Review Article

Business Simulation Games in Higher Education: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research

Table 6

Learning theories and the variable used in selected papers.

AuthorTheoriesConstructs used in study
IndependentDependent

Chen, Keys, and Gaber [44]Theory of planned behaviour [105]Behavioural intentions, enjoyment, cognitive appraisalPerceived learning outcomes
Bitrián, Buil, and Catalán [47]Flow theory [106]Boredom, flow, anxiety, apathyStudents’ perceived learning, skills, and satisfaction
Newbery et al. [89]The models of entrepreneurial intent [107]Personal attitudes, perceived behavioural control, perceived social normsEntrepreneurial intent
Tao, Yeh, and Hung [64]Problem-based gaming model [108], input-process-outcome game model [109]Student-perceived complexity level of BSGs, BSG competition outcomesDeclarative knowledge, procedural knowledge, strategic knowledge
Ellahi, Zaka, and Sultan [65]Activity theory [110]Learners’ interest, instructor roleSatisfaction and performance
Williams [66]Experiential learning theory [103]Game cycleEntrepreneurial skills, entrepreneurial attitudes
Zulfiqar et al. [68]Technology Acceptance Model [104] and theory of planned behaviour [105]Perceived business value, subjective norms, perceived behavioural controls, attitudeEntrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intentions
Buil, Catalán, and Martínez [76]Self-system model of motivational development [111]Competence, autonomy, relatedness, self-efficacyCognitive, emotional, and behavioural engagement, skill development, perceived learning
Leal-Rodriguez and Albort-Morant [79]Experiential learning theory [103]Students’ experiential learning involvement (project grade)Performance in the final exam (exams grade)
Lee, Long, and Visinescu [83]Expectancy–value theory of motivation [112]Active learning
Meaningful learning
Collaboration, subject integration
Business intelligence motivational beliefs
Pando-Garcia, Periañez-Cañadillas, and Charterina [84]Technology Acceptance Model [104]Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of useAttitude to using BSG, intention to use a BSG
Newbery et al. [89]Identity conflict theory [113]Group-level micro identity, individual micro identity, interpersonal micro identityObserved entrepreneurial identity, entrepreneurial behaviour
Torres and Augusto [90]Experiential learning theory [103]Decision styles (analytical, conceptual, directive, behavioural)Strategic competencies (strategic formulation, strategic implementation, critical analysis)
Urquidi-Martín, Tamarit-Aznar, and Sánchez-García [54]Experiential learning theory [103]Game realism, game structure, perceived usefulnessMotivation and critical thinking
Wang et al. [70]Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) [114]Performance and effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, price value and habitBehavioural intention
Zulfiqar et al. [57]Technology Acceptance Model [104]Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, technology adoptionEntrepreneurial intention and learning performance