Marketplace Business Simulations

10/19/2026

Teaching with a business simulation can feel intimidating the first time, but the process really comes down to four simple steps!

1. Team Formation: The instructor places students on teams or lets them form their own. Teams then divide the work by department or task. This setup encourages collaboration and mirrors real-world team dynamics.

2. Decision Rounds: Decision rounds may represent anything from one day to a whole business quarter. In each round, the teams make choices about how they will run their businesses. The simulation processes these decisions and updates the market environment accordingly.

3. Feedback and Results: Teams receive performance reports each decision round. These can include profit and loss statements, market share data, and customer satisfaction scores, as well as other metrics.

4. Iteration: Students analyze results, adjust strategies, and enter the next round. The cycle repeats until the final round, when all outcomes are tallied.

What makes this process powerful is the safe-to-fail environment. Students can test bold strategies and learn from mistakes. They can refine their approach and win market share. Win or lose, their reputations and real-world finances stay intact.

10/16/2026

What matters more than getting the “right” answer? Understanding why.

Dr. John Eaton builds reflection directly into his course through a post-simulation essay. Students are asked to explain the reasoning behind their decisions, from pricing to advertising strategy, and to reflect on what worked and what did not. This process helps them connect outcomes to concepts and learn from mistakes.

By focusing on the “why,” students move beyond surface-level thinking and develop skills they can apply long after the course ends.

See how reflection drives deeper learning:

Marketplace, a business simulation for every discipline. Use business games to make learning fun and interactive.

10/13/2026

Do your students ever experience the consequences of changing their strategy?

Business judgment develops through experience, not just theory. While lectures can introduce strategic frameworks, students strengthen their decision making when they have opportunities to test ideas, respond to changing conditions, and see the results of their choices.

A 2024 study shows why balancing planning with adaptability is essential for preparing students to navigate the uncertainty they'll encounter throughout their careers.

Read more:

Marketplace, a business simulation for every discipline. Use business games to make learning fun and interactive.

09/03/2026

When it comes to choosing a business game for your course, there are six key things you need to keep in mind.

1. Big picture vs. focused depth: Do you want students to run an entire company or master one function in detail?

2. Student level: Are you teaching inexperienced undergraduates or MBAs ready for complexity and high stakes?

3. Class size: Can you manage the number of student teams that are needed for peer-to-peer competition? Would playing against the computer provide a better experience for you or your students?

4. Time Available: Does your course have time for a full-semester assignment? Do you need targeted lessons to fill specific gaps?

5. Technology: Do your students have easy access to computers or do they need a mobile-friendly game?

6. Primary outcomes: What theories do your students need to master? What skills do you want them to practice? What accreditation standards do you need to meet?

Remember, there is no one business game that fits the needs and wants of all business courses. Take real stock of your needs and limitations—and then choose the game that’s right for you.

See the full guide in the comments!

08/24/2026

AI doesn't haven't to short-circuit your students' critical thinking. In fact, our simulations now come with AI tools to empower students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. If you want to see how it works, join our webinar with Harvard Business Impact on August 25! Details below.

08/19/2026

Join us and Harvard Business Impact on August 25 at 11:00 a.m. ET for an inside look at our new AI-powered capabilities designed to improve the simulation experience for both students and instructors.

In this webinar, you will:

• Learn how Marketplace Simulations is applying AI-powered tools to address common challenges when using simulations.
• Explore how AI-powered coaching can provide individualized support while reducing routine instructor workload.
• Experience a live demo of the new AI Coach and AI-powered planning guidance tools.

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4ziytyQ

08/18/2026

Our newest simulation is all about small business! Challenge your students to build a homebased business with just $500 to start!

08/14/2026

How do you write meaningful recommendation letters when you have more than 1,200 students?

Instead of relying on overall course performance, Dr. John Eaton uses simulation-based learning to gain insight into how students think, make decisions, and adapt over time.

This gives him real evidence of each student’s abilities, even in large courses, and allows him to write stronger, more personalized recommendation letters.

See how business simulations support student success beyond the classroom:

Marketplace, a business simulation for every discipline. Use business games to make learning fun and interactive.

08/12/2026

How do you help students move beyond simply making decisions to understanding how they make them?

Recently, we shared a study on how planning and improvisation work together in business. Now we're sharing a 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 to go with the research!

Students assess their own approach to decision making, explore the balance between planning and improvisation, and reflect on how those tendencies may influence future business decisions. It's a ready to use resource that helps bring the article's insights into the classroom.

Download the free activity:

Marketplace, a business simulation for every discipline. Use business games to make learning fun and interactive.

08/10/2026

Clear AI policies are now a MUST for business classes. What standards are you setting in your classes this fall?

Do you set policies around how students can use AI in the writing process? Do you require students to explain how they used AI in each assignment?

Tell us your best policy and what made it successful!