Abstract:

Today, it is recognized that students should be better prepared for the labour market after finishing their graduation at the higher education level. In this line, this paper presents the results of a survey to students of Business Simulation I course of the Accounting and Administration graduation at Porto Accounting and Business School - Polytechnic of Porto from the first semester of the academic year 2018/19. The evidence collected demonstrates that students consider very positive the business simulation environment, as it is an education methodology fundamental for their preparation for the job market. Even the students that have previous professional experience recognize the course is a mean of improving and developing their skills. In general, students also recognized they improved their technical and soft skills. Business Simulation courses were implemented at Porto Accounting and Business School in February 2003. These courses have a very hands-on approach, enabling students to put in practice some of the theoretical concepts they learn in other courses. Commercial and fiscal law, financial and management accounting, are just some examples of courses they can apply in this simulated business environment. During these courses, students perform diversified and complex activities, which are in line that what is done in real-world businesses. A great majority of students prefer Business Simulation courses instead of the internship in a real company that is compulsory for accessing to the accountant profession led by the order of certified accountants. As a result of this study, students value the possibility of performing management activities with some errors and learning with their own mistakes. Simulated companies are from different market areas and a group of 3 or 4 students are supposed to manage them according to some previous planned activities prepared by teachers.

Keywords:

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