Description

This is a web-based simulator to mimic real-world scenarios in the logistics industry in terms of supply-chain business tactics and fleet management
 

Intended educational value

This simulator plays an important role in the laboratory sessions to support the learning of problem-solving techniques based on various scenarios in actual situations. In general, the simulator generates different ad hoc events in order to test students’ problem-solving skills and develop their critical and creative thinking ability as well as business tactics.
 

Example of application

The simulator normally takes up two to three laboratory sessions (each of three hours). In each session, lectures are the major medium for delivering basic concepts to students, who should be able to build up the fundamental knowledge in logistics-related topics. After the lectures, there are small-group activity sessions in which students deal with different cases in the industry and, most important, the techniques for tackling these problems.
 

Evaluation/Comments

Student comments:
The feedback from students via questionnaires was favourable. Most students regarded such a simulator as one of the most effective methods for learning as it contains the full context of events and stories to be explored by them.

Evaluation:
The Project Team considers that the project has been successful in enhancing students' comprehension of the rules; stragegies and actions to be taken; responses to feedback on the outcomes of their actions; and decisions on what to do next. Also, students have enjoyed the activities because of high extrinsic motivational factors such as peer interaction, rewards and results. 

(Note: For access to this item, please contact the Project Team (mfandrew@inet.polyu.edu.hk)