In today's competitive business landscape, experiential learning is becoming increasingly vital, especially in fields like supply chain management. RealGame, a dynamic business simulation, is revolutionising the way students learn by providing them with real-time, hands-on experience in managing complex supply chain scenarios. We had the privilege of speaking with Professor Samad, Assistant Professor in Supply Chain Management and an active user of RealGame in his teaching. Let's delve into his insights on how RealGame has created an engaging learning experience for his students.
Integration of RealGame Business Simulations into Teaching
In Professor Samad's Master's course, RealGame serves as a dynamic platform for students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios. Adopting a blended learning approach allows for combining traditional theory-based teaching with hands-on simulation exercises. This approach not only engages students but also provides them with invaluable insights into the practical implications of supply chain management theories.
How can the theories be applied in practice?
RealGame facilitates the application of various supply chain management theories, such as forecasting methods, bullwhip effect, and supplier selection.
Forecasting
“We talked about forecasting methods in our theory class and then students applied theoretical knowledge to the data from the RealGame because the simulation’s data is available on a real-time basis. So, students tried to predict what their needs would be, how to select suppliers, and to forecast how much they needed to produce every day to fulfill all the suppliers”, Professor Samad says.
Inventory management
Students applied their understanding of the concepts related to inventory management. They tested out various inventory systems and determined what would work best for their respective teams. Groups also employed concepts like economic order quantity (EOQ) to create and test inventory control strategies.
Bill of material “The bill of material for all the manufacturing was well demonstrated in RealGame. One of the direct applications to the theories of the teaching module was on how to read a bill of material and identify what your demand will be and how to deal with the suppliers''.
Students were able to analyse real-time data, make predictions, and witness the consequences of their decisions firsthand. Through simulations, they grasped the complexities of supply chain dynamics and learned to navigate challenges effectively.
Preparing for Real-world Challenges
One of the most significant advantages of RealGame, as highlighted by Professor Samad, is its relevance to students' future careers. He emphasises that 50% of the module's assessment was based on students' reflection papers on their RealGame experience. In their reports students reflected upon what went well for them, what didn't go right, and how they applied the theories when playing RealGame. This assignment not only reinforced learning but also equipped students with valuable insights and skills that are directly applicable to their future careers.
Teamwork and Collaboration
RealGame strongly fosters teamwork and collaboration among students. Professor Samad observed that students self-organised into groups based on their expertise, effectively delegating responsibilities and leveraging each other's strengths. The simulation encouraged effective communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills, essential for success in the professional world.
Is the Simulation Challenging Enough for Master-Level Students?
RealGame's comprehensive simulation environment provided students with constant challenges, pushing them to think critically and strategise effectively. Professor Samad views this as a positive aspect that aligns with his teaching philosophy of inquiry-based learning. The level of challenge, Professor Samad emphasises, was instrumental in deepening students' understanding and enhancing their learning outcomes.
In conclusion, Professor Samad expresses his unequivocal endorsement of RealGame as a teaching tool. He intends to continue integrating it into his module and recommends it to fellow educators seeking to enrich their teaching methodologies. RealGame's ability to provide real-time learning experiences, streamline teaching efforts, and prepare students for real-world challenges makes it an invaluable asset in supply chain management education.
We, at RealGame, believe that by bridging the gap between theory and practice, business simulations empower students to become adept problem solvers and strategic thinkers in the dynamic world of supply chain management. As educators strive to cultivate future-ready professionals, RealGame stands out as a beacon of innovation and effectiveness in experiential learning.
This text was created by the RealGame Business Simulations team.
RealGame is a business simulation provider from Finland. RealGame creates simulations based on decades of experience and the latest academic research. Business simulations by RealGame are created by educators for educators with the purpose of providing hands-on experiences and an understanding of how supply chain operations evolve continuously, hour by hour. RealGame is unique in that it has a clock-driven operational mode, which allows for generating transaction-specific data for business analysis and strategic planning.
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