Simulation models as an aid for the teaching and learning process in operations management

Abstract

As the focus of the teaching-learning process moves from teaching to learning, the need for a better understanding by teachers of the psychology of learning increases in relevance. Many studies have proved the differences between students' learning styles which leads to the need for different approaches to be adopted when teaching a subject. We offer a brief review of learning styles to show how games can be applied, particularly in operations management. It also proposes a taxonomy for games in operations management to finally focus on its application to DOSM - Didactic Operation Simulation Model. After formally defining DOSM, some practical models are shown. These experiments showed its effectiveness as an instructional technique to "teaching around the cycle".