NOTES FOR VERSION 12

The primary objective with this version of SBG was to create a more flexible instructional tool.  The student reports contain a wealth of data. Using this information was either impractical or impossible because it took far too much time to reenter data into a spreadsheet format.  SBG 12 now produces a csv file for each bank that can be emailed to students and easily copied into a spreadsheet. It contains all of the information in the student reports - over 2000 pieces of accounting, economic, and competitive data.  Once copied into a spreadsheet instructors can write student templates that utilize the data to create the type of information bankers and regulators use today.  This feature allows instructors to change both the type and form of the information students work with during the simulation exercise by using student templates - and this opens up new instructional possibilities of what can be done with the model (See Beta Sample spreadsheet with 19 templates available for download).  As users begin to see the potential of this feature we hope to add templates on a variety of topics such as VAR, ALCO, Cash Management, and Basil II.

 The actual changes to the SBG computer model are minor and current users of SBG 11 can continue to use the game they way they have in the past with only very small changes if they choose.  In some ways the new game will be easier for undergraduates.  The hedging feature was totally redone and the instructor can automate the hedge ( students have no hedge decision) or allow a student hedging decision.  At the student level this just simplifies the mechanics of how students determine the number of contracts to sell - if allowed they adjust the automated calculation by a percentage.  Instructors can use this feature to either delay or eliminate hedging.  FASB 133 was implemented.  This was mostly cosmetic as version 11 included this but it was done outside the regular income statement.  A few bugs that have gone unnoticed for decades were fixed.

 You can download copies and samples of everything including the new   SBG 12 installer.  This installs a partially operational ( it only runs the 2.2 quarter) International version of the game.  SBG 12 has been converted from a 16 to a 32 bit program and the installer is an executable program that we cannot email.   You do not need this unless you have a commercial license or intend to participate in beta testing.  After installing we can email a working version of the SBG program provided your e-mail server does not block attachments as is often the case.  The simple answer is to open a free e-mail account with someone like Yahoo.

We hope to have a www version of SBG by late. 2008.  Students will enter their own data and the files will then be available for download.  Instructors will still control the game in the same way they currently do with the software.  US Students will pay a per student fee by credit card to use the SBG software.  Offshore users will have other payment options.  Once operational, there will no longer be a license requirement unless there is a need for the actual software.  All pricing will be based on per student use of the software.   NOTE most US academic licenses are void when we formally announce the availability of a useable www version of SBG 12 and users are required to discontinue use of their software and switch to the web version.  Commercial and continuing education users still must have a commercial usage license.