Teaching procurement and supply chain management is no easy task. University professors need tools that not only challenge their students but also bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical decision-making. Dr. Veronica Ülgen, a senior lecturer in logistics and supply chain management at Linnaeus University, Sweden, recently shared her experiences using RealGame for Procurement business simulation. Her insights highlight the transformative power of simulations in education and why RealGame stands out as a valuable teaching tool.
A Word-of-Mouth Discovery
Dr. Ülgen first learned about RealGame through a colleague who shared her interest in simulation-based learning. Already intrigued by the potential of such tools, she decided to explore RealGame further. While she had previously tested another simulation platform, she found RealGame procurement simulation's transparency and user-friendly design particularly compelling.
"I was a bit hesitant at first because in some tools it is hard to understand the connection between actions and outcomes. But RealGame was different. It’s transparent and makes it easy to figure out why things happen the way they do." Dr. Veronica Ülgen explained.
Seamless Integration into Teaching: Course Structure with a Procurement Simulation
Dr. Ülgen uses the procurement module in her third-year course, where students specialize in logistics and supply chain management. The module culminates prior learning and incorporates concepts from inventory management, distribution, and procurement.
“Students have already worked with these topics in earlier courses. The simulation serves as an end-of-semester activity, tying together everything they’ve learned,” she said.
To ensure a balance between theory and practice, Dr. Veronica Ülgen combines traditional lectures with simulation sessions. Students first attend a series of lectures to build their theoretical foundation. Then, they engage with RealGame, applying their knowledge in a dynamic, hands-on environment. The course also includes a negotiation seminar led by an external specialist, further enhancing the practical relevance.
Real-World Decision Making
According to Dr. Ülgen, one of RealGame's greatest benefits is its ability to mimic real-world decision-making scenarios. Students must grapple with complex variables, like calculating inventory interest rates or evaluating supplier development strategies. These challenges push students to think critically and apply theoretical concepts to practical problems.
"All of a sudden, when you’re making decisions yourself, you realize how nuanced these problems are. Students begin to understand that what seems straightforward in a textbook can be much more complex in practice,” Dr. Ülgen noted.
Student Engagement and Feedback
The feedback from students has been strongly positive. Dr. Ülgen shared that students frequently describe the experience as "realistic" and valuable. Many appreciate the opportunity to make decisions and see the direct impact of their choices, a feature that sets RealGame apart.
"They’ve told me that the simulation feels real, like something they could encounter in their careers. That level of engagement makes the learning stick," Dr. Veronica Ülgen shared.
Teacher-Friendly Support
Introducing a new tool into teaching often comes with concerns about added workload. However, Dr. Veronica Ülgen praised the extensive support provided by RealGame’s team. With detailed instructional materials and hands-on assistance from RealGame experts, the transition was smooth.
“Initially, there’s a learning curve. But the support is fantastic. The relatively small amount of effort you need to invest into integrating RealGame into the teaching definitely pays off,” Dr. Ülgen said.
The Big Picture
For Dr. Ülgen, RealGame’s procurement module is more than just a teaching tool—it’s a way to deepen student learning and make education more impactful. By fostering critical thinking and providing a transparent, engaging platform, RealGame bridges the gap between theory and practice.
“The simulation adds a real-world flair to the course. It deepens learning by making students struggle with concepts they thought they understood. That’s where the true value lies,” Dr. Veronica Ülgen concluded.
If you’re a professor looking to bring your teaching to life and challenge your students with engaging, real-world scenarios, RealGame might just be the tool you’ve been searching for.
Ready to revolutionize your teaching? Book a free demo today and experience the benefits of RealGame firsthand!
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