Business simulations are active learning tools devised to create a controlled and risk-free economic environment in which participants can practice strategic business decision-making. As a consequence of the business games, students will understand the impact of their actions and the interconnectedness of various functional areas within a company.
Increasingly, business simulators come in an accessible browser-based form that makes them easy to incorporate into either a blended or completely online learning format.
If you're looking to introduce business management simulation games into your course, the best method to ensure you end up with something that lets you facilitate without a hitch is by looking for these qualities:
While not necessary, some great bonus features of a great business simulation are scalability, customizability, and compatibility.
The rapid development of education technology coupled with the increase in need for more and more sophisticated learning tools led to the proliferation of business management games as well. Now there are models for a great number of business disciplines, including international business and strategy, marketing, supply chain management, hospitality management, and more.
Below are a selection of them from Cesim Simulations, that have been used by over 300 higher education institutions worldwide:
Cesim Global Challenge has been designed to improve student understanding of the complexity of global business operations in a dynamic, competitive environment. It's used in strategy and international business courses at graduate and advanced undergraduate levels, executive MBA programs and capstone courses.
Key learning areas: Technology-based product road maps and global market and production strategies. A range of concepts from various management-related disciplines: economic, political, financial, human resources, accounting, procurement, production, logistics, research and innovation, and marketing.
Cesim OnService small business game is designed to teach all essential elements of running a small services business. It's used in entrepreneurship courses at various levels, college preparedness courses, undergraduate courses focused on core business processes, advanced business courses at the secondary education level.
Key learning areas: Management of the overall operating, market, and financial performance, with human resources management, capacity management, investments, service quality, pricing, and marketing as the key decision making areas.
Cesim SimBrand marketing management game develops student understanding and command of the whole marketing decision making process. It's used in marketing management courses at any level.
Key learning areas: The marketing management simulation covers marketing topics including segmentation, positioning, distribution channel investments, advertising budget allocation, after sales services, pricing, sales forecasting, marketing research, competitor analysis, research and development, and profitability.
Cesim Hospitality simulation game is an interactive restaurant and hotel simulation which focuses on running a hotel and a hotel restaurant. It's used in business and management courses at undergraduate and graduate levels in hospitality and tourism programs.
Key learning areas: Hotel management related functions; revenue management, sales promotion, menu engineering, housekeeping, staff management and procurement. Big picture understanding of the linkages between different functions and their impact on the bottom line.
Now that you know what business simulations are and how to choose the right one for your course, you're ready to get started with them instead of worrying about how to shake things up in the classroom.