Learning Skills Development Through the Usage of Simulators

The phenomenon of globalization has resulted in an increase in importance of economic and commercial practices. In this environment in order to increase company competitiveness it is critical to improve logistic activities at all levels of the organization.The main mission of these activities is to place the right products (goods and services) in the right place, at the right time, with the desired conditions, and at the lowest cost. In summary, the objective of logistics is to guarantee customer satisfaction by achieving the best cost, quality and service conditions.Unfortunately, the goal of building a systemic vision of logistics achieved by the coordination of different processes not been achieved through traditional teaching methods. In addition, the number of academic simulators in this discipline is very low. This is why the professors of the logistics area of Tecnologico de Monterrey have been designing and testing a business game with a focus on logistics decision making. Logistic Simulator (LOST) is a thorough game that allows students to develop and apply logistics concepts in a fast and fun way to learn. Thus allowing to understand the interfaces of different logistic topics. The game shows the participants the consequences of the different decisions that are made through a series of key performance indicators, thus promoting the identification of the main variables that should be evaluated when making each decision. LOST represents a new way of learning and managing logistic concepts. In addition, LOST triggers in students the development of various skills such as Self-regulated learning, Student Engagement and Reflection on their learning.This article aims to describe the design of this simulator, the strategies we have followed to provoke learning in our students, and show the main results that have been obtained in the development of the aforementioned skills.