Simulation models as an aid for the teaching and learning process in operations management

As the focus of the teaching-learning process moves from teaching to learning, the need for a better understanding by teachers of the psychology of learning increases in relevance. Many studies have proved the differences between students\´ learning styles which leads to the need for different approaches to be adopted when teaching a subject. We offer a brief review of learning styles to show how games can be applied, particularly in operations management. It also proposes a taxonomy for games in operations management to finally focus on its application to DOSM - Didactic Operation Simulation Model. After formally defining DOSM, some practical models are shown. These experiments showed its effectiveness as an instructional technique to "teaching around the cycle".