[163] 433 07 may · august 2007 · esic market Using casual loop diagramming to represent the factors affecting learning for students using a business simulation game Jonathan Moizer Jonathan Lean Mike Towler Gordon Smith Plymouth Business School University of Plymouth Abstract The paper explores the interactions and dynamics associated with stu- dents’ learning about business strategy using a computer-based simulation game. Developed from student interviews, a causal loop diagram is pre- sented which distills the relationships between the key learning variables. The diagram demonstrates that reinforcing behavior is at work in the lear- ning process, with students being caught up in either a virtuous or vicious cycle of learning. A key determinant of the path followed by students is module design which is inherently linked to both students’ motivation to play the game and their understanding of the associations between strate- gizing and resulting business performance. Keywords: Simulation, learning, business strategy, causal loop diagram. JEL Code: M00 General. Moizer, Jonathan; Lean, Jonathan; Towler, Mike and Smith, Gordon (2007). ”Using casual loop diagramming to repre- sent the factors affecting learning for students using a business simulation game”. EsicMarket, 123, pp. 161-177.