The TOPSIM – Business Simulation Congress 2024 in Tübingen was a great success! On September 12 and 13, simulation game enthusiasts from all over Europe came together to experience two inspiring days full of workshops, lectures and intensive networking. Let’s take a look at the highlights of this year’s congress.
Kick-off
On the eve of the event, many participants met at the Wurstküche (sausage kitchen) restaurant in Tübingen. The cozy atmosphere provided the perfect opportunity to meet old acquaintances and make new ones. The informal exchange was the perfect way to get in the mood for the coming days of the congress.
Day 1: Insights Into the World of Business Simulations
News From TOPSIM, Simulation Game Development and Business Intelligence
The first day of the congress began on September 12 at 9 a.m. in the rooms of the Museumsgesellschaft Tübingen (Tübingen Museum Society) with a warm welcome and an overview of TOPSIM‘s latest developments. After a welcome coffee, the practical part of the day began: In two parallel workshops, the latest versions of our business simulations Startup Essentials and Mastering Global Expansion were presented. Participants had the opportunity to try out the latest features and gain exciting insights into the development process.
The fascinating presentation by Prof. Dr. Stephan Form from the Hochschule Bremen (HSB) then immersed the participants in the world of Business Intelligence. The visualization and multidimensional analysis of business simulation data using modern BI solutions was particularly impressive and provided insightful impulses for their own use in teaching.
Motivating Game Elements, Dynamic Team Exercises and Demonstrable Learning Successes
After lunch at Restaurant 1821, Prof. Dr. Thomas Voit from the Technische Hochschule Nürnberg presented the results of the EMPAMOS research project, which analyzes motivating game elements with the help of artificial intelligence. The research results impressively demonstrate how knowledge from the games sector can be applied in business, education and culture.
Another highlight of the first day was the interactive workshop by Birgit Zürn and Maren Schaal from the Center for Management Simulation (ZMS) at the DHBW Stuttgart. The participants experienced a dynamic team exercise which can be ideally combined with TOPSIM simulation games, and which promotes the social skills of the participants.
In his presentation, Michael Kielkopf addressed the question of how to measure and evaluate the learning success of simulation games. At the Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, prospective industrial engineers use TOPSIM business simulations to prepare for their oral exams – they apply methods of controlling and corporate management to the content of the games and analyze their success in regular reviews.
Customized Business Game Scenarios, Didactics and a Global Management Program
In two further parallel workshops, our TOPSIM experts inspired participants with innovative ideas on how instructors can enrich their simulation game seminars. Our experts presented concepts on topics such as didactics and facilitation and showed how to design your own simulation game scenarios.
The first day concluded with a presentation by Roman Heil, who described the development and implementation of the leadership program “WATER: A Large-Scale Global Development Program”. The project, developed by Atria Learning & Development GmbH, TOPSIM and many other partners, demonstrates how technological and business model challenges can be addressed through business simulations and workshops. In 2024, we received two Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards for this project.
In the evening, we met at the Liquid Kelter to end the day with a relaxed dinner. This setting provided an ideal opportunity to exchange impressions and make new contacts.
Day 2: Consolidation and Outlook
Seminars with Large Groups, Examination Sequences and Rhetoric
The second day of the congress began with two exciting presentations. First, Andreas Barth from abc4sales GmbH and Prof. Dr. Torsten Forberg from the Berufsakademie Sachsen presented challenges and solutions for designing business simulation seminars with large groups. The practical tips on how to run such seminars efficiently were particularly valuable.
Afterwards, Prof. Dr. Forberg presented the “3-term random impromptu speech” as an activating learning and examination sequence in simulation game seminars. Participants spontaneously combine business terms in a short speech to deepen their business knowledge and strengthen their rhetorical skills.
TOPSIM-Cloud, Social Management and TOPSIM – Insurance
In the morning, the participants also had the opportunity to contribute their ideas and feedback during the workshop on further developing the TOPSIM-Cloud instructor interface. Later, the Open Forum provided an opportunity to exchange ideas. Participants discussed various topics related to business simulations with each other and with the TOPSIM team.
After lunch, Dipl.-Ges.oec. Heike Koß-Hülsen from Hochschule Niederrhein reported on the development and use of our Social Management business simulation (currently only available in German). From the coming summer semester, the nursing home simulation will also be offered as part of academic continuing education. Employees from nursing homes and health care facilities will be prepared for management tasks in a practice-oriented certificate course.
The final workshop gave participants the opportunity to try out the new TOPSIM-Cloud version of our TOPSIM – Insurance business simulation. It puts players in the role of an insurance company’s board of directors and presents them with challenging strategic decisions. The TOPSIM Get-together brought the congress to a close with coffee, snacks and good conversation.
Conclusion: An Inspiring Exchange in Tübingen
The TOPSIM – Business Simulation Congress 2024 offered lots of professional input, exciting workshops and presentations, as well as numerous opportunities for networking. The variety of topics was particularly impressive – from business intelligence and motivating game elements to leadership development and nursing home management. Participants were able to gain valuable inspiration for their own work and make new contacts in the management game community.
We are already looking forward to the next simulation game events. A big thank you to all participants and speakers for two unforgettable days in Tübingen!
