Using Computer Simulations for Group Projects in Business School Education

Given the trend toward more team-based projects within organizations, business schools need to assess how effectively students are being prepared to work in teams when they enter the labor force. In this study, one type of group project, the computer simulation, was compared with more traditional group projects and rated on 10 performance-related criteria. The results suggest that computer simulations are a more effective tool for preparing students for group-based projects. The article concludes with implications for educators, software developers, and researchers.