Let us engage through a simulation- The Trade-off (ft.com)
This game draws on reporting and case studies of companies that had to make trade-offs between profit and purpose. The model behind the game does not simulate any specific company, but is instead intended to give players a sense of the tough choices that chief executives have to make.
Instructions for students (Online)
• You all will be divided into 8 groups. Once we open the rooms, you would meet your group members. Collectively you need to take decisions. One member would share the screen in breakout rooms and after consultation will record the group decision. We would broadcast the message 5 minutes prior to closing the rooms.
• You play as the chief executive of FlexBird, a young technology company preparing for an initial public offering. Your goal is to keep both your investors and stakeholders happy.
• The game lasts for four rounds. In each round, you will be asked to allocate FlexBird’s limited resources across four areas: Meeting short-term targets, social responsibility, the environment, and long-term investment.
• Your allocation will impact the approval level of your investors, stakeholders, or both. If either falls to zero, you lose the game.
• Between each round you will encounter challenges: dilemmas where you have to make a trade off between profit and broader purpose. Your choice in these scenarios will also impact your investors’ and stakeholders’ approval points.
• The game ends after four rounds.
• You can play as many times as you can (atleast two games) in the time allotted to you. You need to copy the final scores in EACH GAME you play. Take a screenshot and paste an image of your final results in PADLET- Link will be provided
• Have fun! 🎊
Debrief:
• Did you change these criteria from one play of the simulation to another ? Why or why not?
• Based on the final results, what would you do differently if you were to play the simulation again? What would you keep the same?
• What was your experience in working on this simulation in groups. Do you think you would have done differently if you were playing it alone?