From: Gary.Davis@f2.n255.z1.fidonet.org (Gary Davis)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.comp.literacy
Subject: MAIN$TREET BLURB (=BUMPH)
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 92 15:41:24 PDT
Organization: FidoNet node 1:255/2 - NEWBED, Fredericton NB

                                                                       
                           Main$treet
                    ------------------------
                    small business simulator
 
     Main$treet is a realistic simulator of competition among
small businesses for use in schools, universities and other
teaching environments.  We have found that it appeals to a wide
age range, from about 11 years old to adults.  It has been used
by students in junior high schools, high schools, and at
universities.  It has been tried by university professors and
school teachers from Canada, the United States, Great Britain and
elsewhere, and comments have been very favourable.  It can be
used individually for self instruction or entertainment.
 
     In Main$treet the computer generates between 5 and 10
different firms.  The user chooses one and manages it in
competition with the others.  All of the computer's firms try to
improve their competitive positions, with different degrees of
success.
 
     Firms in Main$treet Version 1.10 compete in the retail
consumer electronics business in a small city.  Other industries
and market environments are contemplated, and we have had
discussions with someone interested in developing a hospital
administration simulator.  The user interface we developed can be
adapted to many other applications, such as simulated science
experiments and tutorials in many subjects.  Multimedia versions
are contemplated.
 
     As in real life, "winning" or "losing" in Main$treet is
relative to the performance of other firms and to the manager's
objectives.  Repeated use of Main$treet reinforces appropriate
management techniques.  Highly motivated and advanced students
can learn more by exploring and analyzing the simulator more
deeply.
  
     Students who own an ms-dos computer will be able to take
Main$treet home with them for practice.  Our experience indicates
that they will want to because Main$treet is fun to use while
still emphasizing important managerial concepts.
 
     Main$treet is easy to use.  Only a small user's manual is
required, and it is quite easy to catch on to Main$treet without
the manual by experimentation thanks to its menu-driven
operations.  Information is available within Main$treet to help
students make decisions.  Some information will cost "money", but
some is "free".  Information costs vary realistically depending
on its value.
 
     Finances in Main$treet are kept relatively simple.  This is
done to put emphasis on the aspects of Main$treet that promote
learning of the essentials of managing a business in a
competitive environment.  (Complications may be added in a later
version, but we have found that they do not have much additional
educational value for our purposes.)
 
     Employees can be interviewed and hired or fired.  
 
     Input will be through menus, by using a mouse (optional) or
through the keyboard.  Very little typing is required.
 
     Unexpected events, all with educational value, occur
randomly from time to time, to reinforce positive managerial
behaviour, such as buying insurance.  Students will learn the
importance of such decisions by experience.

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