Game—Introduction to Reverse Auctions: The BucknellAuto Game

A reverse auction is a common way of executing supply chain sourcing. This article presents a spreadsheet-based game, the BucknellAuto game, that simulates the bidding process in a reverse auction. Students play the seller role and vie for the buyer's demand request by bidding against the automated competitors. The BucknellAuto game allows students to experientially learn not only the competitive bidding process of the reverse auction but also the implications of the auction parameters on the bidding competitiveness. The BucknellAuto game serves as a pedagogical tool for efficiently and effectively introducing the reverse auction to undergraduate students in a fun and interactive way.