Real-world problem solving meets the safety of a simulated environment

Role play is a dynamic teaching strategy where students assume professional roles to collaboratively solve complex problems. This immersive approach pushes students to analyze real-world information, think critically, and engage with others as decision-makers. In this example, students simulate a consulting engagement with a small business client, only to be challenged halfway through with new, disruptive information—forcing them to adapt their strategies in real-time.

Role play is best used when:

• Students need to practice professional communication and problem-solving

• Instructors want to simulate real-world ambiguity and multi-stakeholder dynamics

• Faculty aim to assess both technical understanding and interpersonal collaboration

It fits especially well during:

• Consulting, operations, or strategy modules

• Activities following case-based or data-driven preparation

• Courses emphasizing decision-making under changing conditions

In this activity, students are given roles in a real-world business challenge. They act out a scenario using prior research, live discussion, and iterative problem-solving.

The process is:

1) Pre-Class Preparation (BEFORE CLASS)

• Students receive folders with annual reports, customer testimonials, and performance data

• They review materials individually to understand the business context

2) Initial Role Play (15 MINUTES)

• One student acts as the founder of a struggling East Village wine bar

• The other is the consultant tasked with diagnosing and proposing solutions

• Students discuss customer behavior, sales patterns, and operational challenges

• A proposal is developed, such as moving an unused air fryer to test a new appetizer offering

3) Disruption and Iteration (15 MINUTES)

• Instructor introduces a sudden constraint: the air fryer breaks and cannot be replaced

• Students receive a Profit & Loss statement and must revisit their plan

• New solutions—like partnering with a ghost kitchen—are discussed and refined

Role play is effective because it:

• Encourages active learning through doing rather than observing

• Builds adaptability by simulating unpredictable, real-world challenges

• Reinforces course concepts like stakeholder alignment, operational constraints, and revenue strategy

• Develops soft skills like negotiation, persuasion, and reflective listening

• Requires students to justify decisions with evidence and pivot when necessary

Through role play, students don’t just learn strategic thinking—they practice it.