Design and Implementation of a Supply Chain Learning Platform

Abstract

This study describes the design and implementation of a simulation role-playing game (RPG), the web-based Supply Chain Management Game (WSCMG), which provides an opportunity for business and management students to experience the business environment in a virtual context. In the design and development stage, generic supply chain (SC) activities were analyzed, and a web-based SC management (SCM) system developed to support the RPG. In the implementation stage, the game was tested on a group of undergraduate students specializing in the study of SCM. As part of the learning assessment, the student players were required to report their SC performance and sales figures using an inbuilt online evaluation system which also facilitated peer and tutor reviews. An evaluation was then conducted to collect students' and tutors' views on the game's effectiveness. Positive feedback was received, supporting the proposition that the WSCMG can be an effective tool in facilitating self-, peer-, and tutor-directed teaching and learning.