Simulation Games in Business Policy Courses: Is there Value for Students?

This study explores the importance of business policy as a capstone course and examines the role of individual differences and satisfaction with a business game as a learning tool. Results produced through the use of a business game by business policy students at a large southwestern university indicate that students use what they learn in a business policy course. Individual locus of control, need for achievement, and risk propensity were associated with satisfaction with the game as a learning tool. Results also support relationships among group consensus, satisfaction with the group, and team performance. Implications are discussed regarding the use of business games as instructional tools and the role of business policy as a capstone course.