Business Games: theory and practice

Have you ever stopped to reflect on what is the best way to achieve a learning process? People with a tendency towards traditionalism would say that the famous "rote learning" is essential. But is that really how we learn, in fact? As you can imagine, it's not quite like that... So, how can we unite theory and practice in an efficient and innovative way? The answer is simple: with the help of business games!

Also known as simulators or business games, this type of activity may have a millennial origin. According to historians, it's not possible to say with certainty when and where the first business games appeared.

However, there are reports that activities aimed at developing logistical skills for war have existed since 3000 BC in China. But it was with the development of the internet in the 1950s that these simulation systems for teaching became global.

Concept of business games

As we mentioned, business games can also be called simulators. This is because the concept of simulation here is to establish situations that resemble reality. Games, on the other hand, contemplate a playful universe, bringing characteristic elements of this universe, such as scoring, advancing phases, challenges, etc.

The use of games and simulations, despite having exclusively digital versions today, started with physical versions, even in the form of board games. According to the University of Texas, a study proves that business games can be included in the disciplinary curriculum as an aid to the theories studied. For example, in this university's Business Policy course, only 20% of the time was devoted to simulations and business games. And even with this minimal action, it was already possible to verify an improvement in results.

Games and teaching

In summary, business games have an essential characteristic: learning through experience. In this sense, the elements that make up a game or simulator can complement the techniques and theories that traditionalist teaching provides.

Furthermore, by having a basically playful character, this tool becomes a means of centralizing knowledge in the student themselves. In this way, gamification places them as the generating agent of their own knowledge. And the benefits of this learning also overflow to the teachers, who can effectively implement these contents.

Currently, simulators and business games have thousands of different versions, which provides a diversity of approaches in many segments and areas. Over time, the development of technology has allowed these multisensory resources to become a great support base for current teaching methodologies.

For example, if we consider one of the most traditionalist methodologies for teaching, it would be lectures. We now have technologies that allow us to reverse roles, taking away the exclusivity of knowledge from the speaker. Thus, with business games, students no longer need to learn by memorizing concepts. In other words, this is how they will become an action agent in relation to the content and their own knowledge.

By combining the satisfaction that gamification provides with educational content based on theory, business games become an invaluable resource. Here are some advantages that this tool brings:

• The participant starts to select information intelligently, developing critical thinking;
• It's possible to learn effectively from one's own mistakes, receiving constant and real-time feedback;
• Reinforcement of capabilities such as flexibility, neutrality, and coordination;
• Encouragement of teamwork, as there is better visualization of the structure as a whole;
• Active decision-making, with space for self-correction.

Get to know OGG games and simulators

OGG is a pioneer in the development of business games with a 100% virtual platform in Brazil. Our solutions include decisive aspects of strategic management in simulators. In addition, we promote the socialization of employees with Onboarding and updates of processes and organizational culture of your company.

To learn more about OGG business games or other solutions for gamification in logistics, visit our website and find out more!

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