More Than Fun and Games: Reconsidering the Virtues of Strategic Management Simulations

We look at the relationship between business simulations and the educational theory of generative learning using the framework developed by Wittrock (1974, 1990, 1992). Our findings reveal opportunities for generative learning that occur at all phases of the simulation process. Awareness of these opportunities prepares faculty to get the most from the strategic decision-making simulations, and may assist them in defining the contribution associated with their use. We suggest areas for additional research.