Using a Business Simulation in the Principles of Management Course -- Learning Outcomes Lid Perceptions

Abstract

" The purpose of this paper is to report on the use of a business simulation in a college freshman class entitled Principles of Management(MG 101). A version of the IMAGINIT(2) simulation called “Mini-Imaginit” was devised and implemented in the freshman course. Following a complete semester’s use of the simulation, an achievement test was administered to determine test scores on specific management concepts of (1)planning and decision making and (2)organizing for stability and change. Two separate classes were used in the experiment. One class was given a structured approach for group processes; the other was given an unstructured approach. The same instructor was used to implement each of the approaches; thus, the variable of teaching methodology was assured to be controlled. In addition to measuring learning outcomes, students were given a survey to indicate their perceptions of the management course. The students were asked to indicate their perceptions of the management course. The students were asked to indicate the extent to which they felt the use of the computer simulation (Mini-Imaginit) helped in their understanding of a variety of management topics and its effect on their attitudes toward the management course. "