Links to evaluated sites

The Business & Industry group evaluated a number of sites in an effort to assemble a list of some of the best internet sites that provide training resources. These sites offer product media ranging from CD-ROM and electronic applications, board games, text-based and combination training activities. What we found is a wide variety of environements using games and simulations for training purposes, as demonstrated below. These sites are in no hierarchical order except that all the Good+ sites are at the top. No mediocre or unacceptable sites are on this list. Please see the rubric for rating information.

The Forio website incorporates many of the qualities of good web design. The site uses easy to read text , appealing colors, and professional graphics. The navigational layout allows the user to maintain a sense of control within the site and each link is workable. The site provides pertinent information as to the services and resources available, as well as who to contact with questions and comments. The site also allows for continued communication and updates about Forio products if desired by the user. Furthermore, the web site provides links to articles about simulations and examples of a simulation developed by Forio.

The sample simulation allows the user to become a CEO and make a decision about product availability and profit. The simulation example provides clear instructions and necessary information so that the user can make an informed decision when using the simulation. The purpose of the simulation is too give the business student the opportunity to experience decision making based on financial data presented. The design of the simulation site gives the user the tools to meet this learning goal.

Score
Good +

Powersim
http://www.powersim.com
Powering Intelligent Business Decisions

This is a site devoted to promoting the products of Powersim, a company that develops business simulations. This site incorporates graphics, pull down menus, and active motions. These web characteristics add an appealing look and feel to the site. The site has several workable links to the different content areas of Powersim. Powersim is a site that contains a lot of information, but is designed in a way that is easily accessible.

The site promotes simulations designed to enhance knowledge on decision support, management training, and value communication. A particular simulation that is provided as an example is called The Beer Game. This simulation personalizes the learning of supply chain management. The simulation allows for you to play along with the computer or other players. Also, a feature of the simulation is a place to participate in live chats. The simulation is designed for the person wanting to learn more about product management.

Score
Good+

AIDA
http://www.2aida.org

AIDA is very text heavy but very organized. There is a tutorial, a demo and a simulation to help the audience understand the technical information. This site contained a freeware educational simulator program of glucose-insulin interaction and insulin dosage & dietary adjustment in diabetics. The information is targeted to both medical professionals and patients.

Score
Good+

Link Simulation and Training
http://www.link.com/index.html

This site offers a wide range of aviation simulation products. The site is well planned, easy to navigate and effective. Because of the complexity of the product type, there is no availability of free trial however there are extensive product data sheets that capture screen shots and descriptions of the training courses. Also included are recent conference papers produced by employees of the company and a thorough history of the founder.

Score
Good+

Jossey-Bass
http://www.josseybass.com/

This site is primarily a commercial ordering site. Jossey-Bass provides a wide variety of training materials, including team training simulations like "Wilderness Survival" that teach consensus building skills as well as books containing training games and activities. Ordering seems very secure. Product descriptions are useful although there is not enough room to go into great detail because of the large volume of materials available. However, they offer evaluation copies to would-be purchasers.

Score
Good+

Marketplace
http://www.marketplace-simulation.com
Marketplace: Innovative Learning Solutions Inc.

Marketplace is an internet site that promotes business training simulation products. The site incorporates texts along with graphics in the navigational layout. Each link is workable and the user is always allowed to move freely within the site, and a site map is available. Contact information such as the managerial team and email information are provided. The text on the site is kept to a minimum for each page and is an appropriate size for reading off a computer screen. The content on the web site gives information to those who have an interest in distance learning, small business, and business school simulations. An appealing aspect of this site is that it allows the user to go through tutorials that explain the purpose, benefit and use of simulations. Marketplace software is operational only in a Windows environment and a free example is available for downloading. For those who do not readily have access to Windows, sample screens are provided as to how the simulation looks while using Marketplace software.

Score
Good

Lexicon Interactive Media Solutions
http://www.workingsimulations.com

Lexicon is a multimedia development company that works with educational researchers to produce interactive learning material. The web site is a promotional site for Lexicon Solutions. The site consists of Lexicon's previous projects, new projects, and a shockwave gallery of downloadable projects. The site provides a history of Lexicon and contact information. Furthermore, the site has a link to an online marketing presentation about Lexicon services.

After installing shockwave, the user can download an example of a Lexicon project. The Office is a simulation that instructs on common office procedures. Throughout the simulation hints are given to the worker as to how to operate each office component and tasks to be performed. The office personalizes the interactivity by mentioning the worker by name in memo and tasks required. Overall, the design of the simulation is simple yet effective for gaining a basic understanding about an office environment.

Score
Good

Paradigm
http://www.paradigmlearning.com

This site is interesting because it blends sophisticated graphics with clear layout. For those without fast connections or updated browsers there is the option to view a non-Flash site. Product descriptions were good, including a customizable "Discovery Map" that allows a business to create a board game with their logos and specifications. Writing conventions were in line with advertisements rather than informational sites. Ordering information left something to be desired because it requires the purchaser to type out an email form.

Score
Good

American Management Association
http://www.amanet.org

This site has numerous simulations and training exercises available for purchase. Much of the simulation training is available on CD-ROM. For example AMA offers project management and time management simulation training. This site was easy to navigate and search for titles in a well-organized fashion. Product descriptions were good and cost was no mystery. The main downside to this site was the difficulty in filling out the order form and the sense that the transaction may not be highly secure. These are important issues and caused the overall rating to fall one notch.

Score
Good

MBA Games
http://www.mbagames.com/
TeamLeadership/Player/about.html

This site sells interactive programs with simulations that focus on management and team strategy. One program can be played online on the website and the others are simulation packages that can be played on the computer.You are testing your skills in a management adventurer and trying to gain insights into yourself, your management style and your values and assumptions.

Score
Good

Enlight Software
http://www.enlight.com/

This site sells the program Capitalism which is a real-time business trategy game that simulates the modern business world. The game coversretailing, manufacturing, mining, farming, management, marketing, financial management, accounting, economics and stock market. It can be played online or on the computer. There are tips and scores on the website. They have both a Mac and PC version of Capitalism.

Score
Good

Simulation and Gaming
http://www.unice.fr/sg/
A Journal published by Sage Periodicals Press

Simulation and Gaming is an online journal devoted to the theory, practice, and research on simulation. This journal has an extensive international board of editors that adds credence to the material presented. The site contains contact information, a guide for submitting papers, as well as subscription details. A search feature is available that allows the user to search the internet.

The design of the site is straightforward and easy to follow. The links are workable and the sites linked add value to the simulation and Gaming Site. The example article link did not have anything available, which reduced the evaluation rating overall. However, the links and search feature make this site useful for someone interested in learning about simulation.

Score
Good

Interpretive

http://www.interpretive.com/individual/products/
Interpretive sells programs that use business simulation to sharpen decision-making skills. Using a business simulation as part of an intensive training program, the software provides an opportunity to sharpen decision making, teamwork, and analysis skills. Their programs focus on faculty, corporate, students and individuals.

Score
Good

ABSEL

http://www.towson.edu/absel/Packages/packages.html
Association for Business Simulation and Experiential Learning

This site has links to business simulation games developed by the members of ABSEL. ABSEL is a professional association whose purpose is to develop and promote the use of experiential techniques and simulations in the field of business education and development.

Score
Good

Last updated September 25, 2001