Business Interaction Simulation A study in role playing

Business Interaction Simulation A study in role playing as active learning by Dean Zeller

Outline Purpose of the proposal n Definition of terms n Current uses n Educational research n Pilot study n Advantages and requirements n 2

Purpose of proposal “Train them by a kind of game, and you will be able to see more clearly the natural bent of each. ” --Socrates n Investigate the use of simulation as a teaching method n Determine the subjects in which a role playing simulation is appropriate 3

Definition of terms n Simulation n n Role playing n n A training activity designed to reflect reality. A training technique in which participants act out and experience real-life roles and situations. Role playing simulation vs. computer simulation 4

Current uses of simulation Fire drill n Military exercises n Police procedures n Emergency medical personnel training n 5

Business and economics The Stock Market Game (Wood, 1992) n The Market Game (Brozik, 1999) n The In-Basket (Eitington, 2001) n All-Terrain Boat (Glasgow, 1995) n 6

Biology n It’s a Salmon’s Life! (French, 1998) 7

Law and literature n The People vs. Grendel (Mc. Clain, 1997) 8

Pilot study n n n Three CS 140 classes over two semesters at Park University Textbook: A Guide to Microsoft Office XP Professional, by Bruce Presley, et al. © 2002 Lawrenceville Press Instructor as observer 9

Requirements Time n Cost n Planning n Teamwork n Attitude n 10

Advantages Enjoyment through fun activities n Increased motivation and ownership of work n Learning accomplishments and expectations n Developed self confidence and communication skills in a safe environment n Decision making and creativity n Appropriate for all levels n 11

Additional research n The author encourages teachers from all levels and topics to participate in this research study. n Dean Zeller, dzeller@kc. rr. com 12

Appendices Additional terms n Ancient history of simulation n Simulation references in movies n Movie simulation references n Pilot study n Future simulation ideas n 13

Additional terms n Frame of reference n n Simulation integration n n A tool to enhance learning. The extent to which participants have adopted the frame of reference into decision making. Levels of Simulation Integration n n Level 0 – No simulation Level 1 – Participation in simulation Level 2 – Makes decisions based on simulation Level 3 – Fully integrated into simulation 14

Additional terms n Accelerated learning n n Field trip n n A form of learning which appeals to all learner senses – sight, touch, sound, thought. A planned visit to a given area, site, building, or plant. Group dynamics n Process of interactions of a group at work. 15

Ancient history of simulation Socrates Plato n Plato Aristotle n Aristotle Alexander the Great n Theater n Chess n 16

Training simulation movie references n n n Silence of the Lambs (1991) Apollo 13 (1995) General’s Daughter, The (1999) K 19: The Widowmaker (2002) Sum of All Fears, The (2003) Ref: Internet Movie Database (http: //www. imdb. com) 17

Pilot study topics – Office XP n Word n n n Business letter Description paper Pamphlet advertisement Business cards n n Excel n n Purchase calculation Budget sheet w/ charts Access n n Tables w/relationships Forms Queries Reports Mail merge Powerpoint n Presentation 18

Pilot study topics – business n Record keeping n n Decision making n n n Report tools needed for business maintenance Budgeting large purchases Writing n n Created, managed, and updated a database for contacts, employees, products, sales, and purchases Business profile Advertising Partnership issues Presentation 19

Pilot study topics – interactions Group interaction n Business decisions n Group work towards a common goal n Challenges n 20

Semester 1 activities 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Briefing Discussion Introduction Interactions Ace Hardware field trip e. Bay discussion Advertisement 21

Semester 1 activities, con’t 7. Pamphlets 8. Business contacts 9. Business transactions 10. Partnership discussions 11. Partnership negotiations 12. Legal consultant meeting and presentation review 13. Final Presentation 22

Semester 1 businesses – services n n n n Baseball academy Bed-n-breakfast Computer repair Counseling services Dance studio (2) Daycare center Graphic design Interior design n n n International customs warehouse Karaoke Language instruction Newspaper Photography studio Recording Studio Veterinary clinic (2) 23

Semester 1 businesses – clubs n n Auditorium Billiard Club Brewery Lemonade stand n n n Nightclub (2) Restaurant (3) Spa/Complex 24

Semester 1 businesses – stores n n n Balloon/snowcone Boutique Clothing Electronics Jewelry n n n Retail Shoes Sports surplus Toy museum Used cars 25

Semester 1 costs n Ace Hardware n n Pamphlet exchange n n Props/examples $200 Full-size examples of a student newspaper $20 CS 140 Small Business Convention n n Meetin’ House free Refreshments $160 26

Semester 1 survey results n n Overall satisfaction (1 low, 10 high) 9: 00 class (n = 14) n n n 10: 00 class (n = 14) n n n Data: 9 9 9 8 8 7 7 7 6 Average – 8. 07 Median – 8 Mode – 9 Data: 10 10 9 9 9 8 8 8 4 Average – 8. 93 Median – 9. 5 Mode – 10 96% (27) of respondents indicated they would like to use this method in another class 27

Semester 1 survey quotes n n n n “This was fun and the students were a part of the class, not just people sitting out in the stands listening to the speaker. ” “I liked the freedom of doing my own thing for my own business. We were not limited to set instructions. ” “It motivated me to work hard and I have done better in this class than any other. ” “I chose a business that reflected my actual profession, so using what I already knew to create advertisements, pamphlets, etc. was good practice…” “…this class had more to do with my degree than some of the classes I’ve taken within my major. ” “My goal is to use my portfolio to get a job in the business world. ” “I learned more in this class this semester than any other class. ” “It involved actual, real-life situations – the essence of true education” 28

Semester 2 activities 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Briefing, discussions, and brainstorming Business transactions setup Contract negotiations Items presentations and contract renegotiations Finalize contracts Exchange information Exchange invitations Final presentation 29

Semester 2 businesses n n n Bar Custom woodworking shop Dating service Fitness center/day care Fund raising organizer Gift shop n n n International business consulting Pre-school Private investigation firm Restaurant (2) Security consulting Taxi Service 30

Semester 2 costs n Business card exchange n n Sample cards $10 CS 140 Small Business Convention n n Meetin’ House free Refreshments $80 31

Semester 2 survey results n n Overall satisfaction (1 low, 10 high) Data n n n = 13 10 10 10 9 9 8 8 7 7 5 Average – 8. 7 Median – 9 Mode – 10 92% (12) of respondents indicated they would like to use this method in another class 32

Semester 2 survey quotes n n “Instead of learning from a book and doing ‘boring’ lessons/exercises, we made up our businesses along with using the computer in ‘real-life’ situations. We learned the importance of computer programs and the use of these programs. ” “Having a continuous point of reference makes difficult and seemingly unrelated tasks easier to complete. ” “Allows the freedom of expression for the student and the information is easier to comprehend. Applies to ‘real life’ situations. ” “Increases critical thinking and makes me feel involved in the course. I enjoy coming to class. ” 33

Semester 2 survey quotes, con’t n n n “It gave me time to think about opening my own business in this field. ” “It encourages creativity and gives you encouragement to play the role as best as you can. ” “It gave me a rehearsal of what I really want to do. ” “I thought it made good use of the required software, and increased my knowledge of subjects related to my major in management. … I believe it allows you to learn in a more exciting way than traditional methods. ” “I don’t like role playing generally, but I did enjoy it in this class. ” 34

American civil war Social attitudes of the time n Experience life on the frontier n Military strategy n Weapons n Medical limitations n 35

Greek mythology Priest of particular deity n Interaction with other priests n Role playing emphasized n Bold direction: play the gods themselves n 36

Wilderness survival Cast Away (2000) n Controlled environment n Ref: Internet Movie Database (http: //www. imdb. com) 37

Trial of Socrates Accused of “neglecting the gods of the state” n Judge n Socrates n Instigators n Supporters n 38