OGI Launches International Simulation with GBSN Partners

The Office of Global Initiatives at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business launched a pilot simulation to engage with the global partners of the Global Business School Network (GBSN) (of which the school is an executive board member). This is the first time the Smith School and GBSN are working together on this initiative. The simulation, which began on February 1, 2017, provides an opportunity for students from five universities across the globe to test their skills in a global exercise. Our Terps are excited to participate and test themselves in this simulation. The launch of the new program supports the school’s effort to expand its global engagement and profile.

The goal of this simulation is to develop and increase cross-cultural learning opportunities in an international business setting. The pilot program will take place over the next six weeks and includes a team from the Smith School, as well as teams from the following partner universities: MDE Business School in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; the Institute of Management Technology in Hyderabad, India; ESCA Ecole de Management in Casablanca, Morocco; and the University of Management and Technology in Lahore, Pakistan. This pilot is led by Smith colleagues: Rebecca Bellinger, Olivia Nouailletas, Jim Sanders, and Jonathan Southgate.

The teams use an online platform provided by CESIM and video-conferencing sessions to communicate with each other and to work on a financial-based case competition. The simulation gives students practice communicating in a multi-cultural setting. Each simulation will include a debrief with all five teams to reflect on the strategic decision-making factors in an international business setting, cultural and business differences amongst the groups, and feedback from the exercise.

“This pilot will not only be a cross-cultural learning opportunity for our students and a brand-building tool for the school, but also a way to activate a network of business schools around the world for future collaborations, both on-line and off,” shared Bellinger. “We are breaking new ground in the use of online simulations in a cross-border context. And we are leading what will become a community of teachers and learners who not only engage with each other but also share their experience with a growing network when we launch the competitive simulation early 2018.” 

To learn more about the simulation and how to become involved in the future, please email OGI@rhsmith.umd.edu.