A recent study by Jixu Zhu and Xiaoshi Chen from SEGi University explores the quality assessment of interdisciplinary virtual simulation training programmes for economics and management students. Presented at the International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (HCII 2024) and published in the Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Volume 14712), the research focuses on evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness of virtual simulation training programmes in higher education.
The study aimed to identify challenges in talent cultivation for economics and management programmes and to propose improvements based on students’ experiences. The researchers developed a quality assessment index system using a combination of methodologies, including:
- Literature Research Method and the Delphi Method to create the assessment framework.
- Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate the quality of the programmes in various universities.
The index system comprised:
- 4 first-level indicators
- 14 second-level indicators
- 47 third-level indicators
The assessment revealed that 3 first-level indicators, 6 second-level indicators, and 21 third-level indicators significantly impacted the quality of interdisciplinary virtual simulation programmes.
Based on these findings, the researchers identified key areas for improvement:
- Enhancing Project Management Mechanisms – Ensuring structured and efficient programme delivery.
- Standardising Training Processes – Establishing clear guidelines for practical training.
- Encouraging Teaching Reform and Innovation – Adopting new methods to improve learning outcomes.
- Introducing Experiential Teaching Modes – Creating engaging and immersive learning experiences.
- Exploring Diversified Assessment Methods – Incorporating multiple evaluation techniques to assess student performance.
- Building Collaborative Learning Platforms – Facilitating mutual support among students to improve learning outcomes.
The study underscores the importance of using student-centred approaches to improve the quality of virtual simulation training. By leveraging comprehensive quality assessment tools, universities can better prepare students for the complexities of real-world economic and management challenges.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals