Historical Review of Algorithm Development for Computerized Business Simulations

This article presents a 25-year historical review of algorithm development for computerized business simulations. The articles selected were drawn extensively from the annual proceedings of the Association for Business Simulation and Experiential Learning (ABSEL) conferences. The authors have categorized the historical review into two broad areas: functional business topics and special topics of interest. Both narrative and summary tables address marketing, accounting, finance, human resource, and production/ operations areas. The special topics of interest reviewed include the algorithms for quality and the time-based modeling concerns. The authors conclude the review with issues future modelers of business games should consider.

[1]  Steven C. Gold,et al.  Modeling Non-Price Factors in the Demand Functions of Computerized Business Simulations , 1984 .

[2]  Gerard F. Carvalho.  Developments In Business Simulation & Experiential Exercises , Volume 19 , 1992 39 A NEW MARKET DEMAND MODEL FOR BUSINESS SIMULATORS , 2002 .

[3]  Steven C. Gold,et al.  Modeling Short-Run Cost and Production Functions in Computerized Business Simulations , 1992 .

[4]  J. Ashby.  References and Notes , 1999 .

[5]  Steven C. Gold,et al.  Inside the Black Box: An Analysis of Underlying Demand Functions in Contemporary Business Simulations , 1982 .

[6]  T. F. Burgess.  Cycle Time, Decisions, and Complexity in Business Simulation/Games , 1995 .

[7]  Steven Gold.  Modeling Short-Run Cost and Production Functions Using Sheppherd’s Lemma in Computerized Business Simulations , 1991 .

[8]  R. Teach.  Forecasting and Management Ability: A Response to Wolfe , 1993 .

[9]  Robert E. Horn,et al.  The guide to simulations-games for education and training. , 1973 .

[10]  Precha Thavikulwat.  Modeling the Human Component of Computerized Business Simulations , 1989 .

[11]  Kenneth R. Goosen.  An Analysis of ABSEL Conference Papers (1974-1985) , 1986 .

[12]  Paul S. Greenlaw.  The Development of Algorithmic Functional Business Games , 1989 .

[13]  Precha Thavikulwat.  Product Quality In Business Simulations , 1992 .

[14]  Steven C. Gold,et al.  Goal Setting and Performance Evaluation with Different Starting Positions: The Modeling Dilemma , 1987 .

[15]  Steven Gold.  Modeling Cost Functions in Computerized Business Simulation: An Application of Duality Theory and Sheppard’s Lemma , 1990 .

[16]  Peggy A. Golden,et al.  Corporation: A Global Business Simulation , 1994 .

[17]  Steven C. Gold,et al.  Technological Change and Intertemporal Movements in Consumer Preferences in the Design of Computerized Business Simulations with Market Segmentation , 1998 .

[18]  Kenneth R. Goosen.  Increasing Simulation Realism Through the Modeling of Step Costs Cost Behavior in Business Simulations , 1991 .

[19]  Harris,et al.  INTOPIA: Executive Guide , 1994 .

[20]  Thomas Adler,et al.  The Exponential Logarithm Function As An Algorithm For Business Simulation , 1987 .

[21]  Steven C. Gold,et al.  Modeling Attributes in Demand Functions of Computerized Business Simulations: An Extension of Teach’s Gravity Flow Algorithm , 1997 .

[22]  Warwick Savage.  Experience in the Use and Assessment of Simulation in Management Education , 1979 .

[23]  R. Teach.  Profits: The False Prophet in Business Gaming , 1990 .

[24]  Newell Chiesl,et al.  Simulation with Discrete and Continuous Mathematical Modeling , 1986 .

[25]  Precha Thavikulwat.  Operationalizing Strategy with Participant-Modifiable Parameters , 1991 .

[26]  Peggy A. Golden.  Demand Generation in a Service Industry Simulation: An Algorithmic Paradox , 1987 .

[27]  Peggy A. Golden,et al.  Airline: A strategic management simulation , 1987 .

[28]  Gerard F. Carvalho.  Modeling the Law of Demand in Business Simulators , 1995 .

[29]  Thomas F. Pray,et al.  Modeling Radical Changes in Technology within Strategy-Oriented Business Simulations , 1991 .

[30]  A. Erhan Mergen,et al.  Modeling Total Quality Elements into a Strategy-Oriented Simulation , 1992 .

[31]  Thomas F. Pray,et al.  Modeling Market- and Firm-Level Demand Functions in Computerized Business Simulations , 1984 .

[32]  Joseph Wolfe.  The global business game: a strategic management and international business simulation , 1999 .

[33]  Larry E. Watkins,et al.  A Pedagogical Analysis of Alternative Tax Elections for Exploration Costs in the Mining Industry , 1986 .

[34]  Steven C. Gold,et al.  The Use of the Gamma Probability Distribution: A Critique of Carvalho's Demand Simulator , 1995 .

[35]  Derrick J. Neal.  The Influence of Team Starting Position on Performance in a Business Simulation , 1997 .

[36]  Joseph Wolfe,et al.  On the Propriety of Forecasting Accuracy as a Measure of Team Management Ability: A Preliminary Investigation , 1993 .

[37]  Willie E. Hopkins,et al.  Modelling Economic Environments in Business Simulations: Some Comparisons and Recommendations , 1992 .

[38]  David R. Lambert,et al.  Advertising Response in the Gold and Pray Algorithm: A Critical Assessment , 1988 .

[39]  Kenneth Goosen.  Reducing the Complexity of Interactive Variable Modeling in Business Simulations through Interpolation , 1993 .

[40]  Joseph Wolfe,et al.  Developments in Business Simulation & Experiential Exercises , Volume 16 , 1989 31 AN INVESTIGATION OF THE NEED FOR VALID BUSINESS GAME ALGORITHMS , 2002 .

[41]  F. Paul Fuhs.  A Simulation Model to Calculate Session Time for Running Simulation Models in a Shared Resource Environment , 1985 .

[42]  Elaine M. Raybourn,et al.  Computer Game Design: New Directions for Intercultural Simulation Game Designers , 1997 .

[43]  Michael Bommer,et al.  Administration and Design of Simulation Materials for a Specialized Management Training Program , 1979 .

[44]  B. Bainbridge,et al.  Genetics , 1981, Experientia.

[45]  Newell Chiesl.  A Monte-Carlo Approach to Interactive Gaming , 1985 .

[46]  Steven C. Gold,et al.  The Production Frontier Modeling Production in Computerized Business Simulations , 1989 .

[47]  J. Ronald Frazer.  BANKRUPT A Deceptively Simple Business Strategy Game , 1983 .

[48]  Gerard F. Carvalho.  A Dynamic Market Share Allocation Model for Computerized Business Simulators , 1993 .

[49]  Newell E. Chiesl.  The Use of a Simple Forecasting Technique During an Interactive Computerized Business Game , 1987 .

[50]  P. S. Greenlaw,et al.  The Teaching Effectiveness of Games in Collegiate Business Courses , 1973 .

[51]  John R. Dickinson,et al.  Laptop: A Principles of Marketing Simulation , 1987 .

[52]  Richard D. Teach.  The Design of an Internet Game , 1997 .

[53]  Steven C. Gold.  Modeling Interactive Effects in Mathematical Functions for Business Simulations: A Critique of Goosen and Kusel's Interpolation Approach , 1993 .

[54]  Steven C. Gold.  Modeling Interactive Effects In Mathematical Functions For Business Simulations: A Critique of Goosen’s Interpolation Approach , 1993 .

[55]  Thomas F. Pray,et al.  Two Algorithms for Redistribution of Stockouts in Computerized Business Simulations , 1984 .

[56]  Theoretical Derivation of a Market Demand Function for Business Simulators , 1991 .

[57]  Porter,et al.  MARKSTRAT3: The Strategic Marketing Simulation , 1997 .

[58]  Kenneth R. Goosen,et al.  An Interpolation Approach to Developing Mathematical Functions for Business Simulations , 1986 .

[59]  Precha Thavikuiwat.  Product Quality in Computerized Business Simulations , 1992 .

[60]  John W. Huminel.  A Proposed Interactive Inventory Control Simulation , 1985 .

[61]  Alan L. Patz.  Making Cash Flow Come Alive and Sensible in the Classroom , 1996 .

[62]  Richard M. Alston,et al.  Multiple Objectives in the Development of the Gordon Macro Game , 1988 .

[63]  Precha Thavikulwat.  Simulating Demand in an Independent-Across-Firms Management Game , 1988 .

[64]  J. Ronald Frazer.  Simulation - Indoctrination or Learning , 1986 .

[65]  Hugh M. Cannon,et al.  Contextually-Anchored Business Simulations , 1997 .

[66]  Microsimulation of the firm and the economy , 1997 .

[67]  David Crookall,et al.  Developing a Scientific Knowledge of Simulation/Gaming , 1998 .

[68]  Richard D. Teach.  Using Spatial Relationships to Estimate Demand in Business Simulations , 1984 .

[69]  Precha Thavikulwat.  Real Markets in Computerized Top-Management Gaming Simulations Designed for Assessment , 1997 .

[70]  Thomas F. Pray,et al.  Criticisms of the Use of Simulations in Economics: A Rebuttal , 1985 .

[71]  Thomas F. Pray,et al.  Modeling Total Quality into Business Simulations -A Demonstration- , 1991 .

[72]  Newell E. Chiesl,et al.  The Dynamic Aspects of Interactive Gaming Puts the Realism into Gaming , 1979 .

[73]  Precha Thavikulwat.  Activity-Driven Time in Computerized Gaming Simulations , 1996 .

[74]  J. Ronald Frazer.  QC LAB A Microcomputer Laboratory in Quality Control , 1984 .