A constructivist approach to studying the bullwhip effect by simulating the supply chain

Abstract

The Cider Game is a simulator for a supply chain-related learning environment.Its main feature is that it provides support to students in the constructivist discovery process when learning how to make logistics decisions, at the same time as noting the occurrence of the bullwhip phenomenon.This learning environment seeks a balance between direct instruction in the learning process on the part of the tutor, and a suitable and sufficient degree of freedom to regulate independent learning on the part of students.This article describes the basic learning mechanisms usingthe Cider Game and the graphical learning environments that it provides.We describe the functionality provided by this application, and analyzethe effect over the rational understanding of the bullwhip phenomenon by the students and whether they are able to make decisions to minimize its impact, studying the differences when that decision making learning is doneindividually or ingroups.