Using Games to Present Economics to Managers: A Survey of the Literature

Abstract

The paper begins by discussing some of the problems involved in presenting economics to managers who already have considerable work experience, and it gives reasons why the use of games may reduce these problems. It then reviews many of the games which are available indicating their key features and the areas of economics education in which they might be useful. Finally, it considers some of the techniques of evaluation which have been applied to games and shows that, even though games are in widespread use and are generally considered useful, formal proof of their worth is surprisingly elusive.

Pretending To Understand Business Policy

“…What FRP games do offer is a uniquely useful supplement to more traditional teaching methods. Robinson ( 1985) suggests that the benefits of using games in teaching may be linked to the fact that they simply represent a refreshing change and that they may possess no inherent advantages over more traditional teaching methods. If this is so, it does not detract from the usefulness of games in providing a welcome respite for both students and lecturers from a seemingly endless round of lectures and case studies.…”

“…There are three basic types of simulation: role play (which we have touched upon in relation to case studies); gaming; and computer simulation. The different types of simulation are often combined in business games, and they all share the same basic set of benefits (Jones, 1985 and 1987; Robinson, 1985):…”

“…Games have proved particularly effective in teaching economics and banking and to tackling business problems in particular contexts such as exporting, small business start up or financial control (Robinson, 1985). There has been some debate on the relative merits of using games and case studies as a teaching aid in management education.…”