Education and Simulation of Best Value in an International Academic Setting: A Case Study

An innovative application of the Best Value (BV) business model to an international academic setting is tested via a simulation at an International Engineering University in Italy. The BV business model is applied in a Project Management (PM) course via educational sessions and a group project. The ensuing simulation provides a testament to the following characteristics of BV as: 1)instructive; 2)transformative; 3)flexible; and 4)multicultural. The performance information as a result of utilizing BV concepts in the course curriculum and group project is presented, reveling that, compared to previous years, the project was clearer, evaluations saved time, evaluations limited subjectivity, and the students’ performance increased overall. The BV business model contributed to positive transformative learning experiences for students and instructors.