A Business Simulation Game (BSG) and its ability to enhance learning: an evaluation of student perspectives

This research addresses the question ‘what is the impact of the Business Simulation Games (BSG) on student learning?' through two aims. First, to examine learner attitudes towards Business Simulation Games (BSG) and second, to evaluate the capacity of the BSG to engender a deeper understanding of business and develop their own particular skills set. The research used self-completed questionnaires, which included a mixture of Likert scale and open questions related to the BSG games itself and the wider implications for learning, with 145 business school students from a University in Selangor, Malaysia. The research findings can be categorised into two broad areas, first in the context of the BSG itself, with insight provided into the practicalities of the running of a BSG, with the research revealing the importance of a supportive student-learning framework and interactive workshops. Second, the ability of the BSG to enhance subject knowledge and learning. Regarding a respondent’s subject knowledge, the research identified that respondents positively engaged with the BSG and felt that the experience enhanced their subject knowledge, ability to assess risk, and to think strategically about business. Regarding their learning skills, respondents thought the BSG allowed them to better reflect, better communicate, better understand business and think more about business in general compared to other more traditional assessments. The findings consolidate existing research that simulations provide the learner with the necessary skills required for the employment market and takes research forward in the area of business simulations and their respective capacity to enhance the learning experience of students.