Abstract:

Serious business simulation games are an effective tool supporting the education of students. Their appropriate use enables practical training in business without the risk arising in the practice from wrong decisions of students. The use of computer tools allows the game to get closer to reality by providing students with software interfaces similar to real business systems. Computerisation of the game also allows compression of learning time and efficiently supports the education process through its organization in the cycle: decisions – results – results analysis – new decisions. This cycle, when repeatedly used, increases the speed of developing applied knowledge and skills in students.

The article presents the serious business simulation game called "Supply chain processes." It introduces the game’s educational goals, its problematic situation, the implemented elements of the theory of supply chain management and the areas where students have to make decisions. Besides, the paper discusses the structure of the mathematical-simulation model of the game, with its parameters, the forecasts of demand and its flexibility used in the game, as well as the impact on demand size of the players’ various decisions. The paper details the decisions taken by the players, as well as their results.

The game is not competitive, so students’ attention is focused on the proper daily management of the logistics of their business, such as the analysis of demand and what affects it, management of orders and their parameters, and inventory levels. An important element of the game are promotional activities. The game also illustrates the formation of such typical negative phenomena in supply chains as Forrester, Burbidge, Houlihan and promotion effects.

Apart from presenting the game, the paper addresses the procedure of its use in practice and suggestions given to students in the area of shaping the strategy and tactics of managing the supply chain.

Keywords:

Serious business games, logistic chain, management.