Teaching Introductory Management Using A Computer Simulation Game

The teaching of management at both undergraduate and postgraduate level using simulation games has grown throughout the world. There is now a wide range of commercially available games and also a number of Higher Education Institutions have developed their own. In order for students to learn about business and management through computer simulation it is not always necessary for the game to be complex. This paper describes the development, use and evaluation of a business simulation game. The simulation game was used with first year students to develop both computing and information management skills, and a better understanding of the dynamics of business decision making. It also highlights the nature of the interrelationships between the various functions of a business and also the business’s interaction with its external environment. The simulation described was developed in order to provide an engaging and integrating learning experience for students. The evaluation of the students learning outcomes seemed to indicate that the simulation game provided deeper learning than might have been expected from conventional approaches.