Marketplace Simulations: Business Fundamentals – Bikes (Play Against Classmates)

The goal of Business Fundamentals Bikes is to give students their first taste of business and inspire them to pursue it as a major. The simulation is a fun, hands-on introduction to the essential elements of business. Game Scenario: Student teams start a bicycle company. Two new technologies--an economical form of carbon fiber and advanced 3D-printers, make it possible to print carbon fiber bikes of any size and shape, customized to the rider. Bike riders are intrigued by these benefits but are waiting to see what the players will bring to the market. Students start with a small investment and a survey of customer needs and wants, price points, and market potential. They must formulate an initial business strategy and then execute it, hoping that it will create customer satisfaction, motivated employees, revenue, and profits. These goals will only be fulfilled if they engage in strategic analysis and skillfully adjust their strategy and tactics. Success requires that they develop a good understanding of business fundamentals and how to apply them in a realistic business setting. They will progressively learn to apply business concepts, principles, and ways of thinking through adaptive learning. Instructor/student interaction is encouraged but not required. Student work is online, self-guided with an intuitive interface, built-in instructions, help files, warnings, and supplementary Marketplace Microsimulations™. Students have access to an AI Coach in the simulation to assist them with queries about their decisions as well as game mechanics, learning concepts, and how to interpret their results.

Four decision rounds, each lasting 60 minutes. Students compete against their classmates, either playing individually or in teams of two or three. Work is typically completed asynchronously outside of class, usually with one decision round per week. The simulation is suitable for small to large classes.

Target course: Introduction to Business.

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