Is the Computerized Business Simulation Relevant? Business Professionals Play a Student Game

Abstract

The following paper explores the issue of whether business games (specifically, one such game) used in undergraduate instruction are considered to be useful and realistic by business practitioners. The paper also compares businessmen and students using the same game on a variety of measures, such as frustration, confidence and involvement. The study is based on a simulation workshop held for business professionals where a business game typical for undergraduate education was used. Survey results indicated that business professionals perceived the game as highly realistic and useful and that they and students had similar self-perceptions on confidence, involvement and frustration during the exercise. Some suggestions for improving simulation exercises for business professionals are also offered.