Serious games, wargaming, and gamification are becoming a new educational trend in corporate training and university education due to their practical relevance and engaging nature. In this article, we share seven reasons why learners benefit from business simulations and demonstrate how to use them as a new learning tool.
Innovative learning concepts encourage active participation
The use of business simulations in universities enables interactive learning. While classic lectures are still the main teaching form at universities, modern formats such as simulations bring dynamics and variety to everyday learning. Through their interactive character, business simulations encourage students to participate actively in the seminar.
Simulations combine theoretical knowledge with practical application
Through the practical application of theoretical knowledge, business simulations enable sustainable learning. A variety of theories and complex scientific concepts are dealt with during university studies. A simulation-based seminar can be used to operationalize and internalize these concepts. Previously learned theoretical knowledge can be applied in the business simulations and solutions and strategies can be tested in a risk-free environment.
Complex business simulation scenarios enable interdisciplinary learning
Networked thinking and acting are essential in business simulations. In contrast to usual lectures, the focus is not on a single topic. In business simulations, participants are responsible for the whole business with various departments, which must be controlled and coordinated. Business simulations can be used for introducing a complex topic, for linking several subject areas and as a practical addition to theoretical courses. Through the use of a business simulation as a Capstone, holistic, interdisciplinary learning is possible.
Joint decision-making improves teamwork
The business simulation method demands a high degree of teamwork and interaction in the group. The groups analyze, discuss and decide together. Students learn to respond to other team members’ opinions, to support each other and to negotiate in a group. Together, the participants face the challenges in a safe virtual environment and train soft skills that are essential for their professional future.
The competitive environment increases motivation to learn
Business simulations offer a unique combination of serious learning content and gamified elements. Management simulations arise the students’ curiosity and increase their motivation. During the business simulations, the participants identify themselves with the simulated environment and take responsibility for their “own company”. The competitive situation in the seminar is an additional incentive and leads to a particularly high level of commitment by the students.
Simulation-based seminars can be integrated into teaching in a variety of ways
The business simulation method can be used flexibly and individually adapted to each curriculum. When using classroom concepts, the participants go through several simulation periods and work on the additional exercises in a 2-3-day block event. In blended learning events during the semester, the business simulation is used as a dynamic case study and thus forms the common thread through a seminar lasting several weeks. In blended learning events, the times of self-study can be used particularly effectively for decision-making.
Online business simulations and digitalisation
Digitalisation is also playing an increasingly important role in higher education and is being promoted with government programs and initiatives. Due to their high flexibility, online business simulations are a great asset for digitalisation in teaching. Management simulations can be fully controlled, played and evaluated via an online platform and can also be carried out completely without attendance seminars. With these distance learning concepts that can be played across different locations, business simulations can be used for seminars at online universities.
Would you also like to include a business simulation in your courses? If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by email (info@topsim.com) or by phone.
