Game-based Learning: Acquiring Supply Chain Management Skills Through Playing Computer Games

Abstract

Computer games can support university teaching by promoting strategic, planning, and networked thinking. Especially in supply chain management, many processes require coordination, effects of actions need to be predicted, and decisions are made under time pressure. A structured and analytical approach is therefore of great importance, which is particularly promoted by playing computer games. We demonstrate the use of Rise of Industry to deepen students’ understanding of supply chain management, covering logistics and production control as well as interactions and interdependencies between the components of supply chains. Using Constructive Alignment, we define intended learning outcomes and activities of a computer game-based learning course and derive requirements for selecting and adapting a computer game. Evaluating a three-day seminar, we find that students were able to apply prior knowledge to the game world and improve their decision making while experiencing the immediate economic and ecological impacts of their actions through the game.