Loan Processing places students in the role of a bank’s mortgage lender, where they’re tasked with racing against the clock to process loan applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Working in teams, participants must balance speed and accuracy as they determine the best way to split several tasks and make key choices, all while adhering to strict processing guidelines.

Each loan has multiple steps to complete, from cataloging each loan, to various calculations, and final interest rate and approval decisions. Players can coordinate their workflow by dividing shared responsibilities, collaborating on specific tasks, or adjusting priorities as new loans arrive. Along the way, they’ll face real-world challenges such as risk assessment, error correction, and time constraints.

The simulation’s backend tracks a wide range of performance data for analysis, including accuracy rates, approval and rejection patterns, loans in progress, inventory levels, and collaboration metrics. Teams can see their progress through leaderboards, charts, and flow-rate visuals, enabling a dynamic review of how process design impacts outcomes.

Developed by Professor Christian Terwiesch, Andrew M. Heller professor in Wharton’s Operations, Information, & Decisions Department, this simulation is a fast-paced, hands-on introduction to process optimization, pushing students to create efficient workflows that maximize output without sacrificing quality.