Abstract:

Numerous studies have shown computer-based business simulation games are an effective tool for teaching management concepts. Often, these studies have shown that students who have been taught using business simulations have outperformed their peers who were enrolled in course sections using traditional methods. Although most business simulations are used in general business programs to teach strategic management concepts, we developed a farm business simulation game that is designed to enhance undergraduate student learning as it relates to risk management. Specifically, funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was used to create a farm business simulation that is designed to represent the risks that California farmers face as it relates to uncertain water supplies. California, like many other regions of the world, has recently suffered from prolonged drought conditions that have had significant impacts on agricultural production. However, most agricultural educational programs fail to provide any specialized training to help students or agricultural producers face the challenges of these changing water supplies. The overall purpose of this project was to develop a farm business simulation game that could be used to train future and current agricultural managers with the skills necessary to become more resilient amid uncertain water supplies. This new simulation, along with new course materials, was integrated into existing agricultural management courses at two different universities and used to develop a new outreach program for local producers, including many beginning farmers and ranchers. Results have indicated that both students and producers that were trained with this innovative new tool have gained the knowledge that is needed to make informed, yet practical, risk management decisions. By institutionalizing the simulation into the curriculum, this project is enhancing student learning and having long-term impacts on educational capacity while providing students with the skills needed for emerging agricultural careers.

Keywords:

Simulation, Game, Agriculture, Education, Risk Management, Drought, Water, Uncertainty.