Abstract:

This literature review is aimed at giving an overview of success factors in (digital) Business Simulation games (BSG). BSG are widely used in educational institutes like schools and universities as well as in professional training. While a large proportion of the research in this field is focused on learning success, an overview is difficult to gain due to the vast variety of different approaches, methods and foci. Moreover, latest trends in digitalization have reshaped as well as diversified the industry. In order to get a deeper insight into the current findings in BSG research on learning success, an extensive literature research was conducted, including both quantitative and qualitative research. The result is an integrative literature review summarizing and categorizing the current state of the art regarding success factors in BSG, using the Kirkpatrick model of success (Kirkpatrick, 2006) as a theoretical background. The goal is to provide a summary of the current research on success in BSG, as well as to facilitate successful development and implementation of (digital) BSG. The findings show several key factors important for promoting learning success with BSG.

References:
[1] Kirkpatrick, D. L., & Kirkpatrick, J. D. (2006). Evaluating Training Programs: The Four Levels. Berrett-Koehler. Retrieved from: https://books.google.at/books?id=MiWMngEACAAJ

Keywords:

Business simulation games, serious games, learning success, adult education, simulation-based learning.