can be challenging. Students frequently struggle with emotional recognition, immediate decision-making, and applying SERVQUAL dimensions during role-play. To address these gaps, this study introduces ServeSmart, an AI-supported learning system that provides real-time guidance during customer service scenario role-play. Using a preliminary exploratory quantitative survey design, this study evaluated students' perceived learning experiences and the platform's usability. Using a non-probability purposive sampling strategy, 30 undergraduate students participated in individual scenario-based simulations followed by a validated post-evaluation questionnaire. Baseline findings indicated that a majority of participants had difficulty with emotional recognition and lacked immediate instructional feedback during simulations. Post-simulation results revealed that all participants reported higher perceived confidence in executing customer service tasks, a clearer perceived understanding of SERVQUAL concepts, and strong interest in future platform utilization. Overall, the findings demonstrate positive student perceptions of ServeSmart as a supportive experiential learning tool, highlighting its potential to offer an immediate instructional platform in service management education.
Keywords
- Artificial Intelligence Search this journal for Artificial Intelligence (opens in a new tab)
- Experiential Learning Search this journal for Experiential Learning (opens in a new tab)
- Customer Service Education Search this journal for Customer Service Education (opens in a new tab)
- Decision Support System Search this journal for Decision Support System (opens in a new tab)
- Servqual Search this journal for Servqual (opens in a new tab)
- Higher Education Search this journal for Higher Education (opens in a new tab)
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr Aida Azlina Mansor (Corresponding Author); Nor Diyana Mohammed Shobri, Azmi Mat, Nur Najjah Abd Rahim, Lailatul Faizah Abu Hassan, Nini Hartini Asnawi (Author)

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Keywords
- Artificial Intelligence Search this journal for Artificial Intelligence (opens in a new tab)
- Experiential Learning Search this journal for Experiential Learning (opens in a new tab)
- Customer Service Education Search this journal for Customer Service Education (opens in a new tab)
- Decision Support System Search this journal for Decision Support System (opens in a new tab)
- Servqual Search this journal for Servqual (opens in a new tab)
- Higher Education Search this journal for Higher Education (opens in a new tab)
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