The effect of competences on learning results an educational experience with a business simulator

Business games constitute a relevant e-learning method in management training. Their use and application has grown progressively, especially in business schools, universities and professional associations all over the world. The main reason for their popularity is that business games are seen as learning tools that allow students to acquire certain skills and competences above and beyond the skills fostered by other online or face-to-face methodologies. This study aims to analyse the relationship between generic competences and the learning results perceived by students in a business game. Analysis of the skills acquired using business simulators provides a wide field for potential future experimentation. The design of education plans is based entirely on the developing these skills. This study helps identify and assess which competencies are most linked to achieving the best learning outcomes, based on the value that students place on them, their satisfaction with them and their expectations of them. Only 16 of the 23 generic skills have a significant impact on achieving any of the objectives of the study variables. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.