Response to James Moore ZOIHO@ACY.DIGEX.NET
Jim: You asked about a simulation which would teach about
sub-optimization and the need to think cross-functionally. I
have created and tested such a simulation. It is a board game
called "InfoDynamics" and involves eight "players." The simulation
takes two hours. Debriefing takes another hour. Applying the
lessons to the "back-home" situation can take as long as you like. A
facilitator can run two "boards" at the same time, and people can be
doubled up at some positions, so a total of about 20 people can be
run at once.
Recently, I have had participants rate the simulation. On a ten point
scale, these were the ratings: understand bottlenecks (9.43);
promote whole system view (9.29); understand system dynamics (9.29);
promote cross-functional thinking (9.14); promote long term thinking
(8.71); understand perverse incentives to maximize local gain (8.57);
understand communication patterns (8.57); plan better measurements
(8.43).
I am very much interested in non-computer simulations for training
purposes, and invite further comment.
You can contact me via email: lfinison@tufts.opal.edu or phone
617-576-2811, and I'll be glad to share more information about the
simulations.
-- Larry Finison New England Applied Research Group 15 Day Street Cambridge, MA 02140 (for mail)Department of Community Health Tufts University School of Medicine Boston, MA