Teaching a Business Analytics Course with RealGame: An Educator’s Perspective

A Decade with RealGame: From Offline to Online

Teaching business analytics requires more than just theoretical knowledge; it demands practical, real-world applications. Markku Rajala, a lecturer at Turku University of Applied Sciences, has been using RealGame for over a decade, integrating it as the core of his Business Intelligence and Business Analytics course. His experience highlights the power of simulation-based learning and how RealGame provides students with invaluable hands-on experience.

Bridging the Gap Between Simulation and Reality

Rajala first encountered RealGame more than ten years ago when it was still an offline version. Over time, he has seen it evolve into a powerful online learning tool.

"I got to know RealGame quite a long time ago, actually at the time when it wasn't an online version at all. It was over 10 years ago."

His extensive background in global supply chain operations allowed him to recognize RealGame’s ability to mirror real-world industry challenges. "Even though it was a simulated world, it reflected quite nicely the real world as well... Seeing that type of things and getting those kinds of experiences for the students, even in a simulated world, brings a big portion of learning experiences."

Keeping Students Engaged: Learning Through Ownership

Markku Rajala emphasizes that a major challenge in digital teaching tools is maintaining student engagement. In his experience, RealGame successfully captivates students by requiring continuous problem-solving and decision-making.

"The most engaging simulated worlds are those tactical video games that youngsters play for years. RealGame is like that—it engages students because they need to be on top of the game all the time in order to achieve good results."

This high level of engagement fosters a deep sense of ownership among students.

"Every time I have this course, I see it in the students' eyes—they are engaged with their own company. They say, ‘This is my company. We are planning to make a profitable business.’"

RealGame at the Core of Business Analytics Course

Rajala has made RealGame the central component of his Business Intelligence and Business Analytics course, where students play the simulation and analyze the resulting data.

"The heart of the course is RealGame itself. Students play the game, and then we analyze the data that comes from the gaming session."

From Gameplay to Data Analysis: A Structured Learning Approach

He also ensures that the learning experience is structured with clear assessment criteria.

"For the whole course, I give them only one big assignment: they need to analyze the data produced by the gaming sessions. I provide specific criteria—for example, a Level 5 means students analyze the data thoroughly and add their own insights beyond sales figures," Rajala says.

Student Reactions: Excitement and Immersion

Student reactions to RealGame have been overwhelmingly positive.

"Usually, the feedback is: ‘Why didn’t we play more?’ Every time I close a session, students shout, ‘Don’t do it yet! We have big business decisions coming up in half an hour!’"

This excitement is a testament to the game’s ability to immerse students in real-world decision-making scenarios. "It activates students to think. They need to solve problems by themselves, and that’s the biggest value of the game."

Challenges and Considerations in Implementing RealGame

Although integrating a new tool into teaching can be daunting, the lecturer believes RealGame is well worth the effort. "The only challenge is reserving time for students to learn the game’s logic. It takes some time for them to grasp it fully, but once they do, the learning experience is incredibly rewarding."

Enhancing Analytical Skills with Real-World Data Manipulation

RealGame provides a high-quality data environment that enhances students’ analytical skills. "The data from the game is excellent because it requires manipulation before it can be properly analyzed. This mimics real-world business challenges, where raw data often needs to be processed before use."

The Value of Simulation-Based Learning: Markku’s Perspective

For Rajala, RealGame is more than just a teaching tool—it’s an interactive experience that enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world business understanding.

"It activates learning. Students need to resolve problems by themselves, and that’s what makes it so valuable."

By bridging the gap between theory and practice, RealGame equips students with the skills they need to succeed in their future careers. If you’re an educator looking for a dynamic way to teach business analytics, RealGame could be the perfect solution.

This post was prepared by the RealGame Business Simulations Team

RealGame provides real-time, interactive business simulations for business management, supply chain, logistics, entrepreneurship, operations, and data analytics. Our cloud-based simulations offer hands-on experience with real-world business scenarios, helping learners understand the direct impact of their decisions. Scalable for both online and onsite learning, RealGame bridges theory and practice, equipping participants with critical decision-making and problem-solving skills essential for today’s fast-changing business landscape.