Microworlds for Management Education and Learning

Computer-based simulations can be important tools to support learning. In this respect, socalled microworlds have been said to build substantial synergy between learning to think in systems frameworks and learning to deal with the complexity of actual settings. Since the first microworlds were introduced, their educational value has been accepted as an article of faith. In this paper the implications and results of adopting microworlds are explored in terms of student learning, educational approach and course design. These implications are illustrated with quantitative and qualitative questionnaire data obtained from courses in undergraduate Business programmes as well as post-experience MBA-programmes. In general, these data suggest that learning processes can be deepened and accelerated by creating effective combinations of lectures, cases, readings and microworlds.