Collaborative Conceptual Change during Networked Management Learning Business Supply Chain Simulations presented at the 6th International Conference Networked Learning 2008 Conference in Halkidiki, Greece, May 5-6, 2008

Abstract

My research examines the collective construction of knowledge by participants as they complete problem-based exercises during collaborative supply chain simulations in competitive situations over the internet. My research has helped me to improve my educational practice with international students in my physical & virtual classrooms at various post-secondary institutions in Alberta, Canada. The business exercises and simulations (lesson plans & learning scripts) are co-constructions of a networked management learning (NML) activity/program with research participants, using a new technological innovation “ABiSim” a business simulator for use in the networked classroom. Iterative lesson plans and scripts provided for structured learning in a series of team-based competitive business games over the internet simulating real-time demand-driven integrated businesses, illustrative of global strategic alliances and management needs in international settings. Intelligent software agents provided for the exploration of “identities” which can be used to simulate different behaviours and assist managers to learn how to collaboratively construct new knowledge in emerging international business contexts.