IMS

The International Management Simulation is a business game in which the participant experiences the dynamics of running a large production company with as main issues of interest logistics and finance. The complexity of this simulation mainly lies in the alignment of the several lines of production where there are many variables to be influenced. Also in the field of finance there are many deci...

The International Management Simulation is a business game in which the participant experiences the dynamics of running a large production company with as main issues of interest logistics and finance. The complexity of this simulation mainly lies in the alignment of the several lines of production where there are many variables to be influenced. Also in the field of finance there are many decisions that need to be made.

Case

Together in a team, the participants represent the Management of VideoSuper, a manufacturer of three high-tech products. To strengthen their market position, the participants shall need to decide on:

• Production: purchase and storage of natural resources, (temporary) machine capacity;
• Marketing sales groups, quality, price, promotion, credit facilities, transactions;
• Personnel recruitment, wages and salaries, turnover, labour conditions, temporary staffing;
• Financing: investing, financing credit limits, issuing shares, paying dividends;
• R&D: improving quality and efficiency.

A team competes against four other teams in a particular branch. Co-operation is possible by investing together with other teams in the improvement in efficiency or by selling end products to each other. Furthermore, the participants will come to deal with certain unexpected events. These events could have such a major impact on their management, that it may necessitate strategic reorientation. Examples could be a major drop in market demand, a personnel strike or a recall of a product. Ultimately, the success of the teams will be judged based on the criteria: increase per market share, cumulative profit, market shares, continuity and dividend paid out.

Additional programme segments

It is possible to introduce additional assignments to the simulation such as:

• Writing and presenting a business plan;
• Recalling a product order;;
• Team role assignments.

Execution

The simulation comprises a minimum of five sessions. These may be concentrated in two days or spread out over a longer term. Prior to the actual simulation, it is possible to play one or two trial rounds. This will allow the participants to become acquainted with the simulation and the related procedure. The simulation may be followed either from a distance via Internet or on location. The former is ideally suited for long term usage, whereas the latter is more often implemented during simulations lasting a few days. The simulation is available both in the Dutch as well as the English language.

Educational requirements

The simulation is suitable for a great variety of target groups with an HBO (upper secondary educational) level. Some familiarity with Business economics is desired.

Objectives

• Insight into integrated management and the relation between different disciplines;
• Experimenting with strategic decisions in an international environment;
• Teambuilding.

Monitoring

Representatives from Simenco will function as monitors / supervisors and see to assisting the participants regarding the content and operation. Depending on the targets set, the monitors can provide added assistance in a special field or discipline (e.g. marketing, finance, group dynamics).