Measuring the Impact of a Marketing Simulation Game: Experience on Perceived Indecisiveness

摘要

Background. The evidence from past research suggests that business simulationrngames (BSGs) do offer a meaningful educational experience. One characteristicrnlacking across past research studies is the trait of indecisiveness.rnAim. This study sought to explore whether business students would self-reportrna change in their perceptions of their indecisiveness after participating in arnbusiness simulation games (BSG). In addition, whether higher performancernsimulation decision makers would self-report being less indecisive (i.e. ablernto make decisions in a timely manner) than lower performance simulationrndecision makers.rnMethod. Using a pre-test and post-test design with a comparison to an untreatedrncontrol group, the change in 386 business students’ perceptions of theirrnindecisiveness was assessed using a self-reporting questionnaire.rnResults. The findings showed a statistically significant reduction in the levelrnof perceived indecisiveness as a result of the simulation experience.rnThe higher performance students reported being less indecisive thanrnlower performance students while both higher performance and lowerrnperformance students reported a reduction in perceived indecisiveness.rnThe level of self-reported perceived indecisiveness amongst a control grouprnof 137 business students indicated no significant change.rnConclusion. If the combination of practice and positive reinforcement increasesrnthe comfort level (reduce feelings of risk and threat) of decision makersrnthen perceived indecisiveness should decrease as a result of simulationrnparticipation, which may generalize across situations demanding decisions.