The development of situational simulation game programming

Abstract

According to Professor Kevin McDonald at UW-STOUT, the students in introductory-level business classes need a tool to encourage them to understand business concepts. In satisfying the need of the students, the computer games are recognized as an possible alternative. However, the computer games available are unsuitable for elementary level courses; the existing games aim at a high-level of understanding of business concepts. This study will develop a computerized game to fulfill the needs of professors and students in the low-level business courses. The research focuses on adapting the CATscanner model, the class material, to be a main part in the game, using the computer technique. The simulation feature is included as a characteristic of the game. The objectives of the game are to develop a tool in which the user can examine business experiences and the idea of “cross functional area in the organization”. The instructor will use the game to create the series of situations which demonstrate the business lessons in the class. The development of the simulation game is dependent upon the software engineering technique. Two sections are devoted to this development; one is targeted to an instructor, and the other is for a student. The result of the research includes the software package with installation files, source code, and game documentation.