This 30-minute single-player asynchronous simulation teaches learners about value chain analysis and competitive advantage. The players act as a manager at SmartShoe, a manufacturer of technology-enabled athletic footwear. To fulfill a special order from a large sports retailer, the learners make strategic decisions about everything from the number of shoes to produce and the quality of raw materials to shipping and delivery options, manufacturing methods, staffing, procurement, and product features. Their decisions impact SmartShoe’s costs and the buyer’s willingness to pay. In the debrief, the participants learn about the value chain framework and how to apply it to their experience in the simulation; learners will understand how to break down the various activities of the firm to help manage costs, increase differentiation, and create value.
Company: Forio
Approximate price: $150/seat
Playtime: 30 minutes
Learning objectives: Explain the purpose of value chain analysis Break down firms into their key activities and understand the role of activity drivers Use the activity and driver analysis firm revenues or decrease firm costs Selecting the appropriate tactics (such as just-in-time delivery or joining a buying group) Make consistent activity choices to support the delivery of the firm’s customer value proposition
Link to simulation home page: https://forio.com/store/harvard-value-champion/