Operations Simulation

Introduction

In this operations management simulation, student teams take strategic decisions through the value chain in order to become efficient, competitive, and offer value to their customers. This management simulation provides a systematic way of looking at an organisation’s processes, to grasp a better understanding of the principles of operations management and supply chain management.

Students become Operations Managers

In the Operations Management simulation, students work in teams in the Operations function of their company. Students need to determine which management role each of them will play in the simulation before deciding upon a business plan. 

Once the teams are assembled, roles are assigned, and their strategy has been launched, student teams then need to compete against one another during each round to earn points on the ranking list - each round is equal to one year of operations. Points are awarded to teams based on their overall strategy and their decisions during each round to improve the operations performance of their company. These decisions should be aligned to their set SMART objectives they set themselves in their business plan and points are awarded to those for both meeting targets - the higher the target the more the reward! 

learning outcomes

• Students develop a clear understanding of operations and operations management
• Students are able to identify the different roles and responsibilities of operation managers.
• Students can identify and create operational and administrative processes.
• Students develop a better understanding of lean production, asset - and cost management.
• Students are able to describe the different parts of the value chain, and the interplay between the various functional areas within the business environment.
• Students are able to apply ‘queuing management’ principles and consider ‘order qualifiers’ and how these elements relate to efficiency and customer value.

assessment ideas and examples

The Operations Management simulation could be assessed in different ways. Below are the options that are used most frequently:

• Create an individual reflection report on what students have achieved and what they have learnt from the simulation.
• Written report in which students write down each round what decisions they have taken and what they believe the outcomes will be. They reflect on the decisions made in the previous round and continue this process throughout the simulation.
• Prepare a presentation (to virtual stakeholders) and explain the decisions the team made.
• The ranking list could become a component of the assessment. But not on its own. It should be combined with either a reflection report or written report.