Simulation and Game-based Lean Training.

A popular form of participatory active training methods in the education of professionals and executives are simulations and game-based teaching methods. These approaches are ideal to teach Lean Management, focusing on knowledge transfer rather than studying plane theory. The application of Lean Management is much focused on practice, but not memory. Still a critical assessment of existing simulation and game-based Lean Training methods in this field has been lacking. Limited information is available on simulation and game-based Lean training of executive and professionals. Thus, a web-based search was conducted using a set of key words and logical relations among them and constraints on them. A total of 49 different simulations and games were identified and classified according to their emphasis on standalone lean tools or the overall lean philosophy, the area of application, the manifestation, number of iterations and the consideration of soft-skills. The majority lacks a stress on soft-skills and concentrate on single tools to be used in production. The number of findings concentrating on an application in offices resp. administration is dwindling. Only few are designed for online usage and most are fairly abstract, which requires the participants to be familiar with abstraction and the aspects of Lean tools. Authentic and realistic simulators and games are missing in professional and executive education. Future directions for the improvement of lean simulation design are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]