ABSEL's annual conference is a meeting place for professionals to exchange information and network with colleagues who are dedicated to teaching business through innovative and effective methods. Academicians and professionals from all areas of business are invited to submit papers for presentation and/or demonstration.  ABSEL welcomes papers that present, critique, and promote empirical and qualitative research, theoretical models, and innovations in practice that relate to teaching and learning.  Student participation in ABSEL is also encouraged.

Submission Deadline: Monday, November 3, 2008

ABSEL is a professional organization that focuses on learning methodologies that include but are not limited to the use of simulations, experiential learning activities, cases, and multimedia and web-based technologies. First organized in 1974, ABSEL has been at the forefront of developing and assessing business simulations and experiential learning activities. ABSEL has an interdisciplinary and global membership, and has associations with ISAGA, JASAG, and NASAGA. 

 ABSEL 2009  Tracks

The 2009 ABSEL conference program is organized according to four tracks: Experiential, Simulation, Online Education, and Business Game Participation

The experiential track focuses on the development, application, and research associated with interactive, experiential learning activities relevant to higher education and professional training. The Experiential Track Chair is Elizabeth Murff - ejtmurff@ewu.edu.

The simulation track focuses on the development, application, and research associated with business simulations and business gaming. The Simulation Track Chair is  Chris Scherpereel - chris.scherpereel@nau.edu.

The online education track focuses on the development, application, and research associated with distance education, web-based learning, and related use of new technologies in the business curriculum. The On-line Education Track Chair is Janet M. Duck - jmd226@psu.edu.

The Business Game Participation track will allow conferences attendees to actually participate in Simulations that can be completed within a two-hour time frame. For information on this track contact Dick Teach - dick.teach@mgt.gatech.edu
 

ABSEL 2009:  Types of Sessions

ABSEL conference sessions are informative and engaging. In preparing submissions, authors should consider the type of session that best characterizes their intended presentation at the conference. 

Paper Presentation:

At the conference, authors provide an overview of their work, followed by a discussion and/or question-and-answer period.  Papers should represent completed, original work.  Qualitative and quantitative research, theoretical papers, case studies, and literature reviews are welcome. 

Interactive Session:

Authors of papers that describe interesting or unique approaches to learning may choose to conduct an interactive session or workshop during the conference. In addition to a cover page and abstract, an interactive session paper should describe 1) Basic data: The objective(s) of the session, target audience, time needed (including debriefing/discussion time), targeted number of participants, materials required, equipment required, and the room setup; 2) Theoretical framework and/or relevant constructs; 3) Pedagogical implications and/or outcomes of the activity; and 4) Implementation guidelines, including modifications for different time constraints or audiences, notes to the facilitator, and discussion points.  Supporting materials such as handouts may be provided in an appendix. 

Panel Discussion:

In a panel discussion, a panel chairperson and three to five panelists present information, interact with each other, and interact with the audience.  A panel discussion proposal should 1) identify the panel chairperson (who will serve as a moderator for the discussion), 2) list the names, background qualifications (in relation to the proposed topic), and contribution of each panelist, 3) describe the anticipated format for the discussion, and the time requirements for the session,  4) describe the questions, issues, or concepts that will be addressed by panel, and 5) explain the anticipated outcomes or goals associated with the panel discussion. 

Roundtable Discussion:

The typical format for a roundtable discussion is to have one to three experts for a specified topic serve as hosts for a “table.” Session participants engage these experts in a discussion focused on the proposed topic.  Proposals should 1) provide a description of the focal topic, 2) list the names and relevant background of the experts who will serve as hosts at the roundtable, and 3) describe the needs and/or goals of the targeted audience for this discussion. 

Demonstration:

The purpose of a demonstration is to provide current information and to educate the audience about a topic.  For example, demonstrations might show how a specific case study can be used in a course, provide an update on a specific technique, demonstrate new software or other technology used in a course, or describe how knowledge from another discipline can be applied to a problem or topic relevant to business education.  Descriptions of commercial products are not appropriate for demonstration sessions. 

ABSEL 2009: Submission Information

Submissions should represent original work of the submitting author(s), and will be evaluated using a blind review process, except for roundtables. At least one author of an accepted submission must register for and present the work at the conference. Papers accepted for presentation at the conference are also published in Developments in Business Simulation & Experiential Exercises (the annual proceedings of ABSEL, which is archived in the Bernie Keys Library CD).

Each submission should follow submission guidelines as outlined on the ABSEL website, www.absel.org. Submissions are due by Monday, November 3, 2008.