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Face to face / Virtual closed & onsite training. Restaurant lunch included at STL venues.
- 1 day Instructor-led workshop
Syllabus
Who is this course for?
The Beer Game is a dynamic and interactive simulation originally developed by MIT to illustrate the complexities of supply chain management, making it highly relevant for professionals in logistics, operations, and management roles.
In this activity, participants assume one of four key positions within a supply chain - Retailer, Wholesaler, Distributor, or Factory - each tasked with managing fluctuating customer demand while keeping costs low.
Throughout the game, participants manage inventory and place orders based on limited communication and delayed information, which mirrors real-world supply chain challenges.
A core learning point of the game is the 'bullwhip effect,' where small changes in consumer demand at the retail level cause increasingly larger fluctuations in inventory and orders as they move up the chain.
The simulation provides a practical, hands-on experience to understand how individual decisions can affect the efficiency and performance of the entire supply chain.
Benefits
Participating in the Beer Game offers valuable insights into supply chain management, inventory control, and decision-making processes. It provides a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the impact of coordination, communication, and strategic planning on the flow of goods.By confronting the challenges posed by delayed information and lack of transparency, participants can better appreciate the importance of real-time data sharing and collaboration in reducing inefficiencies.
The game highlights key lessons in systems thinking and helps professionals develop skills in anticipating and mitigating issues such as overstocking, shortages, and costly disruptions.
Whether your role involves logistics, procurement, or management, the Beer Game equips you with actionable knowledge to enhance your organisation's supply chain operations and improve overall business performance.
Course Syllabus
Introduction and Objectives
Welcome and course overview.
Explanation of the Beer Game and its relevance to supply chain management.
Beer Game Simulation Round 1 Setup
Explanation of game rules and roles: retailer, wholesaler, distributor, factory.
Roles assigned to participants.
Overview of game mechanics: placing orders, managing inventory, and dealing with delays.
Debrief and Analysis
Discussion of results and common challenges encountered.
Review of the bullwhip effect as seen in the game.
Analyse decision-making processes and communication gaps within the team.
Beer Game Simulation Round 2 Setup
Explanation of new game rules and roles.
Second Debrief and Analysis
Discussion of results, challenges and successes.
Engineering/Construction Game Simulation Round 3Setup
Explanation of new scenario game rules and roles.
Key Learnings and Applications
How the Beer Game principles apply to real-world business scenarios.
Strategies for improving supply chain efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing collaboration.
Q&A session and discussion of practical takeaways for participants’ organisations.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Summary of key lessons learned.
Recommendations for applying insights in participants' businesses.
Feedback and closing remarks.
Prices & Dates
What you get
"What do I get on the day?"
Arguably, the most experienced and highest motivated trainers.
Face-to-face training
Training is held in our modern, comfortable, air-conditioned suites.
Lunch, breaks and timing
A hot lunch is provided at local restaurants near our venues:
- Bloomsbury
- Limehouse
Courses start at 9:30am.
Please aim to be with us for 9:15am.
Browse the sample menus and view joining information (how to get to our venues).
Refreshments
Available throughout the day:
- Hot beverages
- Clean, filtered water
- Biscuits
Virtual training
Regular breaks throughout the day.
Learning tools
In-course handbook
Contains unit objectives, exercises and space to write notes
24 months access to trainers
Your questions answered on our support forum.
Training formats & Services
Training Formats & Services
Training formats available
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Learning & Development Resources
Soft Skills Blog
- The Secret to Creating a High Performing Team
- The Benefits of a Team with Emotional Intelligence
- 5 Key Stages to a High Performing Team
- 5 Things Project Managers Should (And Shouldn’t) Be Doing
- 12 Key Skills to Navigate Communication in the Modern World
Infographics
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