Frequently Asked Questions

A business simulation, business simulator, business simulation game or company simulation game is an experiential learning activity where participants run virtual companies in a realistic, risk-free environment, typically in teams. Business simulation can be subject specific, like marketing, strategy, or project management. Or it can be sector specific like hotel, restaurant, banking, retail, or utilities. Participants make various decisions about e.g. marketing, production, finance, ESG, HR, logistics and they see how those decisions interact and influence results over multiple rounds. Often they also compete against the other participants and teams in the same course.

Simulations foster participants’ critical thinking, collaboration, and strategic decision-making skills by placing them in a dynamic, interactive environment. They help build essential hard skills such as financial analysis, forecasting, and strategy alignment, while also strengthening soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving — all within an engaging and competitive learning experience.

Key features of a business simulation include:

Hands-on learning: Apply business theory in a realistic yet risk-free environment.
Dynamic, interactive decision-making: Experience the impact of each choice in real time.
Cross-functional integration: Manage trade-offs across marketing, finance, operations, and strategy.
Experimentation and iteration: Safely test ideas, learn from mistakes, and refine strategies.
High engagement and retention: Immersive gameplay keeps participants motivated and reinforces long-term learning.

When to use it:

In academic courses — such as undergraduate, MBA, and capstone programs — to bridge the gap between theory and real-world business practice.
In corporate training and executive development, to strengthen business acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities.
In workshops, bootcamps, and short programs, where immersive, hands-on learning drives engagement and retention.
As a capstone or integrative experience, connecting multiple business functions and decision areas in a dynamic, real-time environment.
(Optionally) For team-building or assessment, to observe decision-making, collaboration, and performance under pressure.

How to use it effectively:

Introduce the simulation early in the course or program, and include practice round(s) before official decision rounds begin.
Plan 4–12 decision rounds depending on course length, learning objectives, and desired depth of engagement.
Integrate each round with debriefs, reflection, and discussion, connecting simulation insights to theory and real-world application.
Customize the simulation scenario or parameters to match learners’ experience level, industry focus, or specific learning outcomes.
Leverage instructor dashboards, reports, and analytics to provide targeted feedback and track progress.
Blend with hybrid or online delivery, using collaborative tools to maintain engagement and interaction.
Utilize integrated GenAI assistants and virtual coaches to enhance learner support and personalize guidance.
(Optional) Encourage peer review and team presentations at the end of the simulation to reinforce learning and accountability.

Instructor Dashboard & Analytics: Access live decision data, performance metrics, reports, quizzes, and engagement insights in one place.
Integrated AI Support: Use built-in AI assistants for instructors and AI coaches for students to enhance guidance and feedback.
LMS Integration & Course Tools: Seamlessly connect with your learning management system and use integrated tools for materials, scheduling, and communication.
Case Customization Tools: Edit or rewrite case narratives, adjust parameters, and schedule rounds to fit your specific course goals.

Support & Consultation: Receive dedicated technical and pedagogical assistance from Cesim’s expert team throughout your course setup and delivery.
Webinars, Videos & Tutorials: Access step-by-step resources on running, managing, and analyzing simulations effectively.
Instructor Guidebooks & One-Pagers: Get concise materials such as case descriptions, learning objectives, and decision-making guides.
Blog & Expert Insights: Explore best practices, educator interviews, and reflections on simulation-based teaching and learning.

Customizable & Scalable Simulations: Tailor scenarios, parameters, language settings, and branding (including white labeling) to fit your organization’s context and goals.
Extensive Simulation Portfolio: Choose from simulations in strategy, finance, marketing, project management, and industry-specific domains.
Reports & Analytics: Track participant progress, compare team performance, and generate actionable insights for coaching and follow-up.
Facilitation & Implementation Support: Get expert assistance in designing training programs, debrief sessions, and blended learning experiences around your simulation.

Orientation & Setup: Participants review the case, explore decision variables, and get familiar with the simulation interface. The integrated AI Coach provides tips, and contextual explanations to accelerate onboarding.
Practice Round: A no-stakes trial round allows participants to experiment freely. The AI Coach offers instant feedback and helps reflect early results to build confidence.
Decision Rounds: Teams make strategic decisions across business functions over 4–12 rounds. AI Coach supports them with insights that encourage reflection and informed decision-making.
Results & Reporting: After each round, participants receive detailed financial and market data. The AI Coach helps interpret outcomes and suggest areas for improvement.

Debrief & Reflection: Instructors lead discussions and connect simulation insights to real-world principles. The AI Coach supplements this with personalized summaries and explanations.
Iteration & Adjustment: Teams refine strategies for the next rounds, applying what they’ve learned. The AI Coach reinforces learning through reflective guidance.
Final Summary & Evaluation: The simulation concludes with a performance review and group reflection. The AI Coach provides individual learning summaries, highlighting strengths, decision patterns, and development opportunities.

Deeper Learning & Retention: Active, hands-on participation leads to stronger understanding and longer-lasting knowledge than passive instruction.
Holistic Business Insight: Participants experience how decisions in one area — such as marketing or operations — impact performance across the entire organization.
Risk-Free Experimentation: Learners can test bold strategies, make mistakes, and learn from outcomes without real-world consequences.
Critical Thinking, Adaptability & Teamwork: As markets shift and competitors respond, teams must analyze data, adjust strategies, and communicate effectively under pressure.

Learning Objectives: Identify what you want participants to learn — strategy, marketing, operations, finance, or an integrated combination.
Domain Relevance: Select a simulation that reflects your learners’ context. Industry-specific simulations (e.g., hospitality, banking, retail, or utilities) increase realism and engagement.
Complexity & Level: Match the simulation’s difficulty to your audience. Simpler cases or microsimulations suit beginners, while advanced learners benefit from richer, multi-layered scenarios.
Duration & Rounds: Ensure the number of rounds and total simulation time align with your course structure or training schedule.

LMS Integration: Connect directly with your existing learning management system for smooth enrollment, grading, and content linking.
Analytics & Monitoring Tools: Access live decision views, team comparisons, performance metrics, and quiz modules in real time.
Customization & Branding: Personalize the experience through white labeling, editable case content, and adjustable parameters.
Integrated GenAI Support: Benefit from a built-in AI assistant for instructors and personal AI coaches for students to enhance learning and facilitation.