Jonathan Lean

Simulations and Games: Use and Barriers in Higher Education.

This article explores the use of simulations and games in tertiary education. It examines the extent to which academics use different simulation-based teaching approaches and how they perceive the barriers to adopting such techniques. Following a review of the extant literature, a typology of simulations is constructed. A staff survey within a UK higher education (HE) institution is conducted to investigate the use of the different approaches identified within the typology. The findings show significant levels of use of both computer and non-computer-based simulations and games. The main barrier to teaching with simulations, as perceived by the respondents, is the availability of resources. However, further analysis indicates that use of simulations is not associated with perceptions of resource issues, but rather is influenced by views on the suitability of, and risk attached to, such learning methods. The study concludes by recommending improved promotion of simulation-based teaching through enhanced information provision on the various techniques available and their application across subject areas.

Improving control through effective performance measurement in SMEs

Research has demonstrated that the use of performance measures in SMEs (small to medium sized enterprises) is limited. Financial measures, which are required for examination by external stakeholders, are generally well developed. However, operational measures are typically ad hoc and lack formal structure. A structured approach to measuring perform ance in SMEs should improve strategic control. Current approaches, however, have proved inadequate for the specific requirements of the SME sector. A new process is presented for developing effective performance measurement in SMEs, which is tested through a case study. The aim of the process is to develop measures that drive operational performance towards the achievement of strategic objectives. The results of the case study demonstrate the potential of the process for improving strategic control and stimulating continuous improvement in SMEs.

Small firm finance and public policy

Examines how a finance gap for small firms might be addressed by means of government policy to support informal financing initiatives. A review of both the finance and the government policy literature provides the basis for discussing and conceptualising the financing difficulties faced by small firms, the role of informal financing in alleviating certain of these difficulties and the areas where public policy is currently usefully employed in addressing such financing problems. Undertakes a questionnaire survey to collect data concerning small business awareness and use of informal finance and to identify issues concerning difficulties encountered in gaining access to finance. The results suggest that a debt finance gap may exist for a minority of firms, though an equity finance gap may represent a more significant issue for small firms. Four categories of policy action emerge from the study towards the achievement of economic and social policy objectives.

“Modern” learning methods: rhetoric and reality

The application of technology in both its “hard” (for example through computing technology) and “soft” (for example through instructional design ) forms has enhanced the range of training methods available to practitioners. Much rhetoric has surrounded the use of techniques such as distance learning and computer‐based learning methods. The study aimed to explore the attitudes of managers to these “modern” approaches and other more “traditional” methods. A questionnaire survey of over 200 managers in organisations of all sizes and from a range of sectors was conducted. The data suggest that distance learning is not widely used as it is perceived as less effective, whereas at‐job learning, as well as being widely used is also perceived as being the most effective method. An analysis in terms of firm size revealed more similarities than differences between larger and smaller firms. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.

Simulations and games: Overcoming the barriers to their use in higher education

Based on a categorization of simulation and gaming barriers developed in a previous study, this work seeks to explore in greater depth the composition and nature of these obstacles. It examines the interrelationships between the barriers and the impact of other contextual factors in the pedagogic environment. A series of in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 staff involved in teaching with simulations and games within a UK higher education institution. The findings underline the significant linkages apparent between three broad barriers to teaching with simulations, games and role-play: suitability, resource and risk. Further analysis of the interview transcripts facilitated the identification of a range of mechanisms which may be employed to overcome the aforementioned barriers: freeing up academics’ time, providing training and development, enabling informal learning, providing resource support, facilitating access to networks and providing access to secondary information sources. These mechanisms are discussed and evaluated in relation to the broader educational context.

Enhancing microfinance outreach through market‐oriented new service development in Indian regional rural banks

Purpose – Hitherto, assessments of the effectiveness of Indian microfinance institutions in achieving their economic and social goals have largely identified only limited success. Critics of Indian regional rural banks (RRBs) and their prevailing culture have argued that a product‐focused rather than a market‐oriented approach to new service development (NSD) is responsible for their inadequate performance. With this in mind, this work aims to develop a conceptual understanding of the factors influencing market orientation in these institutions, and to assess its impact on outreach performance.Design/methodology/approach – Following an extensive review of the literature on the Indian microfinance sector, market orientation and new service development, a model framework for understanding the relationships between the factors affecting outreach performance in Indian RRBs is developed. Research propositions for further evidence‐based investigation are posited.Findings – The attitudes and behaviours of manage...

Training and business development support for micro businesses in a peripheral area

This paper examines the findings of a project to evaluate training and development support for micro businesses in a peripheral area. Results are based on questionnaire surveys of young micro businesses in Devon and Cornwall plus interviews with both business owner‐managers and training/support providers. They suggest that existing support, both at start‐up and during the post start‐up period, does not adequately address the development needs of micro firms and, more particularly, the needs of the small proportion of micro firms with ambitions to grow. It is concluded that this in part reflects the customer focus of Business Link. Given the important role of micro firms in local economic development in peripheral areas, greater flexibility is required in the way that such businesses are dealt with within the Business Link framework.

Toward Endemic Deployment of Educational Simulation Games: A Review of Progress and Future Recommendations

This article presents a conceptual analysis of simulation game adoption and use across university faculty. The metaphor of epidemiology is used to characterize the diffusion of simulation games for teaching and learning. A simple stock-flow diagram is presented to illustrate this dynamic. Future scenarios for simulation game adoption are presented, based on alternative diffusion behaviors. University strategies for increasing simulation game use are explored. It is concluded that while creating endemic use of simulation games by faculty is unlikely, we can employ measures that will significantly expand the stock of faculty acting as simulation game instructors.

Modes of learning in the use of a computer-based business simulation game

This paper discusses the role of computer based simulations in business education. It examines the learning approaches adopted by students using a simulation game. Results inform the development of causal-loop diagrams capturing representations of zero, single and double-loop learning within the study context. Actions are proposed to maximise the effectiveness of this form of learning technology.

The nature of the client‐personal business advisor relationship within Business Link

The paper reports upon the findings of a national survey of Personal Business Advisors (PBAs). It examines the nature of the client‐PBA relationship in terms of how relationships are established with growth firms and how they are maintained over the long term. Results show that a range of different approaches are currently used to identify growth businesses. Other findings indicate that the current role of the PBA is a broad one, extending beyond the client focus originally envisaged by the DTI. It is argued that financial targets are an important influence upon the nature of the client‐PBA relationship.