Interactive business simulations e learning and more

Certainly, the best method for discovering the principles of business management is owning a company. Unfortunately this can be very expensive and even dangerous. And, since using any actual corporation for running didactic experiences is impossible, in schools of management a common practice are instead computer simulations. Thanks to their interactivity they allow learning business in a very practical and close to the real context manner. Simulations are now used not only in academic institutions. There are many of them in schools and they are also applied as tools in e-learning sessions for company employees, in recruitment process and even in consulting companies. Why they are so popular? Are they really efficient? Are they all the same? And how to build them? This practice oriented publication is illustrated with 12 examples as well as with a ready to use business game to download from the Web. TABLE OF CONTENTS: Chapter 1: SIMULATIONS IN SCHOOL 1.1 Competitive simulations or rather interactive spreadsheets? 1.2 Hands-on... 1.3 Very active computers 1.4 Full intelligence 1.5 Non-competitive simulations 1.6 Computer as your partner (branching stories) 1.7 Student's marks 1.8 Simulations in school: why? 1.9 Trends Chapter 2: OTHER APPLICATIONS 2.1 Company on-line training 2.2 Examination machines 2.3 Computer assessment centers 2.4 Business consulting Chapter 3: BUILDING THE SIMULATIONS 3.1 Algorithms 3.2 Simulation generators Some interesting Web addresses Appendix: a few misconceptions about business interactive simulations Index