Students’ perception of the impact of competences on learning: An analysis with business simulations

Abstract

Digital technology and information and communication technologies (ICTs) have provided new methods for teaching and learning that help students reap valuable benefits; however, they are not exempt from criticism regarding their effectiveness for learning. This study aims to analyse the contribution of one of these e-learning methods—business simulation games—to enhancing students' learning outcomes, and will try to determine which competences are perceived by students to contribute most to improving learning. The study was conducted through the use of questionnaires, which were given to 115 students who were participating in business simulation games within official management courses as part of bachelor's and master's degrees. The findings reveal that generic competences exert a positive influence on learning outcomes. In the case of specific managerial competences, however, the effect was found to be insignificant. The findings also reveal better learning outcomes of younger students participating in business simulation games compared to older students. This study has pedagogical implications for deciding the best way to enhance students' learning outcomes when using business simulation tools.