Impact of the Implementation of the Business Simulator on the Skills Development of UnISCED Students

Abstract

This article discusses the impact of implementing a business simulator on the development of skills among students at the Open University ISCED in Mozambique, with the aim of fostering high-quality university education. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the business simulator's implementation on the development of students' competencies, skills developed in the System of Business Practices and Entrepreneurship (SPEE) provided by the Institute of Technologies and Services and Innovation (ITIS), a partner of UnISCED. The study involved 124 students from the Human Resource Management and Business Management courses. Primary data were collected through online questionnaires (Google Forms), interviews conducted online via Google Meet, and the direct observation method through in loco monitoring during online sessions. The results indicate a positive perception among students regarding the simulator's effectiveness in enhancing their practical and theoretical skills, despite technical difficulties encountered. The implications for higher education in Mozambique are discussed, along with the study's limitations and suggestions for future research.