Compared to scores of simulations that we have tested, adopted, and taught, Marketplace is the Gold Standard.
Service is superb.
The whole package moves the industry ahead like no other.
John K. Clemens, Professor of Management, Hartwick College
Course design options
Marketplace Live may be used as a self-paced exercise or as a semester or quarter-long course. The self-paced exercises are frequently used in introductory courses and the semester-long programs are usually employed in higher-level courses in marketing or strategy.
View the e-brochure for business schools (in PDF format)
Self-paced exercise
In the self-paced exercise, the students compete against computer-generated competitors rather than each other. Whenever the students are ready to move on in the exercise, they can submit their decisions and immediately receive feedback from the market. The self-paced format allows the students to work independently or in small teams, and at their own pace. The self-paced exercise requires the least amount of coordination for the instructor. It is the ideal choice for large classes. To facilitate grading, the instructor is provided details of each student's strategy and tactics at any point of the exercise.
The following simulations are available for a self-paced (play-against-computer) exercise now.
Semester-long course
The business simulation is the dominant activity for 8 to 10 weeks. The students compete in teams against one another. One decision is due each week, with 1 to 2 weeks set aside to prepare a business plan. The class is a mixture of lectures and simulation activity. Usually, one lecture period each week is set aside for team decision-making. An executive briefing is often scheduled every other week with each team.
The chief advantage of the semester-long course is that the students have more time to develop their critical thinking skills. They have time to reflect on their decisions and debate the options, tradeoffs, and potential outcomes with their teammates. Often, an undergraduate's lack of business experience will slow him/her down as he/she struggles with business issues for the first time.
The following simulations are available for a semester-long course (play-against-peers).
- Introduction to Marketing
- Business Fundamentals
- Strategic Marketing
- Advanced Strategic Marketing
- Introduction to Business & Strategy
- Strategy and Business Policy
- Business Management
- Venture Strategy
- Strategic Management
- Strategic E-Commerce
- Integrated Business Management
- Strategic Corporate Management
- International Corporate Management
Intensive course
The same above simulations can be used in an intensive course format. An intensive course is usually either at the end of the program (a capstone experience) or midway through it (an integration and transition experience to the concentrations). Each decision round lasts 4 hours, and 1 or 2 days are scheduled for preparation of the business plan (market assessment, tactics and pro forma financial statements). The lectures are eliminated because it is assumed that the students are well prepared from their prior schoolwork.
The intensive course is ideal for quick and deep learning. It is similar to the Berlitz method for learning languages. It requires total immersion into the learning process; participants eat, breathe and sleep integrated business management.
The intensive format also encourages cross-fertilization of ideas. The finance manager sits next to the production manager and the marketing person is looking over both their shoulders. On any important decision, there is considerable opportunity to discuss the available options, possible strategies and tactics.
Another advantage is that feedback is immediate. Once the team members have submitted their final decisions, they learn almost immediately how well they did in terms of financial performance, competitive position, and customer satisfaction. This immediate feedback is a powerful way to encourage sound business thought and discourage unsuccessful business practices. Just as important, participants learn to use the tools of management to diagnose their situation and develop strategies and tactics to improve it.
