Workshop: Hardware, Software, and People Problems in Installing Business Games Operational Problems and Solutions of Business Gaming: A Primer

Abstract

"Prior to the installation of a business game for classroom use, it is always interesting to speculate on the problems one is about to encounter. Even the veteran gamester from time to time encounters problems which are new to him. When one moves from one computer system to another, whether the move is an upgrading of an institution’s facilities or a change of institutions, system specific difficulties are often encountered which must be overcome. The objective of this paper is to acquaint the reader with the various types of problems one can encounter and to offer solutions which have been used by other game players. The paper is based upon the results of a survey of ABSEL members regarding problems experienced when utilizing computerized games. All 121 members listed on the October 28, 1974, ABSEL roster were sent a questionnaire. Fifty-two responses were received in time to be included in this report. The survey was based upon a conceptual paper presented by the author at the National Gaming Council Symposium in Pittsburgh [11 . The present paper is intended to serve as a means of communicating useful techniques among ABSEL members and as a useful reference for potential users of business games. For purposes of discussion, business gaming problems are divided into four mutually exclusive categories: computer problems; game problems; student problems; and colleagueal problems. Each of these categories will be further subdivided in the discussion below. "