Service & Support
On this page you will find the help center with all FAQs and the most important support information as well as the download area with further materials on our business simulations.
The Most Important Questions & Answers About Business Games
In our help center you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our business simulations, the technical aspects and the possible seminar design. In addition, you can learn more about our events for future instructors and TOPSIM – support.
Business Simulations
What are business simulations/games?
Business simulations, also called business games, are a gamified learning method. As the name suggests, this type of learning is about applying and expanding existing knowledge in a hands-on and risk-free way.
In simulations, participants take over the management role of a virtual company. Over the course of several financial years, they have to make strategic and operational decisions, manage teams in the various company divisions, and always keep an eye on the competition in the market. In the evaluation reports of each round, the participants can see the effects of their decisions on the success of their company. They develop a feeling for the internal and external factors that influence the economic performance of a company.
Thanks to changing scenarios and a variety of decision-making situations, participants are constantly presented with new challenges. This way, holistic thinking is enhanced, and hard and soft skills are trained. Through these (virtual) experiences, our simulations offer a high degree of transferable knowledge and skills.
You can find more information in our video “What are business simulations”
How do I choose the right business simulation?
Below we have listed the most important factors to consider as of our experience:
- How many people will attend the seminar/training?
- What previous knowledge do the participants have? Do they need to be brushed on a topic, taught, or refreshed?
- Which learning outcomes do you want to focus on?
- In what way should the simulation be delivered? Classroom, online or blended learning?
Our team will be happy to advise you on these questions. You can find more tips on our blog
How much time do I need to plan for a simulation-based seminar?
The business game seminar can be individually adapted to your framework and goals. In the brief descriptions of our simulations, you can read how many periods (corresponding to one business year in the simulation) the respective business game covers. Depending on the complexity level, players need up to 90 minutes to make the decisions for the respective periods. How long the seminar finally lasts depends on the way it is used (see possible uses) and the prior knowledge of the participants, the scope of the additional tasks and the theoretical input.
Our team will be happy to develop the concept for your seminar together with you.
What is the difference between singleplayer and multiplayer modes?
In multiplayer mode, teams compete against other teams. The time frame is set by the seminar instructor. Classroom, online and blended learning formats are ideal for this. This mode offers the following advantages: high motivation through the competition, exciting group dynamics, learning content can be adjusted to the periods and a targeted evaluation of the results by the instructor is possible.
In the single-player mode, participants compete against computer-controlled opponents. This can be done in a team or individually. In the single player mode, players can determine their own learning speed independently of the seminar instructor and can repeat the game if necessary. The single player mode requires relatively little supervision, making it ideal for online and blended learning formats.
Please visit our blog for more information.
Use of business simulations at schools, universities or for corporate learning
At schools, colleges and universities our business simulations are used to help students apply theory in a hands-on way. Depending on the level of complexity, business games can be used as an introduction to studies, as a capstone course towards the end of studies, or as elective modules at any time. At schools, business games are suitable for final-year classes or for use at vocational schools. Most of the simulation games relate to business and economics topics but can also be used with non-business students. The seminar can be individually adapted to your course thanks to our online platform. You can add further tasks to the seminar and, if necessary, also grade the business game seminar,
In the corporate education, business games are often used for onboarding and training employees. You can also use business games to recruit trainees for your company or to train managers. Our business games promote hard and soft skills, team dynamics and an interdisciplinary understanding of the different areas of a company.
Technical Issues
What are the system requirements?
Our business simulations are played in the TOPSIM – Cloud. This means you do not need any special software or technical know-how to play these simulations. To get the most out of the TOPSIM – Cloud, we recommend using Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Safari. Otherwise, TOPSIM – Cloud is not dependent on the device or operating system. We recommend playing the simulation on a tablet, laptop or desktop PC; mobile view is not supported.
In the TOPSIM – Cloud you automatically receive the updates. If something does not work, please contact our support (see below).
Does every participant need a separate laptop?
If you are playing in single-player mode and each participant is playing on their own, they will need their own PC. However, if you are using the multiplayer mode in classroom format, it is sufficient if each team shares a device.
Since each participant receives a personalized access to the group account anyway, everyone can also use their own end device (laptop, PC or tablet). Decision-making is also possible from different locations with the help of the TOPSIM – Cloud.
How many participants can play in one team?
We recommend having three to five members per team to enhance the learning effect. However, this number can vary depending on the prior knowledge of the participants and the learning objective of the event.
A large number of players can be divided into up to 10 companies. If there are more than 10 teams, you have to consider playing on several markets simultaniously. The recommended number of participants for each business game can be found in the respective short descriptions.
Which languages are available?
Our business games are all available both in German and English (Exception: Social Management and Business Basics for School, which are only available in German).
How can I prepare myself for a simulation-based seminar as an instructor?
If you have never led a simulation-based course, we recommend participating in a train-the-trainer seminar. These trainings are supervised by experienced seminar instructors who explain the business games as well as typical questions in detail. Find out more under “Train-the-Trainer”.
An overview of the current training dates can be found here. Participation in a seminar instructor training is mandatory for the use of our support.
Do you provide demo accounts? What are the licensing options?
Yes, we would be happy to create a demo access to our TOPSIM – Cloud and the business games for you. You can find an overview of the different license models for educational institutions here. Please contact us to get more detailed information for your corporate learning program.
Seminar Design
Classroom
Classroom seminars take place as a classic face-to-face event. Teams and seminar instructors are on site and all play synchronously at the same time. Theory units, accompanying group tasks, decisions of the individual periods as well as evaluations by the seminar instructors alternate in the seminar. The event is usually held as a block seminar lasting several days and is particularly suitable for applying theoretical knowledge and using methods learned.
Blended
In blended learning concepts, the business game typically takes on the function of a dynamic case study and forms the common thread through a semester-long course. Blended learning seminars allow students to apply the theoretical methods learned.
Distance/Online
In online concepts, the entire course takes place in distance learning, without a classroom component. Remote seminars and the business game are interlinked here. The business game is designed to motivate through interactivity and gamified learning. The strength of the concept lies in the high flexibility of the application and the good scalability of the number of participants, who can complete a business game together regardless of location.
You can find more information about these concepts on the TOPSIM – Blog and in the product brochure (see below in the download area).
Train the Trainer
What is a TOPSIM train the trainer course?
We offer these trainings for all instructors interested in designing a seminar with our simulations. You will get to know fields of application of our business games and learn more about seminar design and its conception. In addition, we go into more detail on the methodology of our simulations and didactic aspects. Specific simulation contents (business and industry related) as well as simulation usage and its functions will also be discussed. Furthermore, we give you a detailed overview of the TOPSIM – Cloud interface.
The seminar instructor trainings are held online and are limited to 8 participants. Please note that the training is only possible with a minimum of 4 participants.
How can I register for a training?
All current dates of our seminar instructor trainings can be found on the Events page. There you can select the training with the business game you are interested in and register. We currently offer trainings in German, if you are interested in an individual training in English, please contact us!
The training I wanted to attend is sold out, what should I do?
If the training is fully booked, please send us an email to info@topsim.com and we will put you on the waiting list. This way, we can still invite you to the desired training in case of a cancellation.
How much does it cost to participate?
The fee for a seminar instructor training is 450,00 € plus VAT per participant. University lecturers and teachers pay a discounted price of 225,00 € plus VAT.
Support
Who do I contact if I have questions during a seminar?
Seminar instructors can contact us by email (support@topsim.com) or phone (+49 7071 7942 13) if they have any questions about using our business simulations or the TOPSIM – Cloud. To be eligible for support, you must have attended a train-the-trainer seminar.
Please note that we cannot provide support for offline simulations. Switch to the TOPSIM Cloud to take advantage of our support and benefit from a modern user interface and regular updates.
If you would like to learn more about our business simulations or have any questions about your license, please contact us by email at info@topsim.com or by phone at +49 7071 7942 0.
When can I reach the TOPSIM support hotline?
We offer support Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
If you are planning a seminar on a Saturday or outside of support hours, please notify us at least two weeks in advance (by email to info@topsim.com) to ensure that we are available for you.
Do you provide support to participants in a seminar?
We do not offer support for participants in a TOPSIM seminar. If you have any questions about the simulation, please always contact your seminar instructor.
What information should I have ready when contacting the hotline?
It is helpful if you have the Seminar ID (number is displayed in the top left corner of the seminar instructor interface), your email or the name of the administrator ready. With this information, we can connect directly to your interface and answer your questions as quickly as possible.
Download Area: Keeping You Updated
Here you can find more information about TOPSIM and our products. Get a detailed look at our business simulation portfolio, general information about our simulations, and white papers on methodology and didactics.
General Materials
How We Can Support Your Seminar
Boosting Business Acumen with Business Simulations
Business acumen is a decisive factor when it comes to a company’s success. Having strong developed business acumen and business savvy employees within an organization is proven to leverage a strategy’s potential and to improve the financial performance. The article illustrates why building business acumen is important and how TOPSIM – Business Simulations will support your organization in developing these skills.
Leadership Development through Business Simulations
Leadership development becomes more and more important as studies have proven that well trained leaders have a significant impact on a company’s success. This article illustrates why business simulations are especially effective when it comes to training (future) leaders and how TOPSIM – business games support your leadership development program.
Digital Tools for Online Seminars
Online learning was gaining traction even before the Covid-19 turned our lives upside down. In this article we would like to introduce you to a few tools for digital teaching that can support you in the design of your lectures, seminars and exercises!
Curious to Learn More About TOPSIM?
We’re happy to tell you more about how you can benefit from our gamified learning experiences.