5th Asia Pacific Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management

Measuring the effects of face-to-face interactions on performance in business simulation games

Christoph Szedlak
Publisher: IEOM Society International
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Abstract

Background: Exploring the dynamics of team interactions and performance metrics within organizational

simulations, this study delves into the intricacies of collaborative endeavors. Through the utilization of

wearable sensors and Open Badges, a multi-round simulation was orchestrated, with the initial phase

simulating a flawed sales process. Key performance indicators such as Throughput, Lead Time, and Query

Rate were scrutinized alongside a detailed tracking of participant communications.

Objective: The study seeks to measure the influence of communication patterns on performance metrics

and team cohesion throughout the business simulation, with a particular emphasis on the optimization stage

following the initial phase.

Method: Equipped with wearable sensors, participants navigated through the business simulation game

while their interactions were meticulously recorded. Sociometric Badges were used to record data on the

face-to-face interaction, tonal conversational variation and physical proximity of the teams following the

briefing phase of the business simulation game. Through data collection and analysis, communication

frequencies, durations, and their impact on objective performance metrics were examined.

Results: The study highlights that communication patterns, particularly active participation and cross-team engagement, significantly impact performance in simulation-based learning environments, while demographic factors showed no significant effects.

Noteworthy, teams engaging with neighboring counterparts during optimization generated approximately

30% more solution proposals. Additionally, equitable participation in discussions proved pivotal in

fostering successful solution development.

Contribution: This study enriches our comprehension of the intricate interplay between communication

dynamics, performance metrics, and team synergy within simulated organizational contexts. The

implications underscore the role of communication strategies and inclusive participation in achieving

optimal performance within business simulation games.

Published in: 5th Asia Pacific Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, Tokyo, Japan

Publisher: IEOM Society International
Date of Conference: September 10-12, 2024

ISBN: 979-8-3507-1729-7
ISSN/E-ISSN: 2169-8767