The virtual workplace: The impact of embedding business simulations into classroom culture

Abstract

Today’s business management students have come of age in a new, interactive, technology-rich environment; therefore, instructors should modify their teaching modalities to embrace embedded simulations. The authors present a practical application of instruction, a new teaching model that puts business simulations at the center of their course—creating a virtual workplace for learning. Using embedded simulations leads to classroom changes, impacting culture, setup, teams, peer evaluations, student ownership, and learning outcomes. Preliminary results support the use of this model and show strong student engagement and acceptance.

Keywords:

• Culture
• engagement
• learning
• simulations

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the unselfish assistance of the editor and reviewers of the Journal of Education for Business and several colleagues who also graciously and intelligently reviewed this manuscript prior to its submission.