Embedded Simulation Models in Educational Games on Environmental Issues for Engineering Students

A Monte Carlo simulation model was developed to provide tradeoff information about environmental issues and production costs after students play an educational game managing a simplified automobile supply chain. Two performance measures are tracked in the model, total production cost and an environmental green score. Results help students understand the effects of different management approaches to environmentally conscious manufacturing decisions. The simulation was run for a range of management philosophies and results analyzed for potential value to improve learning experiences.