Rebecca Christianson
Manager, Quality Service Education
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI 49931
e-mail rwchrist@mtu.edu
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Host's Note:
I'll respond to this one. The beer game is a multi-person board game
created at MIT quite a while ago. It illustrates the effect of "The
System" on results -- Most teams experience performance worse than they
desire, despite trying hard, as a result of delays in the system and
other structures. Players feel the frustrations of trying to play their
role when the system is sub-optimal.
Game is played by teams of 4-8 people, several teams playing at the same
time is best; can be done for very large groups (we've done up to 500
people).
The game has lasted so long because it hits people at a visceral level.
I've met people who remember years later their experience in "The Beer
Game."
The game is described in detail in Senge's _The Fifth Discipline_ in one
of the early chapters.
The Beer Game is available for modest cost with little support from MIT.
We at Innovation Associates can provide game materials, instructor guide,
instructor training & certification, and support (Contact Bill Latshaw at
IA, phone & fax below). There are other sources as well.
Richard Karash ("Rick") | (o) 508-879-8301 | Mac * Flying
Innovation Associates, Inc. | (fax) 508-626-2205 | Systems Thinking
3 Speen St, Framingham MA 01701 | rkarash@world.std.com | Std. Disclaimer