EduSynergy: A simulation-based change management experience for higher education institutions

Abstract

Although higher educational institutions are increasingly faced with demands for deep changes and innovations, they have a very distinctive culture which makes rapid change difficult. In order to address this challenge, we have developed and validated a new multimedia, team-based simulation, EduSynergy, which provides a rich, realistic experience of a change management project in a university setting, including individual behaviours, group dynamics and cultural factors. Feedback from 375 workshop participants indicates that the simulation is realistic, and 90% believe that it contributes to their understanding of change management more effectively than a lecture. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.