Describes an educational microcomputer gaming system for dealing with the acid rain problem in Western Europe and discusses its objectives, rules, problems, and future perspectives. Usefulness of gaming as an operational aid in formulating appropriate energy policies worldwide is emphasized. (MBR)

Discussion of educational games that can be configured to accommodate changes in the structure of the game focuses on MANAGEMENT 500, a microcomputer-controlled prototype business simulation game. Three modes of learning that can be emphasized through a configurable simulation game are explained: learning by discovery, by perseverance, and by…

Reviews current research topics relating to computer simulations in German-speaking countries that emphasize problem solving and decision making. Topics discussed include the number of independent variables; studies that focus on personality characteristics; studies that focus on situational characteristics; and suggestions for further research…

Discussion of the development of simulation and games for education focuses on future growth in educational, business, and entertainment applications that will be made possible through personal computers and other electronic tools. Highlights include the importance of participation; interactive programs; authoring programs; the design process; and…

Provides a framework for understanding the concept of validity and how it applies to simulation research. Extant tests of validity are discussed in terms of this framework, and a general schema for testing validity is proposed. (MBR)

Describes the construction of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and simulation programs that use public domain and shareware programs to simulate economic controversies. Limitations of economics education are discussed, alternative curriculum development that utilizes controversies is explored, and the application of this CAI model to other…

Description of WQM, a simulation game designed to introduce students to the water quality management function, emphasizes the decision-making process involved in various facets of business. The simulation model is described, computer support is explained, and issues in water resource management are discussed. (13 references) (LRW)

Describes RESTSIM, an interactive computer simulation program for graduate and upper-level undergraduate management, marketing, and retailing courses, which introduces naive users to simulation as a decision support technique, and provides a vehicle for studying various statistical procedures for evaluating simulation output. (MBR)

Defines computerized functional business games as those focusing on decision making and integration in the areas of accounting/finance, marketing, personnel/human resources, and production/operations. Nine currently available games are reviewed and evaluated in the context of a learning model. (Author/LRW)

Links forecasting and planning with policymaking in social and societal systems and presents a planning and forecasting methods taxonomy which combines with policymaking and interactive simulation as an inquiry method for planning. A case study of university manpower development illustrating interactive simulation/gaming and its potentials for…

Describes a pilot investigation that used a computer-based total enterprise simulation as a research methodology for studying management decision making with students in an MBA program. Discussion of performance criteria highlights return on investment (ROI) as the best measure of group performance, and future research needs are suggested. (eight…

Reviews the development of integrated business policy and strategic management courses, or capstone courses, in business school curricula. A simulation game is described that incorporates the need for computer literacy, decision support systems (DSS), and interaction to effectively meet the needs for a capstone course. (14 references) (LRW)

This experiment used simulated production environment to examine empirically two of five management information system design assumptions Ackoff considered erroneous: managers perform better with detailed rather than summarized reports; and managers who are satisfied with needed information perform better than those who are dissatisfied and want…

Discusses the role of management games in management education. Topics discussed include role playing; computer simulation; computer games; elements of management game effectiveness; Bloom's taxonomy of learning objectives; models of the learning process; group interaction; experiential learning; and research studies on the effectiveness of…

Discusses the Civil Servant Module, a new component of Global Systems Simulation, a comprehensive person-computer model for investigating international affairs. Its telecommunication capability, logistics, functions, spatial flexibility, and advantages are described and its implications for applying Global Systems Simulation as a research and…