The Role of Simulations in International Management Education

Following a brief discussion of the "invention" of simulation games 5,000 years ago, this article discusses developments in the field of management simulations during the past forty years, with particular emphasis on international management simulations. The author believes that the recent history of management games can be sub-divided into three periods. During the first period (dubbed the "Pioneering Period") from 1955 to 1969, North American schools were the most active users of simulations. During the second period, (termed the "Development Period"), from 1970 to 1984 management simulations became much more international in both their authorship and use. Mainframe computers began to be used in North America simulations during this period. During the most recent period, from 1985 to the present, (and titled "The Hi-Tech Period"), a significant number of international management simulations have appeared, and microcomputers are now widely used in management games. Following a discussion of various predictions regarding of management simulations in general, the author makes a number of additional observations with respect to their future use in international education and training.