Educator insight on simulations and games: a comparative study between business schools in Thailand and the UK

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and gain insights into the use of computer simulations and games in business schools in Thailand. In addition, it aims to compare the findings in Thailand with the study carried out in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 700 questionnaires were sent to the 35 universities in Thailand that offer MBA degrees. This survey achieved a response rate of 23 percent.

Findings

The usage of simulation games in business schools in Thailand is still at an early stage of development. The primary reason to use such tools in both Thailand and the UK is that they help to increase students' interaction and teamwork. Meanwhile, lack of information on simulation games is major obstacle of using simulation games in their classroom teaching. However, the demand for computer simulations and games in the classroom is likely to increase in the future.

Research limitation/implications

The study provides good platform for further in‐depth study on this topic in Thailand. As for practical implication, it suggests a need for more collaboration between industry and academia so that simulation games will be developed to fit with the teaching courses.

Originality/value

This study highlights the key factors underpinning the usage of these new tools in classroom teaching in the Thai context.

Citation

Pongpanich, C., Krabuanrat, T. and Hua Tan, K. (2009), "Educator insight on simulations and games: a comparative study between business schools in Thailand and the UK", On the Horizon, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 323-329. https://doi.org/10.1108/10748120910998380