Senior on-campus economic students participated in two simulations creating badges to compare command and market economic conditions.
In the first simulation the government dictated every aspect of production. Traci Cox and Karla Morelas unwillingly show the badge they created under the command conditions. The students were so frustrated with the government in the first simulation, they were asking to move before the simulation was even complete!
The students then moved to another country where they created badges under the conditions of a market economy, in which they had economic freedom, competition and a profit motive.
The students were able to conclude that when all the production decisions are dictated by the government, as is the case in command economies, the result is unmotivated workers and shoddy products. Whereas the products created under the conditions of a market economy result in higher quality products, a variety of products and a happier work environment.
Lizabeth Morelas, Dylan Calhoun and Tara Halsey show off the badge they created under the market conditions. The students always enjoy the active learning that simulations provide.
