Business simulation software: Bridging the gap between educators and industry

Over the past decade, business has changed dramatically. As a result, workforce skills and requirements have also changed. However, while this has happened, one sector has lagged behind: higher education. Business education in particular, is criticised for being theory-driven with a lack of critical thinking, creativity and innovation (Ford et al., 2010; Hughes et al., 2008; Snyder and Snyder, 2008) and this has become a major challenge in third level institutions. Furthermore, the process of globalization and liberalization of the business world has changed the types and qualities of human capital required by the corporate sector. Therefore, business graduates are not only expected to have theoretical understanding of business, but also communication skills, critical thinking skills (Adams, 2015) and the ability to apply multidisciplinary knowledge. Evidence suggests that the use of simulation software in business education has the capacity to fill the gap between what is required in the market and what is supplied by the education system (Mitchell, 2004). This paper explores the use of technology in the delivery of business education at third level. The paper focuses on the use of business simulation software in teaching strategic management concepts. The research provides empirical insights into the application of simulation software to enhance students' critical thinking skills, and that it has the potential to increase students' resilience and ability to handle complex and ambiguous situations that exist in the real world.