Project management simulation laboratory: Experimental learning and knowledge acquisition

Abstract

The concept of project management simulation laboratory in order to research the mechanisms of knowledge acquisition in the project management environment is described. This laboratory provides an experimental environment, where the users share their knowledge and get some insight on project management practice through the simulator. The framework, under which the laboratory operates, is based on: simulation techniques, means that allow knowledge transfer around simulation games playing and the behavioural approach in the design of experiments. The first step in the application of the project management simulation laboratory is the development and continuous improvement of the project management simulation game, which is the main core of the laboratory, by means of the register and study of the interaction between user and simulation game. Then, some hypotheses have been tested in connection with two experimental cases, focused on the analysis of different factors affecting the behaviour of participants while playing project management simulation games. The circumstances under which the participants achieve an optimum learning and the influence of the players' motivation are analysed. The main outcomes and results are stated. Some indications and working lines are posed in order to confirm and broaden the current results of this study. Keywords: Project ManagementSimulation GamesLearning OrganizationsExperimental LearningBehaviour Research