ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

Breaking Barriers

Business Simulation

Helen SmithDundee Business School

University of Abertay

ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

Breaking Barriers

Introduction

Business Simulation provided by

Embedded into a 2nd year moduleBusiness, Management and Finance

studentsAssessed

ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

Breaking Barriers

Why use a Business Simulation?

Embeds learning and allows theory to be put into practice

Opportunity to see effect of business decisions Why an on-line simulation? Better than a case study?

– No software to download and store– Access 24/7– Results processing is automatic– All resources downloadable from the website

ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

Breaking Barriers

How does it work?Introductory session 3 weeks before

start of simulationInformation pack100 studentsTeams of 5Team Leader4 streams each of 5 teams

ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

Breaking Barriers

The TaskSimulation based on an international

sports clothing manufacturerTeams are the Board of Directors for

the “failing” companyCompete within streamsSubmit weekly decisions – fixed deadline

– Trial Trading Period and 4 Trading Periods

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Breaking Barriers

The Aim

Turn company roundRespond to weekly scenariosMaintain customer satisfaction andMaximise profit

ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

Breaking Barriers

Simulation Resources

Participants guide and helpdeskStudents and Tutors loginsScenario updatesManagement reportsUploading decisionsResults and feedback

ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

Breaking Barriers

Results Feedback

Results processed by Learning Dynamics

Group specific feedback via e-mailHints and TipsManagement Report

ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

Breaking Barriers

http://www.ldsimulations.com/BME/dbs_login.aspx

ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

Breaking Barriers

How Assessed

Group reflective presentation– Strategy adopted and any changes– Challenges– Skills used/learned– Reaction to weekly results– What learned– Do differently next time

ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

Breaking Barriers

Skills Developed

CommunicationEnterprisePlanningSelf-evaluationProblem solvingQuantitative

LeadershipInterpersonalIT SkillsProfessionalismTeam-work

ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

Breaking Barriers

And finally ………

“Fantastic experience – love to try again”

www.learningdynamics.co.uk