Application of an Unbalanced-SNS to a Cross-Platform Online SCM Game: Promotion of Organizational Learning through Knowledge Sharing in a Supply Chain

Abstract

The network structures of supply chains (SC) are extremely complicated to understand in their entirety. However, complicated social challenges involving a chain of decision making might be realized through gaming simulations. This study uses a supply chain management (SCM) game to define effective strategies for decision making in a SC. The game rules and system architecture should be simple but should capture the true SCM nature. For this purpose, our developed SCM game applies an unbalanced social networking service system platform. In contrast to previous business games, the game is accessible through mobile devices such as smart phones. The new SCM game was tested at two universities, and most of the students spontaneously grasped the bullwhip effect and the importance of knowledge sharing between SC organizations. Furthermore, their realization of various difficulties in a SC exceeded our expectations. In addition to offering educational benefits, our game could become an important tool in future SC research.