Students play a complex business simulation game, Cesim Global Challenge. In small teams the students will run a virtual company over 10 weeks. Pedagogically, the course plays a key role in integrating previous learning about different business functions, bringing them together and navigating the complex trade offs that ensue. The course is based on experiential learning, no new material is introduced in the form of theory or academic papers. However, the students will learn the complex interactions that occur in a real business and how critically reflect on their experience.

This course will be delivered through a series of lectures and seminars that will support the decision making process.

3 x 2 hour lectures and 10 x 2 hour tutorials.

None

ILO being assessed

This course aims to develop student understanding of the interrelated nature of business decisions both across business functions and within a competitive market. In particular it will demonstrate the difficulties arising from group decision making and the problems inherent in implementing business decisions arising from the dynamic nature of the competitive environment. Students will learn to critically evaluate their own experience.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Synthesise their understanding across a range of concepts to systematically and critically compare and evaluate the application of the most appropriate concepts in order to facilitate analytical decision making at each step of the simulation.

2. Justify the decisions made and critically evaluate the outcomes in respect of their effects upon the business.

3. Reflect critically upon their activities and decisions both as a group and as individuals and critically evaluate the effectiveness of their approach to decision making and possible alternative options.

4. Comprehend and reflect upon the impact of the dynamic nature of interrelated functional and competitive decision making upon their performance within the simulation and the difficulties of taking and implementing business decisions.

5. Work collaboratively in a group to produce a combined piece of coursework, by liaising with other class members, allocating tasks and co-ordinating group meetings.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.