The role of simulation case studies in enterprise education

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of electronic simulation case studies in enterprise education, their effectiveness, and their relationship to traditional forms of classroom‐based approaches to experiential learning. The paper seeks to build on previous work within the field of enterprise and management education, specifically in relation to the role of simulations and case studies in higher‐education pedagogy, which have previously been considered as distinct techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the use of a specifically designed simulation case study of a small and large business, 57 undergraduate students in a UK university were surveyed using an electronic voting tool and their responses used as the basis for two focus groups, which were conducted with the same students.

Findings

Students saw a link between using the application and learning, found the environment to be immersive and more engaging than a text‐based case study, though opinion was divided over its entertainment value. Focus group results highlighted that students believed the environment felt “real” and that students were encouraged to engage in deep and double‐loop learning. Students preferred the option of a mixed range of classroom learning experiences, though experienced gameplayers were less likely to find the simulation case entertaining than non‐gameplayers.

Research limitations/implications

This article builds on existing research on simulations and case studies, while going some way to show the common issues that these “models of reality” share, in terms of both design and utilisation in the special context of higher education. This paper highlights the value and need for further work appraising emerging educational media and the importance students place on these experiences in their study programmes.

Originality/value

Given the increasing interest in e‐learning within higher education, and subsequent attempts to improve the student experience through electronic media, this paper highlights the importance of focusing on effective learning opportunities in developing experiential enterprise education tools.

Citation

Tunstall, R. and Lynch, M. (2010), "The role of simulation case studies in enterprise education", Education + Training, Vol. 52 No. 8/9, pp. 624-642. https://doi.org/10.1108/00400911011088953