How MikesBikes Intro Works

The modern teaching environment requires instructors to move beyond delivering a passive learning experience. A business simulation enables instructors to deliver an engaging and practical experience to their students. However, the challenge for an introduction to business course instructor is finding a suitable simulation for freshman and sophomore students.

MikesBikes Introduction is an entirely unique business simulation, designed to be used by those with no prior business education, but still offering a challenge for more competent students. This is achieved by scaffolding the experience and the learning objectives to gradually build student’s knowledge and confidence in business terminology, vocabulary, concepts and decision-making.

The MikesBikes simulation interface enables students to manage their own bicycle manufacturing company. Over the course they are taken on a journey from Product Manager to CEO. Students begin managing the sales and marketing strategy for the company’s only product. Each new decision period they are given additional decision areas to manage; expanding their knowledge and experience in distribution, operations, product development and finance.

MikesBikes is structured into two phases. Students control the progress and pace of the simulation in the practice phase, before moving to a competitive phase where they compete against other students, either individually or in teams. Students receive immediate feedback on their decisions, which enables them to see the impact of their decisions and gives opportunities for reflection. Real-time learning in a safe and fun environment.

MikesBikes Intro provides a highly instructive means of teaching a business foundations course. This unique teaching methodology encourages active participation and engagement with your content. Courses that use a simulation are dynamic, fun and exciting to teach.

As Daniel McCarty, an instructor currently using the MikesBikes Intro proclaims, “It is a wonderful learning experience.  I strongly endorse it for students of all ability levels.  The simulation can be adjusted to the skill set of the class.  And EVERYONE enjoys the competitive nature of the assignment and enjoys bragging rights when they are on top of the heap for the week.”

To find out more about Smartsims and their business simulation, marketing simulation and management simulation please go to https://www.smartsims.com/