Abstract:

This paper presents the results of a survey to students of Business Simulation (BS) I and Business Simulation II courses of the Accounting and Administration degree at ISCAP - Polytechnic of Porto over the last two years. The evidence collected demonstrates that students give a very positive feedback and they recognize this education methodology as fundamental to their preparation for the job market. Even the students that have professional experience recognize BS courses as a mean of improving and developing their skills. In general, students also recognized they improve their technical and soft skills. BS courses were introduced in February 2003 during the second semester of the academic year 2002/2003. These courses have a very practical approach, enabling students to put in practice some of the most theoretical concepts they learn in other courses. Fiscal law, management accounting, financial analysis are just examples of courses they can apply in a simulated business environment. During the courses, students have the opportunity to perform a set of diversified and complex activities. For most students, BS courses are a substitute of the internship in a real company that is compulsory for accessing to the accountant profession. In Portugal, the entity that recognizes the profession of certified accountant is the order of certified accountants. One of the main advantages pointed out by students is the possibility they perform several management activities without the risk of being fired. Errors and mistakes they make are an opportunity for improvement. During the classes, students act as general managers of a simulated company. Companies are from different areas that together form a market. Each company has normally three students and all of them control their attendance through an electronic card they have to pass at the beginning and end of the class. BS courses aim to overcome the lack of practical education students have in other classes, helping them in a smoother transition to their real jobs.

Keywords:

Education methodologies, action-based methodologies, business simulation, higher education, soft skills, learning by doing.