Business game (also called business simulation game) refers to simulation games that are used at an educational tool for teaching business. Business games may be carried out for various business training such as: general management, finance, organizational behaviour, human resources, etc. Often the term Business simulation is used with the same meaning.
A business game has been defined as "a game with a business environment that can lead to one or both of the following results: the training of players in business skills (hard and/or soft) or the evaluation of players’ performances (quantitatively and/or qualitatively)".
Business games are used as a teaching method in Universities, and more particularly in business schools, but also for executive education.
Simulation are considered to be an innovative learning method (Aldrich 2004), and are often computer-based.
Computer Supported Business Simulation originated from military war games and came into existence during the late 1950s (Wells 1990). Business simulation games, including non-computer-based board games and experiential activities, have since been used as a learning tool for teaching management (Jackson 1959) (Andlinger 1958). It is regularly in use at Universities, and in particularly by major business schools. As an example, the University of Washington has been using business simulation game in classes since 1957 (Saunders 1996, p. 49).
A business game is a simulation game which simulates a business.
The expression may also refer to one of the following.