An Exploration of Game-Derived Learning in Total Enterprise Simulations

Abstract

This article reports a series of exploratory studies dealing with learning in total enterprise simulations. These studies had three purposes: (a) to examine the validity of simulations as learning tools, (b) to measure any relationships between learning about the simulation and economic performance in the game, (c) to discover if some players learn more than others from the same business gaming experience. For this research, learning emanated from the game’s structure and decision-making requirements. Learning was measured using parallel forms of a multiple-choice, short-essay examination. The results showed that learning occurred from simulation play but did not vary with performance. There was some evidence that participants learned more when they perceived their teams to be well organized.