|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The primary objective of this course is to cultivate essential research competencies expected of master's-level students through a computer simulation-centered approach. These competencies include: (1) the ability to identify and define managerial problems rigorously, (2) skills in formulating research themes and hypotheses suitable for advanced study, (3) proficiency in developing and analyzing quantitative models via computer simulation, and (4) strong problem-solving capabilities grounded in empirical and analytical methods.
The course emphasizes business games and computer simulation techniques (e.g., using tools such as Excel-based models or dedicated simulation platforms like YBG) as core vehicles for training these research skills. While the course provides opportunities to practice effective communication in an academic setting—particularly in English—it assumes that participants already possess a baseline level of English communication proficiency sufficient for group discussions, presentations, and collaborative work.
The course is conducted entirely in English and held in person on Tuesdays from 8:50 to 10:20. Due to its highly interactive and practical nature—including business games, team-based simulation exercises, group projects, and student presentations—, online or remote participation is not permitted. Regular and punctual attendance at every session is mandatory. Active participation in all class activities, including group work, discussions, presentations, and simulation exercises, is strongly required and constitutes an essential prerequisite for earning credit. Failure to meet these attendance and participation requirements will result in ineligibility to receive a passing grade.
|
|
|
1. Course introduction. What is business simulation? 【HW: Pros and cons of simulation】
2. YBG1: Outline of YBG、Group for business game, briefing
3. YBG2：Bakery game, Playing the game (1) 【HW: Application of simulation】
4. YBG3: Bakery game, debriefing and second briefing
5. YBG4: Bakery game, Playing the game (2) 【HW: Evaluation of the game results】
6. YBG5: Bakery game, Debriefing and students’ presentation of the results
7. Excel modeling 1：Construction of simulation model
8. Excel modeling 2: Inventory model 【HW: Making an inventory model using Excel】
9. Excel modeling 3: Report of the Excel inventory model, Evaluation
10. Excel modeling 4: Report of the revised Excel inventory game
11. Simulation design 1：Outline of retail business game design 【HW: Business game design】
12. Simulation design 2 : Development of a conceptual model 【Final report release】
13. Simulation design 3 : Development of a logical model
14. Simulation design 4 : Presentation of the designed business game
15. Simulation design 5：Additiona topics regarding business game design
Exam week. Final report 【Development of the freemium model game】
Note: Schedule is subject to change. Additional assignments and quizzes will be offered.
|
|
|
Students are required to complete all assigned pre-class preparations thoroughly. These include reading designated materials (e.g., academic papers, textbook chapters, or simulation guides) in advance. All materials are available for download via the Yokohama National University Learning Management System (YNU-LMS).
Given the assignment structure—which includes report submissions, paper presentations, research idea development, and simulation-based group tasks—students must carefully review class content after each session.
In particular, students are expected to invest substantial effort in developing well-grounded research ideas that incorporate computer simulation methods, building toward potential master's thesis topics or related scholarly contributions.
|
|
|
•To master the knowledge of the methods used to skillfully conduct quantitative simulation research, including the setting of a suitable research theme, the formulation of a model, the analysis of the model, and the development of managerial implications based on the results.
•To fully understand mathematical and quantitative research approaches using simulation.
•To enhance communication skills through group work with other MBA students.
•To develop the ability to adequately understand the contents of the academic studies of other researchers.
|
|
|
・To understand the basic research processes, such as research question formulation, model building, model analysis, and discussion of results.
・To understand the fundamental knowledge of mathematical and simulation modeling techniques using simulation.
・To understand the essential contents of academic research papers and evaluate their quality.
|
|
|
|
Business game 30%, Excel model development 20%, Business game design 20%, Assignments 20%, and Discussions and class participation 10%.
|
|
|
【成績評価の基準表】
| 秀(S) | 優(A) | 良(B) | 可(C) | 不可(F) |
| 履修目標を越えたレベルを達成している | 履修目標を達成している | 履修目標と到達目標の間にあるレベルを達成している | 到達目標を達成している | 到達目標を達成できていない |
|
|
履修目標：授業で扱う内容（授業のねらい）を示す目標
到達目標：授業において最低限学生が身につける内容を示す目標
|
|
【授業別ルーブリック】
| 評価項目 | 評価基準 |
| 期待している以上である | 十分に満足できる(履修目標) | やや努力を要する | 努力を要する(到達目標) | 相当の努力を要する |
| Computer simulation | able to model the structure of the market or business of interest, select the appropriate method, perform computer-based simulations, and interpret the results in the context of business. | able to model the structure of the market or business of interest, perform computer-based simulations, and interpret the results. | able to model the structure of the market or business of interest and perform computer simulations based on it. | able to explain how to model the structure of the market or business of interest and how to perform computer simulation based on it. | not able to explain how to model the structure of the market or business of interest or perform computer simulations based on it. |
| Gaming simulation | able to use the knowledge of business administration to model the structure of the market or business of interest, build a business game, perform gaming simulations, and interpret the results in the context of business. | able to model the structure of the market or business of interest, build a business game, perform gaming simulations, and interpret the results. | able to model the structure of the market or business of interest, build a business game, and perform gaming simulation. | able to explain how to model the structure of the market or business of interest, build a business game, and perform a gaming simulation. | not able to explain how to model the structure of the market or business of interest, or how to build a business game, or how to perform gaming simulation. |
| Business simulation | excellently understand a desirable approach to the system of interest using the business simulation, be able to select an appropriate method according to the purpose, and explain the reason to others. | highly understand the method and characteristics of desirable approach to the system of interest using business simulation and be able to explain it to others. | understand the method and characteristics of desirable approach to the system of interest using business simulation and be able to explain it to others. | understand and be able explain to others how to approach the system of interest using business simulation. | not understand how to approach the system of interest using business simulation. |
|
|
|
All instructional materials, readings, assignments, and announcements are distributed exclusively through the YNU Learning Management System (YNU-LMS). Students must check the LMS prior to each class for updates and required preparations.
The course employs highly interactive, seminar-style methods centered on computer simulation and business games. Key activities include:
Team-based simulation exercises (e.g., YBG or similar business game platforms),
Development of Excel-based or other computational simulation models,
Group problem-solving and decision-making under simulated business scenarios,
Student-led presentations of research ideas or simulation results, and
Critical discussions and peer feedback.
Teamwork is a fundamental component, particularly in simulation activities and assignments, where collaborative analysis, model building, and interpretation are emphasized. English serves as the sole language of instruction, discussion, and submission to foster academic communication skills in an international research context.
|
|
|
|
|
|
No required textbook is assigned.
|
|
|
|
|
|
A supplemental reading list will be announced during the class.
|
|
|
・The stable and high-speed internet connection is required because this course uses the online-base business game system, YBG (Yokohama Business Game, https://bsel.org/TOP/info.cgi).
・Introductory level knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, and statistics.
・Experience of basic information technology usage, such as browser, MS-Office.
・Knowledge of basic business administration.
・Motivation to teamwork is strongly required.
・Experience of computer programming is recommended, but mandatory.
・Knowledge of operations management is recommended, but mandatory.
・Fundamental English communication skill (for non-English native speaers), because the teaching langage of this course is English.
|
|
|
|
Computer simulation, Business game, Operations management, Teamwork, Group discussion
|
|
|
|
This course is associated with other quantitative knowledge in the business administration fields. Also, group work is the main focus. Interest in quantitative methods such as management science and motivation for team play are essential requirements for earning credits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|