Chris Pierce and the Yankee Donut Company: An E-Mail-Based Management Simulation

Abstract

In this article, the authors describe an e-mail-based simulation that helps students experience the fast-paced, complex world of the middle manager. In this electronic in-basket exercise, students assume the role of a district manager in a doughnut company as they respond to a rapid series of high- and low-priority e-mails ostensibly sent from superiors, subordinates, colleagues, and customers. The simulation creates an engaging learning environment that helps students understand the complex world of managers and stimulates their interest in organizational behavior. Because the exercise is designed around standard e-mail technology, the simulation is straightforward and can be easily customized to support other learning objectives.