In the Project Management module in the Business and Organizational Sociology and Business Administration courses, students are working in self-organized project teams in the current summer semester 2025 on the task of creating game-based approaches (gamification) for imparting knowledge and skills in project management training. On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the students invite students to a “Games Fair” as the project conclusion and public highlight of the module.
The campuls-digital editorial team spoke to the project team about how the idea for the “Games Fair” came about, who can take part in the event and how it works.
How did the idea for the “Games Fair” come about and what is behind the concept?
Tina Wiegand: “In this semester’s project management module, students are working in self-organized project teams on the task of creating game-based approaches (gamification) for imparting knowledge and skills in project management training. The Games Fair is intended to be the conclusion and public highlight of the module. Here, the teams presented their games at individual stands, explained the game mechanics, had the games they had developed tested by real people and received direct feedback on their project results.
Didactic background: The open, hands-on format of the module not only promotes specialist knowledge, but also important key skills such as teamwork, time management, target group orientation and communication skills. By taking real responsibility for a product and presenting it at a public event, students should experience more self-efficacy and personal responsibility than would be the case in traditional presentations to fellow students. The direct feedback from the test subjects also reinforces the learning process – in a fun, practical and sustainable way.”
What exactly can participants expect at the event – how do the business games work?
William Rothe: “The guests at the event can play one or two business games. These were designed by the ‘Project Management’ course as part of the course and will celebrate their premiere on 26.06.2025, as they can be tested for the first time on this day. The respective developers of the games will explain the rules to the test participants and supervise the games. Participants can look forward to simulation games related to project management, some of which have been implemented physically and some digitally. The testers can look forward to interesting games, refreshments and an impressive evening.”
What goals are you pursuing with the “Games Fair” – both for the participants and for you as a project team?
Benedikt Benesch: “For us, the main aim of the Games Fair is to apply the knowledge acquired in the project management lectures to a real project. Our aim is to successfully implement this project.
The Games Fair should offer participants the opportunity to gain a practical insight into the world of project management in a fun way. In addition to learning success, the focus is also on the fun factor and the motivation to learn new things.”
Who can take part – and why should they take part?
Lucia Rietsch: “Basically, everyone is invited – we are particularly happy to welcome students and people who have had little contact with project management so far. The games we have developed are designed to convey content in a fun and easy-to-understand way. So you don’t need any prior knowledge, just a desire to try something new.
In order to be able to plan better, you should register in advance using the link or QR code. As a test person, you can of course also come spontaneously.
It’s definitely worth taking part: the Games Fair offers the opportunity to test creative
To test creative educational games yourself and gain exciting insights into topics such as teamwork
Teamwork, time planning and communication. And all this in a relaxed
Atmosphere, without a lot of theory. At the same time, the participants support the
Project teams with their feedback and thus actively contribute to the further development of the games.
It’s mutual learning – practical, interactive and fun.”
Were there any particular challenges or highlights during the project?
Emma Fehr: “During the planning of our “Games Fair” event, we were confronted with various challenges. These included, in particular, providing a sufficient number of game testers, organizing suitable premises and keeping to our tight schedule. However, thanks to our excellent teamwork and open, effective communication, we were able to successfully overcome these difficulties and are confident that the event will be a success.”
Will there be an opportunity to provide feedback or further develop the business games after the event?
Luisa Böhmer: “As part of the Games Fair, there will be an opportunity to evaluate both the individual simulation games and the event as a whole. This feedback will be incorporated into the grading of the simulation game developers and organizers. The aim is to be able to assess the comprehensibility of the games and the quality of the organization from the participants’ perspective in as differentiated a way as possible. In addition, the developer teams compete against each other in a competition: Based on the feedback from the test subjects, the simulation game with the best overall rating is awarded a prize.
Further development or continuation of the developed games is currently not planned, as the organization of the Games Fair is a temporary project.”
Click here to register for the “Games Fair”
