A simulation game for teaching project control in construction

This paper describes the development and the use of a computer-based management game for teaching project planning and control. It covers all aspects of the game including its design, the choice of the project to be modelled, the user interface and how it makes use of the computer power available. Both the design and the use of the game are critically assessed and suggestions for improvement are made. The use of management games for teaching in construction has the advantage of enabling participants to be put into complex, realistic project situations without incurring the financial and time penalties which would accrue if real projects were used. The model described in this paper contains many of the aspects of a real project including planning, decision-making, uncertainty, environmental effects, finance and a realistic physical model of the project and resource operation. The paper draws conclusions both on its effectiveness for control and on its use for teaching and learning.