Jerry Gosen

An exploration of game-derived learning in total enterprise simulations

This article reports a series of exploratory studies dealing with learning in total enterprise simulations. These studies had three purposes: (a) to examine the validity of simulations as learning tools, (b) to measure any relationships between learning about the simulation and economic performance in the game, (c) to discover if some players learn more than others from the same business gaming experience. For this research, learning emanated from the game’s structure and decision-making requirements. Learning was measured using parallel forms of a multiple-choice, short-essay examination. The results showed that learning occurred from simulation play but did not vary with performance. There was some evidence that participants learned more when they perceived their teams to be well organized.

Quality and developing countries: the role of international and organizational factors

Purpose – This research examines the literature on quality management in developing countries and explores the influence of important international and organizational variables on quality in developing countries.Design/methodology/approach – By drawing from the literature and gaining input from industry panels, it formulates specific propositions depicting the influence of international (economic, political/legal, cultural/social) and organizational (goals/priorities, commitment/control, centralization/decentralization, networking) factors on quality.Findings – A number of gaps are identified in the literature on quality management in developing countries along with significant challenges including differing perceptions of quality, the legacy of colonization and protectionist policies, and tight governmental controls.Research limitations/implications – The framework of this research develops general relationships between quality and international and organizational variables. Based upon the propositions d...

As Teachers and Researchers, Where Do We Go From Here?

This article does three things. First, it describes and contrasts the teaching styles of its two authors. Second, it proposes dimensions on which simulation teaching style and game administration design might vary. Third, it argues that teaching style and game design has a considerable impact on learning-related outcomes from simulation. From that argument it recommends that the relationship between teacher/administrator behaviors, designs, and decisions on one hand and outcomes on the other ought to be (further) researched. The article is both folksy and scholarly. It describes the mechanics of the authors’ teaching and cites others’ empirical research. It tries to marry what teachers do with what they believe the field ought to be studying.

Organizational factors affecting supply chains in developing countries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide managers of multinational companies and researchers with a framework for investigating and effectively managing organizational factors and supply‐chain networks in lieu of conditions prevalent in developing countries.Design/methodology/approach – This paper draws from the international management, supply‐chain management, and organizational behavior literature to construct a framework and formulate propositions linking important organizational factors to supply‐chain effectiveness in developing countries.Findings – The paper reviews the literature, develops a useful framework, formulates propositions, and provides important managerial insights for supply‐chain management in developing countries.Research limitations/implications – Supply‐chain effectiveness is a broad construct in this paper. Future research might want to isolate and examine the potential effects of organizational variables on more narrow supply‐chain outcomes.Practical implications – The m...

Total Enterprise Simulation Performance and Participant Learning.

Total enterprise simulations are often used and included as graded elements by instructors in business degree capstone “policy courses” under the assumption that their use enriches the learning experience. This suggests a belief that people who perform best in simulations have learned how to play the game better. The studies reported on here attempt to determine and evaluate the relationship between learning and simulation performance. These studies have consistently found that, while simulation‐related learning does occur, there appears to be no direct, positive relationship between the two variables. Suggestions for further research are proposed.

Creating comparative advantage for Micro-Enterprises through e-governance

As developing country Micro-Enterprises (MEs) encounter an increasingly modern global environment, they find themselves at a disadvantage. This research argues that e-governance can help these tiny businesses to survive and thrive. It suggests that micro-enterprise problems are in part caused by inadequate relationship development, and that e-technology would enable micro-entrepreneurs to develop the necessary relationships. Specifically, e-governance could provide micro-entrepreneurs with a technological infrastructure and a skill set to remain competitive.