Simulation Games Enhance Learning Outcomes

The biggest challenge of our education system is to leverage the learning of concepts and theories with the use of modern technology to create engaging, relevant, and personalized learning experiences for all students that represent the reality of their future.

Most B-schools and universities follow a teaching style that is a blend of theory and practical. The traditional methods of teaching within the four walls of the classroom that include lectures and textbooks do set the basic foundation for a student. However, to attain the skills, which will be required at the workplace, these concepts have to be applied. The application of the learning will ensure that the student has been able to improve their critical thinking skills. The two years of PGDM should comprise of this blend of theory and practice giving the student a comprehensive curriculum.

Subjects like Entrepreneurship give the students ample opportunities to collaborate and work with peers. For subjects like this, the implementation of simulation is the best solution as it deals with the real-life application of the knowledge gained in the classroom.

What are the benefits of Simulation?

Simulations are games that follow a system or a phenomenon. The players are expected to achieve certain pre-specified goals and the environment of the simulation is pre-defined through algorithms and programming. The biggest benefit of simulations is that students get involved in playing the simulation and they consider it as a game or a competition in the real sense. In the process of playing the simulation, the students start applying the concepts that they have learnt in the classes. This provides them with an opportunity to find out how the concept actually works.

It is also the best way to implement Action Learning, i.e., learning by doing. These days, simulations are available online so they can be accessed from anywhere. Students can form teams and access the simulation from any part of the world. It also encourages more interactions among the students that set the platform for learning from each other. They can also afford to do mistakes and learn from it as the stakes are low and they have nothing to lose in terms of money or any other resource.

How to include Simulation in learning pedagogy?

Since simulations are beneficial for management students, it is imperative that it is included in the learning pedagogy. IILM has been implementing simulations in its UG as well as PG courses. Some of the key aspects that need to be considered for including Simulation in the learning pedagogy are:

  • Decide the learning objectives of the subject and check the relation between the concepts taught and the simulation game. There should be a perfect match between the learning objectives of the course and the skills that the simulation tests in the student.
  • The simulation game should be in a sequence. The sequence should move in terms of complexity. For example, a simulation may be played over 4 quarters and the decisions that the players have to take in the initial quarters should be simpler than the ones that they have to take in the later stages.
  • The class has to be guided by a coach who will channel the thoughts and ideas of the students. There has to be a little bit of hand holding in the initial stages of the simulation so that the students understand the process.
  • The coach can first give a brief synopsis of the situation in which this simulation is being conducted. If required, the initial stages can be demonstrated by the coach so that the students can follow his or her footsteps.
  • As the students play the simulation, the coach should encourage the students to think about their decisions and predict the consequences of their decisions. The coach will then have to connect this analysis with the learning objectives of the course.
  • The teams should be able to present their decisions and if required prepare a brief report of the simulation. The coach can then give their feedback so that the concepts become clear to the students.

In the present dynamic environment, the main focus of higher educational institutions is to enable student-centred teaching. This will be possible only when learning happens in an active and collaborative environment. The inclusion of Simulations in the teaching and learning of management concepts will not only make the students better learners but will also prepare them to face the challenges of the corporate world.

To know about other Management teaching best practices like case based learning, mentoring have a look at the following:

Business Case Studies – An Effective Teaching Tool

https://blog.iilm.edu/case-based-teaching-learning-management/

The Many Avatars of a Teacher – A Facilitator in Learning

What is the Mantra for right mentoring?

 

 

 

 

Ideation , Innovation & Creativity in Business

If you want to study business, launch your own startup or manage your family business, IILM is the place for you !

Requirements in the job market are dynamic and change constantly.  At IILM we have introduced an exceptional programme to incorporate the trend of startups and entrepreneurship. We have collaborated with the SBS Swiss Business School to bring to our students the change to earn a BBA in Entrepreneurship. The degree is awarded by the Swiss Business School and teaches modules that are aimed to equip students with the skills need to start their own ventures ,take on the responsibilities of entrepreneurship or manage their family business..

The programme spans over 3 years or 6 semesters and covers a variety of topics starting from the basics and moving up in difficulty. The initial semesters have introductory modules that introduce students to concepts of Accounting, Marketing, Management, Information Systems, Economics, Finance, Statistics and Law. These basics are aimed at bringing all students on the same platform as we have students from varied backgrounds applying to this course. Similarly, Foreign Language is also offered to students over the 3 years in order to diversify their knowledge base and give them an edge in the job market.

After the basics students study modules like Small Business Field Studies, Venture Capital and Private Equity, Entrepreneurship Case Studies and Mergers and Acquisitions – topics related to managing real world situations. These modules as well as the others offered are not only case study based but also incorporate learning through simulations in order to effectively instill the theories involved.Case studies used are from the Harvard Business School so that our students have access to the very best resources.

Experiential learning is also encouraged through Company Visits as a module students visit various companies belonging to various industries and interact with staff and department representatives to gain understanding of the working of the companies and respective departments. In tandem with the aim of experiential learning is the module of Internships. Students are attached to a company for a month long internship during their breaks and learn what it is like to be on the job in real life from experts.

Mentoring is a unique aspect of student life at IILM. Faculty and industry mentors are assigned to the students to guide them through the course of the programme. They advise the students so that effective decisions are taken with regards to modules, internships and careers. Students gain a lot from their expertise and experience.

Our programme is exceptional because of the unique mix of theory and practical application. We have understood the need for dynamism in curriculum and have molded our modules based on the requirements of the time. Our students study with the best resources, the best faculty and the best industry mentors, making them a cut above the rest when it comes to taking on the roles of an entrepreneur or top management of their family business.

Learn more about our exceptional programme at www.ubs.iilm.edu


Ms. Lekha Mukherjee