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An interactive computer simulation which gives
participants experience of working at general management level where the work
of several functions must be integrated to support the business. Participants
manufacture a product which can be sold into four different markets, each with
its own distinctive pattern of behaviour. Strategic planning is essential and
depends on accurate forecasts and careful analysis of costs and contribution.
The exercise is designed for groups of 3-6 members each with six teams in each
league. The exercise requires between five and twelve hours, which can be split
into discrete time periods, depending on the objectives set.
OBJECTIVE
The exercise will:
- illustrate how good planning impacts on financial
performance;
- provide practice in obtaining and using control
data;
- foster the exchange of ideas at a sophisticated
level;
- improve co-operative management skill.
HOW IT WORKS
The tutor can introduce the game either by handing out the necessary data and
informing players when their first decisions are required or, by handing out the
decisions made by the outgoing management and asking for comments on the likely
outcome. After the players have discussed the decisions the tutor can hand out
the ‘actual’ results and allow the players to compare the two and thereby
increase their understanding of the game before they start making real
decisions. Once
introduced to the game each participant should be given a copy of the player’s
instructions. These describe the present situation of a company that makes a single
product and sells into four different markets. The product is a component part
of a larger item and is therefore sold to manufacturers as original equipment,
and also to the public and the trade as a replacement part. Both types of sale
take place in a notional home market (where it has an advantage) and in an overseas
market (where all teams compete on equal terms). The teams make decisions about
production, marketing and staffing policies, enter them onto a decision form and
hand them to the tutor. The tutor enters the decision into the computer which
provides feedback to the teams on their performance.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL BE DOING
Studying written data about an imaginary company and its situation; debating alternative
strategies; making decisions and entering these on a form; analysing the computer
generated financial and operational reports that chart the company’s performance
each month.
FOR WHAT LEVELS IS IT APPROPRIATE?
Junior and middle managers. Students of business and management.
INCLUDED
Tutor manual; Players instructions; Program disc and all supporting documentation
COST
90 day license version £490 plus VAT and delivery
Full license version £890.00 plus Vat and delivery
CONSULTANCY VERSION
Includes a copy of the packaged game and tutor backup on the first day the exercise
is used costs £890 plus VAT and expenses. More
details
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