Teaching fundamental industrial management concepts can be challenging, as students often struggle to grasp abstract principles. While active learning methods such as simulations enhance comprehension, the shift to online education has created a need for accessible, cost-effective tools. This paper presents a substantial adaptation of the Beer Distribution Game (BDG), developed using Google Spreadsheets to facilitate active learning in both online and in-person settings. The tool is a client-server platform that enables students to engage in a hands-on supply chain simulation while allowing instructors to modify scenarios dynamically. Following an Action Research methodology, iterative improvements were made based on student feedback and real-time classroom use over three academic years. The findings suggest that this lightweight and adaptable solution effectively enhances student engagement and understanding of supply chain dynamics, making complex concepts more tangible. Furthermore, the tool demonstrates that simple yet interactive resources, built with widely available software, can successfully support the teaching of industrial management concepts while maintaining flexibility and low implementation costs.

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Spreadsheet-Based Client-Server Platform to Support Online e-Learning of Cornerstone Industrial Management Concepts. A Use Case

  • Juan Pedro Arbáizar-Gómez,
  • Karen Reina-Sánchez,
  • Alfonso Durán-Heras

摘要

Teaching fundamental industrial management concepts can be challenging, as students often struggle to grasp abstract principles. While active learning methods such as simulations enhance comprehension, the shift to online education has created a need for accessible, cost-effective tools. This paper presents a substantial adaptation of the Beer Distribution Game (BDG), developed using Google Spreadsheets to facilitate active learning in both online and in-person settings. The tool is a client-server platform that enables students to engage in a hands-on supply chain simulation while allowing instructors to modify scenarios dynamically. Following an Action Research methodology, iterative improvements were made based on student feedback and real-time classroom use over three academic years. The findings suggest that this lightweight and adaptable solution effectively enhances student engagement and understanding of supply chain dynamics, making complex concepts more tangible. Furthermore, the tool demonstrates that simple yet interactive resources, built with widely available software, can successfully support the teaching of industrial management concepts while maintaining flexibility and low implementation costs.