Scientifically Validated
suPlay is one of the very few procurement training methods in the world with peer-reviewed scientific proof of its effectiveness
Experimental game-based learning: A serious game experiment in purchasing and supply management
Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management · 2025
This study tested suPlay itself in a controlled experiment — making it one of the only procurement training tools with rigorous scientific evidence of its effectiveness.
Key Findings
Large-Scale Experiment
In a controlled experiment, 202 students played suPlay while 135 attended conventional lectures — providing rigorous, statistically robust evidence of the game's impact.
Superior Learning Outcomes
Students who played suPlay outperformed the lecture group in skill-related, cognitive and affective learning outcomes across nearly all measures.
Better Exam Performance
suPlay participants achieved higher examination scores than the control group — proving the game's learning effects translate to measurable academic results.
Proven Effective — Not Just Promised
Many training methods claim to be effective, but very few have been put to the test in a rigorous scientific experiment. suPlay is one of the only procurement training tools in the world for which a peer-reviewed, controlled study has demonstrated superior learning outcomes compared to traditional teaching.
In the experiment, suPlay was directly compared to conventional lectures covering the same procurement content. The results were clear: students who learned through suPlay developed stronger skills, deeper understanding and higher engagement — and ultimately performed better on their exams.
By immersing participants in realistic procurement scenarios with real competition and consequences, suPlay develops both hard skills (cost optimisation, supplier management, innovation) and soft skills (negotiation, risk assessment, teamwork) in ways that lectures simply cannot replicate.
The research was conducted at the University of Twente and published in the Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, one of the leading academic journals in the field.
Why This Matters
- suPlay itself was the subject of the experiment — not a generic game
- One of the very few procurement training tools with scientific proof of effectiveness
- Controlled experiment: suPlay vs. traditional lectures on the same content
- Measured cognitive, skill-based and affective outcomes
- suPlay participants scored higher on examinations
- Published in a top-tier purchasing & supply management journal
Experimental game-based learning: A serious game experiment in purchasing and supply management
Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management · 2025
Hear It From the Developers
EduTalks #1: Serious Gaming
How serious games go beyond entertainment and can be used to educate — featuring the story behind suPlay. 39 min.
Research conducted at
The University of Twente is one of the leading technical universities in the Netherlands, internationally recognised for its research in purchasing and supply management.
Want to experience suPlay?
Experience the only procurement training game with peer-reviewed proof of superior learning outcomes.