Why use business simulations?

Students love simulations

Research shows that abstract lectures without ties to application are disliked by students who have grown up with computer-based games at their fingertips. Business simulation games are a proven pedagogy that transitions students into an active learning environment. And research shows that students love working with simulations to improve their comprehension of course concepts.

The research shows that simulations develop critical thinking; learners dynamically experience the consequences of different management decisions and develop a general management vs. specialist functional view of business. They test their managerial skills in a safe environment, learn from their mistakes, and try again. Learners understand the impact of decisions made by departments on the entire organization and practice working as a management team, and develop team building skills. Simulations are engaging and exciting!

Research on the efficacy on business simulations can be found on the web site for the Association for Business Simulations and Experiential Learning (ABSEL) at www.absel.org. The association's Bernie Keys Library is a compendium of 40+ years of research on simulations. Additional articles in the Simulation and Gaming journal.

Instructors love simulations

Simulations connect theoretical knowledge with the real world type application by injecting competition into the learning process. This introduces excitement to the classroom and stimulates the emotions and increases retention. Simulations help you to connect to students and have great potential for research. Simulations demonstrate the practice AACSB Assessment of Learning goals:

• - develop critical thinking
• - formulate business strategy
• - manage group and individual dynamics in an organization
• - evaluate financial position of a firm