A Game Approach to Teach Environmentally Benign Manufacturing in the Supply Chain

Abstract

Multidisciplinary models of education are needed to prepare students for their role in a global work environment. Combined with this need is the reality of the new Millennial Generation entering the educational system with a different approach to learning. This paper introduces an interactive, educational engineering game designed to appeal to the Millennial Generation’s learning preferences. Shortfall is a prototype board game with a team approach and a trial and error methodology to introduce students to environmentally benign manufacturing in the supply chain using the automobile industry as a model. After playing the game, quantitative analysis showed that on average, students gained new knowledge and a changed perception of their confidence in their answers. Qualitative analysis of data demonstrated that students felt the game also helped them with the teamwork/communication aspects of supply chain. Future plans involve converting the game to a computer format to streamline its effectiveness for multi-institutional participation.

Keywords

• Engineering education
• Game theory
• Millennial student
• Environment