Category: Education

Case Simulations = Case Studies + Market Simulations. Case Simulations are flexible. They can supplement lectures, textbooks, assignments, and class discussions according to the needs of the instructor and the learning styles of the students.

In 2002 a price war broke out between McDonald’s, Burger King, and other USA fast-food hamburger restaurants. This Case Simulation offers a case study of those market dynamics and suggests questions for class discussion. A software simulated replica of the 2002 fast-food hamburger market is then presented. Students are asked to use the provided data analytics tools to analyze the simulation and answer pertinent questions of interest to the business leaders involved. A final challenge asks students to extend the market simulation to test an outstanding hypothesis.

Bruce Springsteen performed his Springsteen on Broadway show from October 2017 to December 2018 in an intimate, 960-seat, theater on Broadway. An online “Verified Fan” system discouraged scalpers and kept tickets off the secondary market. This Case Simulation provides both a case study of the concert and a software simulated model of the market for tickets. Students are asked to analyze the market and optimize prices in the model.

In the early 1980’s Marriott Corporation used a statistical survey to design a new chain of hotels. The result was the Courtyard by Marriott. This Case Simulation provides a case study of Marriott’s research, and a software simulated model of the hotel market. The case study includes a high-level overview of conjoint analysis. Students then use the simulated model to design Marriott’s new chain of hotels.

Foodie’s Urban Market is a small grocery store in Boston’s South End that successfully competes against much larger, nearby rivals. Stocking their limited shelf space with a smart product assortment is essential when serving South End’s diverse community. This Case Simulation provides both a case study of the changing business environment for grocery stores, and a software simulated model of Foodie’s market dynamics. Students are asked to optimize the product assortments presented in the model.