The second release of this simulation adds a new scenario with multiple unanticipated events and the ability to add prototypes to the project plan. In this single-player simulation, students take on the role of a senior project manager and manage a team tasked with developing a new product for an electronics manufacturing company. The primary objectives are to execute a project plan successfully and deliver a competitive product on time and on budget. Instructors can assign up to 6 scenarios that expose students to realistic challenges that project managers often face, especially when working in a highly competitive industry. Some challenges require students to react to unanticipated outside events, such as a staffing crisis, while others require students to respond to strategic changes mandated by upper management. A new project lever for specifying prototypes allows students to explore the benefits of this essential component of agile project management.
Company: Harvard Business Publishing
Approximate price: $15.00
Playtime: 1 hour 30 minutes
Learning objectives: Explore trade-offs among the 3 major project management levers: scope, resources, and schedule. Understand how team skill level, team morale, deadlines, and work quality are interrelated and affected by a project manager's decisions. Analyze the effect of poor-quality work on project outcomes. Understand the importance of appropriately timed changes in allocating resources. React to unanticipated events and managing uncertainty. Set realistic project objectives and minimize scope changes.
Link to simulation home page: https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/4700-HTM-ENG