Engaging Business Simulation 'Textile Market' Successfully Hosted at ASU for BMM Participants
The Institute of Exact Sciences and Digital Technologies at Adyghe State University hosted a business simulation game, "Textile Market," as part of the Big Mathematical Workshop . The activity aimed at developing students' practical skills in interacting with customers, developing product thinking, and effective communication in an environment as close as possible to real business processes. Participants learned to identify needs, work in a team, and make decisions within a limited budget.
"Theoretical knowledge is important, but developing sustainable skills is impossible without practical experience. Game-based formats allow workshop participants to immerse themselves in a realistic situation and develop communication skills through action," emphasized Victoria Buchatskaya , Director of the Institute of Exact Sciences and Digital Technologies at ASU .
The game featured four teams and four experts, each acting according to their own story and needs. The participants' task was to use clarifying questions to identify the expert's needs and offer them textile products with specified characteristics, such as color, material, seasonality, and other factors. The teams had a production budget, and all financial transactions—the accrual of bonuses for completed transactions and the movement of funds—were recorded in a specially developed digital service. Dashboards allowed the participants to monitor their performance in real time, while the experts could quickly execute transactions and award bonuses. The team with the most points won.
The game format was chosen deliberately: soon, the workshop participants will have their first plenary session, where they will present their work to clients. The business game served as a kind of "rehearsal"—an opportunity to hone their communication and argumentation skills before working on real projects.
Organizational and methodological support for the game was provided by Elena Bezglasnaya, an expert in the field of technological entrepreneurship .
All activities are being implemented within the framework of ASU's development program, whose key focus is technological leadership. The "Big Mathematical Workshop" project trains a new type of specialist, skilled in product thinking, customer service, and modern technology.
"The Large Mathematical Workshop equips participants with key product thinking skills—interacting with clients and using technology effectively. This project occupies a key place in the development program and is of strategic importance for the Institute of Exact Sciences and Digital Technologies," concluded Victoria Buchatskaya.