Learning and Teaching Day 2014

SimVenture: working with business simulation software

  • Liz Gee: Course Leader, MSc International Fashion Management, LCF
  • Howard Bailey: Associate Lecturer, LCF

Brief description of session and activities

At the end of 2011 we were awarded a small LCF Teaching project fund to investigate business simulation software for use on BA Fashion Management and MSc International Fashion Management.

SimVenture was chosen to trial as it is a business simulation package which allows students to see the effects of their decisions in a live business environment.

We have run two separate trials of this software in June 2012 and June 2013. The first students to try it hated it! We learnt a lot from this about how not to use this software and so we tried again, this year with much more success.

In this workshop Howard will walk you through the software and allow you “hands on” time to play with it. We will also share with you our findings about how the students like to work with this software.

We will be able to discuss with you opportunities you may see for embedding this software in your curriculum.

This workshop fits well with the theme for several reasons; not only does it address using technology and simulation to embed learning but the content crosses business segment borders. The simulation is based on a computer retailing business. The challenge is to use this in teaching in such a way that it is relevant and meaningful to fashion business students. Skilfully used it allows the students to explore similarities between the fashion business and other FMCG sectors.

How will students be involved in the session?

Students will be on hand to talk about their experiences using the software and how it enhanced their learning.

What will participants take away from the session?

To help others see how this software could be used in their curriculum to bring the teaching of basic business disciplines to life.