To Innovate or Not to Innovate: Analysis of the Students' Strategic Decision-Making in a Simulated Environment

In the context of STEM education, particularly in engineering, a foundational emphasis is traditionally placed on solidifying theoretical knowledge. However, the dynamic nature of industry-oriented disciplines like Engineering Management necessitates a more practical approach to learning. This paper extends the understanding of such learning methods by investigating the application of simulation-based tools to teach complex concepts inherent in Engineering Management. The primary objective of this research is to analyze and understand the factors influencing students' strategic decision-making processes under these simulated, yet realistic, conditions. Furthermore, the study aims to evaluate how such simulation-based learning impacts students' comprehension of both sustaining and disruptive innovations. The results reveal a strong inclination towards disruptive technologies as key drivers of success in the simulated environment. Notable improvements in students' performance over repeated trials indicate that immersion in a simulated, practical environment substantially reinforces the theoretical concepts taught in the classroom.