This is an annual event since 2003.

Teaching logistics at undergraduate and postgraduate level is a challenge, because many students have not been exposed to actual business operations or a real-life business environment. Organised visits to factories, warehouses and businesses enterprises help the students to form a realistic picture of the business environment, but do not always provide them with a feel for the dynamics of actual business operations.

According to Mr Wesley Niemann, a lecturer in the Department of Business Management, students gain an understanding of how a truly integrated supply chain creates value for a firm, its supply chain partners, as well as its shareholders. Students are trained how to align supply, production, distribution and demand and how to run the supply chain as an integrated whole. They experience the value of information sharing and coordination and develop a better understanding of how to leverage customer service.

The objectives of the game are to use sophisticated computerised simulation to create a realistic business environment in which competing teams are challenged to run their own businesses and achieve their business objectives. As managers, the students have to steer their businesses to success, while dealing with the realities of the broader economic environment, market dynamics, the characteristics of their industry, their company’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the actions of the other challenging teams.

The participating teams are expected to decide on a business strategy, solve typical business problems and overcome common organisational difficulties. They also have to match supply to demand, deal with marketing, analyse management information, deal with suppliers and customers and show a sustainable profit and grow in their market share.

A session runs for two consecutive days, and is usually very intense. The session is conducted in so-called decision-making cycles. A cycle covers between one and three months of business simulation, but can be as short or as long as desired, depending on the session objectives. There are teams and a coach team consisting of a facilitator and technical support staff.

“The use of simulation tools is one of the best ways to become ‘business fit’ and the students get the unique opportunity to gain years of management experience in only two days” says Mr Niemann.