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I like this idea, but what is the ultimate lesson, other than "chaos ensues, and it's nobody's fault in particular" ? I mean, it doesn't seem to provide any gu

I like this idea, but what is the ultimate lesson, other than "chaos ensues, and it's nobody's fault in particular" ? I mean, it doesn't seem to provide any guidance on how to actually solve these problems, only make you aware that they exist. Usually a "flight simulator" experience would address that side of things, too. I suppose a worthwhile takeaway is "don't be so quick to blame others," which is good for keeping humility, but that doesn't address the mechanics side of things.

Jtsummers 4y ago
Systems have properties beyond individual actor choices or actions. If it causes harm (bullwhip effect here), identify the systemic factors at play, and try to change the system. Here, lack of communication was one of the primary causes of the chaotic effect. So improve communication across the supply chain. Slow feedback loops and limited communication are likely to produce this bullwhip effect regardless of the intelligence or discipline of any of the individual actors (retailers, wholesalers, factory). They have no way to know, at the factory, that the surge is only temporary. More broadly, examine whatever systems are at play in your work and industry. Are they producing positive or negative results? If positive, try to reinforce them, if negative try to alter them.
hef19898 4y ago
Well, the lesson is that communication and collaboration are the key to mitigate the bullwhip effect. That, and preventing local optimisation.
Sebb767 4y ago
I guess it's mostly just about putting people in a stressful management situation to get them used to it. Not much of an ultimate lesson there, just some experience so they can keep calm once they encounter it in the real world.
- Jtsummers 4y ago
  The Beer Game is a simulation of something that takes place over weeks and months and years in the real-world (you don't normally double or triple your manufacturing capacity in hours, unless you went from one employee to two). It's not about experiencing a "stressful management situation." It's not the same as pilots in flight simulators experiencing a simulated real-time disaster in the making and having to respond correctly (or at least more correctly) in real-time. The objective of The Beer Game and the other materials related to it and the research by Forrester et al. is to develop an understanding of systems dynamics and systems thinking. In this specific game the systems effect they are exploring is the bullwhip effect and how imperfect, incomplete information can cause it. Other games in this genre of games may have specific other systems effects they aim to explore, but in total their objective is to get the participants to start thinking about systems. Not to help them avoid panicking (though thinking clearly does help with that).

Jtsummers 4y ago

Systems have properties beyond individual actor choices or actions. If it causes harm (bullwhip effect here), identify the systemic factors at play, and try to change the system. Here, lack of communication was one of the primary causes of the chaotic effect. So improve communication across the supply chain. Slow feedback loops and limited communication are likely to produce this bullwhip effect regardless of the intelligence or discipline of any of the individual actors (retailers, wholesalers, factory). They have no way to know, at the factory, that the surge is only temporary. More broadly, examine whatever systems are at play in your work and industry. Are they producing positive or negative results? If positive, try to reinforce them, if negative try to alter them.

hef19898 4y ago

Well, the lesson is that communication and collaboration are the key to mitigate the bullwhip effect. That, and preventing local optimisation.

Sebb767 4y ago

I guess it's mostly just about putting people in a stressful management situation to get them used to it. Not much of an ultimate lesson there, just some experience so they can keep calm once they encounter it in the real world.

Jtsummers 4y ago
The Beer Game is a simulation of something that takes place over weeks and months and years in the real-world (you don't normally double or triple your manufacturing capacity in hours, unless you went from one employee to two). It's not about experiencing a "stressful management situation." It's not the same as pilots in flight simulators experiencing a simulated real-time disaster in the making and having to respond correctly (or at least more correctly) in real-time. The objective of The Beer Game and the other materials related to it and the research by Forrester et al. is to develop an understanding of systems dynamics and systems thinking. In this specific game the systems effect they are exploring is the bullwhip effect and how imperfect, incomplete information can cause it. Other games in this genre of games may have specific other systems effects they aim to explore, but in total their objective is to get the participants to start thinking about systems. Not to help them avoid panicking (though thinking clearly does help with that).