Most of the evidence that simulations are effective teaching tools has been anecdotal. But fortunately, there have been some carefully designed research studies that examine the effectiveness of simulations and test these anecdotal assertions. Research studies examining the effectiveness of simulations have found that students learn more effectively using simulations and games than alternative learning tools. Also younger managers who have used computer games since early childhood enjoy simulations and games more than case studies. Other studies have shown that simulations are effective at getting students to apply concepts that they have learned through lectures or reading and that simulations can ...

The basic concept behind supply chain management is simple: customers order products from you; you keep track of what you’re selling, and you order enough raw materials from your suppliers to meet your customers’ demand. So why is it that, in a recent article, the Economist claimed that, “Managing a supply chain is becoming a bit like rocket science?” The problem turns out to be one of coordination. Suppliers, manufacturers, sales people, and customers have their own, often incomplete, understanding of what real demand is. Each group has control over only a part of the supply chain, but each group can ...

I'm a big science fiction buff. I like thinking (and reading) about the future. So perhaps it is no surprise that my favorite way of thinking of computer simulations is as a dynamic story. Similar to a good novel (but with an infinite number of possible endings), a solid story makes a simulation exciting, credible, and memorable.

A person in the formal role of a leader may not possess leadership skills nor be capable of leading. Leadership is essentially related to a person's skills, abilities and degree of influence. A good deal of leadership can come from people who are not formal leaders. Leading is the result of using one's role and leadership ability to influence others in some way. True leaders are not "bosses" or "commanders". Instead of power, true leadership comes from influence, congruence and integrity. Successful leaders are committed to "creating a world to which people want to belong". ...

Picture the following: A group of managers are playing a simulation game in which they run a chain of retail convenience stores. This particular chain was growing rapidly until the last few years when sales have slacked dramatically. The managers decide to offer a major promotion and price discount to boost sales. Unexpectedly, the resulting sales show little increase (and in some regions a decrease) and are accompanied by a sharp drop in profits. "This doesn't make sense!" says one frustrated manager. "Our customers look for bargains. Sales should have gone up. Where's the increase?"