STUDENTS EXCEL IN CAPSIM BUSINESS SIMULATION Capstone course combines the study and practice of business Business students in Missouri Southern’s Strategic Management course learn from hands-on experience using the Capsim business simulation. Strategic Management, a capstone course taken during the last semester of university work, integrates business disciplines with formal analyses of the organization’s macro and industry environment; mission and goals; and strategy formulation, implementation, and control using computer simulation and/or the case method approach. “Having taught Strategic Management for over 35 years, one of my goals has always been to help students integrate the study of business and the practice of business,” said Dr. Robert Hilton, assistant professor of management. “At MSSU, our graduating seniors have the opportunity to integrate the major business functions of marketing, research and development, production and finance, as well as other areas and functions including human resources, labor negotiations, ethics and total quality.” The Capsim business simulation assesses student decisions through four practice and eight competition rounds of play. The balanced scorecard is used to assess the four pillars of business, finance, internal business systems, customer metrics, and learning and growth. Based on the objectives of the course, Capsim industries are organized in either team or individual formats. Team formats help to build skills in team formation and execution, including peer trust, decision-making and analysis. Five of the 18 student teams from MSSU’s 2021 spring semester scored in Capsim’s top 10 percent Overall Balanced Scorecard, with one team placing in the top 1 percent internationally. The overall ranking included more than 2,700 eligible teams from around the world. “Based on my experiences, I have found business simulations help seniors better prepare for their next step in life, graduate studies or employment,” said Hilton. “I am so proud of all our students. It is an honor and a pleasure to be a part our future alums’ capstone experience.” 34
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