This article focuses on the research and scholarship dealing with the assessment of the experiential approach in both its computer-based and human-based forms. It covers two forms of assessment. First it covers explicit attempts to assess the validity of experiential learning, and second it focuses on measuring the effectiveness of the experiential approach. The authors classify the literature on both validity and measurement into critiques and prescriptions for ideal research on one hand and empirical research studies on the other. The empirical research reviewed supports the notion that experiential learning is effective. However, the studies showing these results reflect a long-standing trend of not meeting the highest of research design and measurement standards. Thus, the authors believe any conclusion about the effectiveness of these teaching approaches must be tentative.

This article reports a series of exploratory studies dealing with learning in total enterprise simulations. These studies had three purposes: (a) to examine the validity of simulations as learning tools, (b) to measure any relationships between learning about the simulation and economic performance in the game, (c) to discover if some players learn more than others from the same business gaming experience. For this research, learning emanated from the game’s structure and decision-making requirements. Learning was measured using parallel forms of a multiple-choice, short-essay examination. The results showed that learning occurred from simulation play but did not vary with performance. There was some evidence that participants learned more when they perceived their teams to be well organized.

Purpose -This research examines the literature on quality management in developing countries and explores the influence of important international and organizational variables on quality in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach -By drawing from the literature and gaining input from industry panels, it formulates specific propositions depicting the influence of international (economic, political/legal, cultural/social) and organizational (goals/priorities, commitment/control, centralization/decentralization, networking) factors on quality. Findings -A number of gaps are identified in the literature on quality management in developing countries along with significant challenges including differing perceptions of quality, the legacy of colonization and protectionist policies, and tight governmental controls.Research limitations/implications -The framework of this research develops general relationships between quality and international and organizational variables. Based upon the propositions developed within this framework, future research can formulate and empirically test more specific hypotheses. Further, international and organizational variables are looked upon independently. Future research can explore possible interaction effects of these sets of variables on quality outcomes in developing countries. Practical implications -Based upon this research, mangers of multinational corporations (MNCs) can better understand the role and affects of international and organizational factors on quality of goods and services in developing countries. Such understanding is an important requisite for the effective management of operations in developing countries. Originality/value -This research identifies for MNCs the unique challenges international and organizational variables pose for quality management and operations in developing countries. The propositions developed help synthesize the literature on quality management in developing countries and provide a framework for future empirical research needed to support theory development in this area.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide managers of multinational companies and researchers with a framework for investigating and effectively managing organizational factors and supply‐chain networks in lieu of conditions prevalent in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws from the international management, supply‐chain management, and organizational behavior literature to construct a framework and formulate propositions linking important organizational factors to supply‐chain effectiveness in developing countries.FindingsThe paper reviews the literature, develops a useful framework, formulates propositions, and provides important managerial insights for supply‐chain management in developing countries.Research limitations/implicationsSupply‐chain effectiveness is a broad construct in this paper. Future research might want to isolate and examine the potential effects of organizational variables on more narrow supply‐chain outcomes.Practical implicationsThe modeled framework can help managers of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) better understand and manage important organizational variables in ways that render their supply chains in developing countries more effective.Originality/valueCurrently, the literature does not provide managers of MNCs and researchers a framework for investigating and effectively managing key organizational factors affecting supply‐chain networks in lieu of conditions prevalent in developing countries. This paper attempts to fill this gap. Propositions developed in this paper can serve as a foundation for future empirical research needed to support the development of theory in this area.

Total enterprise simulations are often used and included as graded elements by instructors in business degree capstone "policy courses" under the assumption that their use enriches the learning experience. This suggests a belief that people who perform best in simulations have learned how to play the game better. The studies reported on here attempt to determine and evaluate the relationship between learning and simulation performance. These studies have consistently found that, while simulationrelated learning does occur, there appears to be no direct, positive relationship between the two variables. Suggestions for further research are proposed.