University education and corporate training are facing new challenges brought about by emerging technologies and the unique characteristics of younger generations. Here are three major challenges currently shaping business education:

1.⁠ ⁠The Motivation Challenge: How to Keep Young Students Engaged
Today’s youth operate with different rhythms and timelines. Their motivations tend to be short-term, and their attention spans are shorter. They have access to diverse and engaging sources of information that often surpass traditional teaching methods.
Solution: Motivation by Design. Business simulations consistently demonstrate increased engagement and voluntary effort from students. The gamification element adds a substantial motivational layer to the learning process, making it more appealing and relevant.

2.⁠ ⁠The Immediacy Challenge: How to Demonstrate Quick Results
Modern students expect immediate results. Achievements and successes need to be near, or they risk being perceived as unworthy pursuits. The traditional notion of a lifelong career within a single company, gradually climbing the corporate ladder, no longer appeals to them.
Solution: Provide Immediate Experiences and Results. Simulations place participants directly in action, allowing them to experience decision-making and company management firsthand. More importantly, they obtain immediate feedback on their decisions. Instead of passively learning about concepts or strategies, students become active protagonists, mirroring their future professional roles.

3.⁠ ⁠The Assessment Challenge: How to Evaluate Students in the Information Age
With technologies that provide instant access to information and tools capable of generating essays, traditional knowledge-based tests are becoming obsolete.
Solution: Assess by Doing. Simulations offer an evaluation method resilient to modern technologies. Answers cannot be found on Google or Wikipedia; students must create them, simulating real-world business decisions. Tools like ChatGPT cannot replace the creativity or strategic thinking required from students.
The use of simulation games in university and executive education has grown rapidly in recent years. These tools enable universities and companies to develop executives who are confident in their decision-making abilities in uncertain environments.

Author: Pablo Fernández, PhD