Lost: A serious game to develop a comprehensive vision of logistics Academic Article in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • © The Authors, 2019. All Rights Reserved.Due to the globalization of markets, logistics has acquired enormous importance; daily, all companies make decisions in this area. On the other hand, there is a very poor offer of educational software in logistics. In this paper, we review a business game with a focus in decision making in the area of supply chain. Logistic Simulator (LOST, for short) is a serious game that allows students to develop and apply logistics concepts in a rapid and enjoyable manner. Thus permitting to understand the interfaces of different logistics topics. The game shows the participants the consequences of different decisions that are made through a number of key performance indicators, thus encouraging the identification of the main variables that must be assessed when making each decision. In summary, LOST represents a new way of developing and connecting logistics concepts. In addition, LOST triggers in students the motivation to investigate, develop and experiment with different strategies. The game has been used with undergraduate students from industrial engineering and business. The data obtained through surveys and the results obtained within the game, indicate that the motivation of students who have used this game increases significantly, and that they develop a better understanding of the issues related to operation management of companies. Accordingly, this article presents a description of the game and a number of relevant academic and motivational results.

publication date

  • January 1, 2019