Virtual Business - Management 2.0
© 2006 Knowledge Matters, Inc.
Dry, but effective, this business simulation is designed to put middle and high school students in the driver's seat of a daily operating business. After you select a location and hire a few employees, you are open for business, getting daily reports on sales and cash flow. In order to survive, students must hire and fire employees, set rates, stock shelves, and monitor the competition. Other problems include strikes, problem employees and accidents. Students can compete against each other over a local area network. The large binder includes the software, a training DVD and a browser-based tutorial for students. Other materials include an Instructor's Manual with lesson plans, answer key and a classroom poster. An assessment CD with a Quiz Generator is sold for an additional $99. Students used to bells and whistles (such as the Sims) will find the presentation to be very dry. The process, however, is nicely captured. Teachers will like the classroom management features. Note that parts of the program run through a browser that has javascript enabled; a bit of a pain. Software prices are $345 for 5-users; $795 for Lab License (up to 25 users); $1,295 for Site License (unlimited users). Other programs available include Virtual Business - Retailing 2.0 and Virtual Business - Sports.
$3455, Windows XP, Windows 98
Teaches: business management, math, economics, logic
CTR Rating: 80%