Improving understanding, learning, and performances of novices in dynamic managerial simulation games : A Gradual-Increase-In-Complexity Approach

Simulations are increasingly used in training and education because of their success and their advantages as a learning method. However, it has also been observed that the dynamic complexity of simulations creates learning difficulties, and that performance tends to plateau quickly at a level well below benchmark performance. To overcome this difficulty, a gradual-increase-in-complexity approach is proposed, which suggests developing simpler versions of a simulation game that can be used as part of the training. Accordingly, the authors developed a series of inventory-management simulations and conducted an experiment. The results indicate an improvement in the success of the inventory-management simulation as a training tool. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2010