Business Simulations in Management Pedagogy: Role of Libraries in Enhancing Access to Business Simulations: A Case Study

Abstract

Looking at the contemporary educational practice, we come across a host of buzzwords such as immersive environments, participatory learning, experiential learning, experimental learning, etc. Due to the drastic development in the information and communication technology areas, various new educational methods have emerged such as e-learning and virtual learning environment. Education, especially, the higher education scenario has witnessed the boom of new pedagogical tools. Among this, ‘simulations’ is a new mode of teaching and learning in the management pedagogy that is gaining ground and appreciation. Simulations act as an essential educational tool in the virtual learning environment. There has been a significant increase in the use of business simulation games in the area of management education. Business simulations attempt to bring real-life business scenarios to life in the classroom to develop the desired capacities and skills of the students.The most important advantage of a simulation is that they help to establish a new learning relationship with the students and assigning new roles to them and build their capacities regarding participatory learning. This paper highlights the concept of simulation, and it also explores the role of simulation in management education. It discusses various business simulations available in the market. This article also shares the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode library’s experience about the facilitation of simulations with a special reference to Harvard Business School Publishing Simulations, for its academic programmes during the past few years.