Bachelor Econometrics and Operational Research experiments with gaming to teach students to solve complex, societally relevant, problems

The bachelor program Econometrics and Operational Research (EOR) of UG’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) is experimenting with the use of a simulation game in which students run a company: the EOR game. This simulation game aims to train students in the skills necessary for a successful and sustainable career by exposing them to business challenges that match the complexity of real-life problems. In this game, teams of students run a simulated company using game-generated data based on the underlying mechanics of a company. These mechanics represent the four focus areas of the EOR bachelor: Econometrics, Operations Research, Actuarial studies, and Microeconomics.

With the help of a grant for innovative education introduced by FEB’s faculty board, the bachelor program thought of new ways to prepare the students for the labour market. During their studies, students acquire a lot of useful theoretical knowledge, but often find it hard to bridge the gap with the business practice when they take their first steps on the labour market. The EOR game enables students to practice with challenges that match real-life problems in complexity and require them to compare and create different approaches.

Pilot project

Between 18 December and 21 December first year EOR students will take part in a pilot project where the game is played intensively. During this week, students play different rounds, obtaining automatically game-generated feedback after every round. Each day, the students (in groups of six) make a set of choices related to all operations within ‘their’ company via an app. The students use statistical software to analyze the information  provided by the app itself to make well-informed choices. Students do not only focus on firm profit, but also need to consider the impact of the company on the environment and the well-being of its employees. The app serves as a platform from where the simulated company runs and wherein all operational decisions are made. The student groups participate in daily consultancy hours to guide their progress and  receive feedback from lecturers. The project week concludes with a symposium on Thursday 22 December. 

Integrate the game in the entire program

In this pilot, only first year students play the game. In the future, the hope is to integrate the game for one week in every year of their program. Assistant Professor Daniël Vullings is one of the developers of the EOR game and one of the lecturers within FEB that is following the Academic Education Track, aimed at stimulating innovative teaching and providing education focused staff members important career opportunities. Vullings; “The aim is to adjust the whole EOR bachelor to integrate the game. The game combines elements of various courses in the EOR bachelor.The curriculum-wide approach allows students to apply complex theories from their various courses throughout their studies, giving students a problem-solving attitude that prepares them for the job market. We pioneer this approach to improve student learning, to make the program more appealing, and eventually provide society with a better-trained labour force.”

Questions? Please contact Daniël Vullings.