Learning Objectives
The demand for business simulations as training tools is high. It is recognised that they provide extremely powerful learning experience combined with a high degree of excitement and enjoyment. In this sense, a simulation is the business management equivalent of the simulator used in training by astronauts, airline pilots and the like. It provides learning in a risk-free environment.
A strong feature of the power of business simulations is their universal relevance, not only in the range of objectives to which they can be put, but in the range of people, nationalities, cultures, organisations, functions and ages who can benefit. Levels of challenge may be set as appropriate to the participating players.
The purposes for which simulations are used vary in detail from situation to situation, but a pattern is clear. The main purposes include:
- To improve individual and group decision-making skills
- To identify and develop leadership and team-management skills
- To consolidate corporate identity, culture and mutual trust
- To encourage and develop strategic vision and creative thinking
- To increase understanding and group behaviour
- To improve interpersonal skill, sensitivity and influence
- To help recognise and understand the inter-relationships and interdependence of the different functional areas in business
- To increase individual knowledge of key functional areas eg. marketing, finance
- To develop better understanding of information needs and information systems design
- To help improve data handling skills and the identification of relevant information
- To improve individual presentation skills