SIMULATION DISTRIBUTION ALTERNATIVES: AUTHOR/USER CONSIDERATIONS Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 29, 2002 SIMULATION DISTRIBUTION ALTERNATIVES: AUTHOR/USER CONSIDERATIONS Fritzsche, David J. Penn State Great Valley djf7@psu.edu Faria, Tony University of Windsor ad9@server.uwindsor.ca Goosen, Kenneth University of Arkansas, Littlerock krgoosen@microbuspub.com Thavikulwat, Precha Towson University pthavikulwat@towson.edu ABSTRACT Distributing and supporting simulations has been a challenge since the first simulation authors gave decks of cards to interested colleagues and told them to call if they had any problems. As the number of users increased and programs became more complex, numerous methods were used to provide access and support. These methods appear to have coalesced to three major alternatives with variations. The panel will focus upon these alternatives delineating the strengths and weaknesses of each from the perspective of both authors and users. Simulation Distribution Alternatives: Author/User Considerations Distributing and supporting simulations has been a challenge since the first simulation authors gave decks of cards to interested colleagues and told them to call if they had any problems. As the number of users increased and programs became more complex, numerous methods were used to provide access and support. These methods appear to have coalesced to three major alternatives with variations. The panel will focus upon these alternatives delineating the strengths and weaknesses of each from the perspective of both authors and users. A successful simulation experience from the author(s)- user’s perspective includes timely receipt of the simulation, trouble-free installation of programs, error free running of the simulation and quick and accurate solutions to operating questions and any software errors that occur. In addition, the authors(s) would like a reasonable return for their work. These criteria will guide the discussion of the alternative distribution methods. Simulation distribution currently takes one of there general forms. The simulation is distributed by major publishers, by small independent publishers or by the author(s) using some type of licensing agreement. Simulation support is also provided in one of three configurations. The support may be provided by the publisher. The support may be provided by the simulation author(s). The simulation support may be provided by the publisher and the author(s) with the publisher handling the general issues and the author(s) handling the more complex issues. Support is generally free but may be provided for some type of fee. After a short introduction delineating the issues, the panel will address distribution via major publishers, the most common method of simulation distribution. The benefits of this method for both the author(s) and the users will be discussed. This will be followed by the disadvantages of this method for both parties. The discussion will be reinforced by personal experience of the panel members and of the audience during the ensuing discussion. While the physical distribution of a simulation is relatively straight forward, there are several dimensions of support to consider. Support may be needed for installing a simulation, for running a simulation, for interpreting the 65 mailto:djf7@psu.edu mailto:ad9@server.uwindsor.ca mailto:krgoosen@microbuspub.com mailto:pthavikulwat@towson.edu Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 29, 2002 results of a simulation run and for software problems that occur during a simulation run. Support may consist of answering procedural questions regarding simulation installation and operation. Support may also consist of interpreting and answering questions about the “rules” of the simulation. Finally support may consist of locating and exterminating bugs reported by users and providing the updated, debugged software to users. The panel will discuss the feasibility of the publisher or the author(s) providing each type of support and the relative effectiveness of each party providing each type of support. The panel will next address distribution via small independent publishers. This form of distribution was somewhat popular in early simulation history and then waned due partly to the consolidation that took place in the publishing industry. There is some indication that it may be making a comeback. Issues discussed will include the benefits and costs for the author(s) of using a small independent publisher vs. a major publisher. For example, major publishers are able to provide significantly more promotion for a simulation (if they choose to do so) that may result in more sales. Each sale may yield a smaller royalty to the author(s) than is provided by the small independent publisher. Benefits and costs to users will also be addressed including timely support. Most support is likely to rest with the author(s) when using a small independent publisher. Distribution via direct licensing from the author(s) has been a little used form of distribution to date. Markstrat has appeared to use this method successfully while also working with a major publisher to distribute its manuals. There is an annual licensing fee that is paid by the school. Manuals are purchased by players, thus the license is an additional cost above the cost of manuals that is borne by the school. The success of a licensing arrangement appears to be dependent upon users agreeing to follow the law and purchasing a license to use the software. It also requires the simulation to possess some significant advantages over competing simulations to compel users to pay a license fee when competitors do not charge a fee. A new licensing arrangement has been developed that licenses the software to each team playing the simulation and thus does not require an outlay by the school. All costs are borne directly by the teams thus freeing the administrator from worrying about licensing issues. The player’s manuals are distributed in PDF format over the Internet with the cost included in the license fee. The panel will focus upon this licensing arrangement in its comparison of distribution methods. This method places all of the distribution work directly upon the author(s). The author(s) have better knowledge of their users and thus are able to provide updates more efficiently. The author(s) also receive all of the proceeds from the license fees less the expenses of distributing via the Internet and credit card processing charges. Support using a licensing method falls directly upon the author(s). Some support can be provided via FAQ’s on the Internet. Support can also be provided via email (this also works for the above two methods) which removes national boundary problems except in cases where there is a language barrier. By illuminating the strengths and weaknesses of the above three methods of distribution, the panel hopes to familiarize both authors and users with the choices available to distribute and receive simulations. Most people are familiar with simulations distributed by major publishers. However fewer are familiar with small independent publishers and very few are familiar with licensing simulations. Each method offers both opportunities and obstacles to authors and users. 66 Table of Contents Volume 29, 2001 Threshold Marketer A Family Of Marketing Simulations: Basic Marketer And Advanced Marketer Team Mode And Solo Mode Globalization As An Extended Experiential Exercise The Benefits And Planning Considerations Of Short Term Study Abroad Programs How 2 Setup Your Office Computer To Run Linux For Teaching E-Commerce Without Messing Everything Else Up Incorporating Cosmopolitan-Related Focus-Group Research Into Global Advertising Simulations Demonstration Of Advanced Features In Computer-Assisted Gaming Of International Business A Comparison Of Discrimination-Based Versus Conventional Simulation Game Scoring A Universal Mathematical Law Criterion For Algorithmic Validity The Impact Of Public Policy On Innovation: A Simulation Project For Research And Teaching Participant Identification Of Competitors In A Marketing Simulation Competition Simulation Research In The Hospitality Industry "Computer Simulation, Games And Roleplay: Drawing Lines Of Demarcation" Simulation Distribution Alternatives: Author/User Considerations Managing The Curiosity Gap Does Matter: What Do We Need To Do About It? Use Of External Interventions In A Computer Based Simulation Putting Service Learning Into Orbit It's A Wonderful Life: Simulating The Golden Years Adventures In Creating An Outdoor Leadership Challenge Course For An Emba Program Vbotz: A Pedagogical Cross-Disciplinary, Multi-Academic Level Manufacturing Corporate Simulation Use Of Computer Modeling In Management Accounting Is Simulation Performance Related To Application? An Exploratory Study Learning Cooperatively May Not Be Learning Collaborately! Perception Is Reality: Sharing Frames International Management Virtual Teamwork: A Simulation Financial Plan For Your Life And Career Goals Using Project-Based Experiential Learning Groups In The Principles Of Marketing Course Futures Course: Learning How To Anticipate The Future Of Business Interactive Online Strategic Market Planning With The Web-Based Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix Graphics Package Strategy Learning In A Total Enterprise Simulation Investigation Of The Impact Of Decision Parameters For A Dutch Auction Simulation For Ipo Issues Integrating In-Class Learning With Out-Of-Classroom Experiences Through A Managerial Competency Development Framework War And Peace: Managing Students Learning Experience In A Competitive Simulation Game Virtually Experiential Classrooms Exercise: Conducting Role Plays Using Student Generated Cases Procedural Justice And Acceptance In Group Decision Making The E-Commerce Game: A Strategic Business Board Game Does Student Preparation Matter In A Simulation? A Comparison Of Pedagogical Styles The Game Of Business - A Weekend MBA Course Volume-Dependent Money Exchange Model For Gaming Simulations Implementing Service Learning For Accountants: The Not For Profit Project To Teach Vikings To Behave Among Mandarins: Lessons From Teaching With A Simulation Model Of Applied Business Ethics In International Management Maze Bright Teachers In The Classroom The Validity Investigation Of A Test Assessing Total Enterprise Simulation Learning What Makes Strategy Possible: An Illustration Using Paper And Scissors Learning Micro-OB Skills While Making Top Management Decisions In A Multinational Industrial Firm The Absel Research Heritage And The Bkl: Leveraging Their Value For Future Research New Product Development (Npd) Simulations: Some Challenging Questions And Tough Modeling Issues The Biofeedback Stress Test The Power Circle Exercise Total Enterprise Simulation Learning Compared To Traditional Learning In The Business Policy Course A Business Game Distance Education Application: Learning Outcomes And Experiences Is the Tobin's Q a good Indicator of a Company's Performance? A Critical Examination of the "Experiential" Premise Underlying BUsines Simulation Usage