Simulation, a hands-on study tool at B-schools, takes centrestage

Simulation, a hands-on study tool at B-schools, takes centrestage

The discourse in business education is changing. First came lectures by professors. Then the case study method which required students to get into class and take up position to debate and defend their decisions. Today, it is the turn of simulation-based study method.

A newly developed simulation titled ‘Honey Heritage,’ for instance, looks at the complexities which come with family businesses and packs that into a game of action learning. Rajiv Agarwal of S P Jain Institute of Management Research, who authored the simulation, said here players must take decisions based on challenges that a typical business family faces over three generations. “In a simulation, one has to live with the consequences of one’s decisions, and face the repercussions for over eight-10 subsequent steps. Also, one can see the impact of the decision in real time, which enhances learnings,” he said. Vivek Chachra, country manager India for Harvard Business Publishing which offers 35 simulations, said, “Business simulation is increasingly popular as a classroom tool to both motivate learning and encourage students to be more active learners.”

A 2016 survey by Wellington, Hutchinson and Faria found that 56.8% of the respondents—business faculty members from 426 AACSBaccredited schools across disciplines—have used one or more simulations. That’s up from 47.4% of those surveyed in 2004 by Faria and Wellington. Adoption of simulations is growing 25% year on year in India, said Chachra.

These are not video games but real-world applications from MBA classrooms.

Picture this: Students need to collaborate or compete, weigh emotional versus rational choices, respect experts or follow managerial superiors? The Eagle Racing simulation by Insead, Paris, is a multi-episodic portrayal of a race-car company using actors who play the company’s management roles and must make decisions about the firm’s financial future.

Then, there is another simulation on improving a product, developing marketing efforts and enhancing production. CapsimCore is the starting point for business students to understand the fundamentals of doing business. Players take over a firm that makes sensors and the government splits a monopoly into two competitors, starting the race to the top.

Another reason for their growing popularity is changing class composition. Devi Singh, former director, IIM Lucknow, said, “There is a rise in students with prior work experience in B-schools and starting from scratch doesn’t excite them. You need to get them running right away. That said, I feel simulations serve a purpose but not everything can be modelled.” Not many agree. Classrooms have become more engaging, say faculty. Accreditation agencies are promoting simulations too. Many grant points for the way these are woven into courseware. Himanshu Rai, director, IIM Indore, said, “Simulations have been used in a particular session for some time. But, of late, simulations are being used to consolidate the course or various courses.”

Source | Times of India | 9^th October 2019

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