I would be very interested. They flying frisbees sound fascinating. I
can see great value in what you do with work design and how groups
organize. I am trying to figure out a way to post my simulation so that
I can get it out to the group.
My airplane simulation isn't about work design but about how groups
manage a take-over. It's fascinating to watch the dynamics between the
two groups- and it is so different each time. I've done it a number of
times and have been amazed at the range of reactions. Students become
very intense and competitive and forget it's a game. I've had groups go
on strike, I've had great team work, total chaos and infighting- and all
in a short time frame. They only have 15 minutes to plan (usually works
out to 20) so the time pressure is an added variable. They have 5
minutes to produce and then we measure their profit or loss- as well as
job satisfaction pre/post take-over of those who were taken over. Then
the class discussion and de-brief is always a surprise for those
involved.
In fact yesterday a couple of students stayed afterwards and told me how
emotional they feel about it. One woman said she's usually quite passive
but found herself feeling quite strong about how her group organized it
and how the leaders became leaders.
It was also interesting to look at one group's reaction to my leaving
the room. Now, that was very insightful and calls into question my role
as professor, authority etc. I am very relaxed and collegial with them
and never realized the level of their need for me to be there- and how
much they watch me and look to me for cues. So that was instructive for
me and frankly something I never reflected on.
Deborah Nixon
University of Toronto
704 Windermere Ave
Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
Ph: 416-763-6985
Fax: 416-763-3361
-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:
MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Jean-Claude Provost
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 10:48 AM
To:
MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Re: Can you recommend an exercise / game / simulation on
organizational design or change?
Similar simulation , producing "flying Frisbees", first applying a
classic assembly line workflow,... Followed by a debriefing and the
opportunity to redesign the work design (usually more team-based,
socio-technical) and to redo the simulation based on the new work
design. I could email you the guidelines if you are interested.
Jean-Claude Provost McGill University
-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:
MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of deborah nixon
Sent: March 16, 2004 8:32 PM
To:
MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Re: Can you recommend an exercise / game / simulation on
organizational design or change?
Dear Anne: Just finished one today which I do every term. It always
provokes great discussion, is complex and the students have fun. It's
simple to prepare and involves a simulation of a take-over. The org
manufactures paper airplanes- always fun for them.
I can fax you the material- only 4 pages.
deborah
Deborah Nixon
University of Toronto/Ryerson University
704 Windermere Ave
Toronto Ont M6S 3M1
Ph: 416-763-6985
Fax: 416-763-3361
-----Original Message-----
From: Management Education and Development Discussion
[mailto:
MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU] On Behalf Of Charles Wankel
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 12:14 PM
To:
MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: Can you recommend an exercise / game / simulation on
organizational design or change?
From: Anne Tsui
Anne.Tsui@asu.edu
I have a teaching question and hope you can help. I am looking for an
exercise/game/simulation on organizational design or change (for
executive/senior manager MBA students). Do you know of any? I would
appreciate any suggestion you can offer.
Thanks.
Anne
Anne.Tsui@asu.edu