In a postgraduate module on strategic marketing, Dr Susan Wakenshaw tasks her students with applying the theoretical concepts learnt in the classroom to real-word scenarios using the Marketplace Simulations platform. Over the course of the two-week module, students work in groups of six, with each student fulfilling a different role, to create and promote a brand selling 3D-printed bicycles. The simulation requires students to solve six different challenges over six quarters and provides them with performance indicators throughout. Using micro-simulations, it covers topics such a social media marketing, forecasting and product design. The students are then assessed on a poster reflecting on their role in the simulation and a strategic marketing plan, written based on their experience.

The aim of the virtual simulation is to encourage students to think about how the theoretical concepts and frameworks they have learnt in the classroom can be applied to real-word challenges. This also helps to create a more authentic learning environment and is part of Susan’s wider approach to blended learning.