Learn more, better and faster: computer-based simulation gaming of production and operations

Abstract

In this paper, we highlight the need to provide education that represents a business process view of organisational functioning. Following three computer supported methodologies are evaluated first: traditional simulation; systems dynamics simulation; and business gaming. Operations management decisions usually deal simultaneously with multiple products and production capacity considerations, and issues related to successful sales and efficient purchasing. These are issues which are hard to capture with tools that present momentary, stagnant views of business circumstances. We reason that the potential in transparent business process simulation gaming is probably higher for production and operations management than what is the potential in traditional business games or other computer supported methodologies. This is because transparent and continuously evolving learning environments present the process view of business functioning. Furthermore, we shortly present this kind of continuously evolving business simulation game. This game works in a local area network, where participant groups with their own manufacturing companies can compete against each other in an imaginary market environment. We also analyse what kind of results continuous gaming has produced in two Production and Operations Management courses, given for the MSc students.