CHAPTER 8: RESULTS OF THE SIMULATION
8.2 Trial run of simulation
occurrences in the simulation; this was a concern for the flow of the simulation. Other problems included the use of paper money, which was originally included in the simulation for use as an additional resource apart from the R5s. The paper money was however more of a hindrance, as participants were merely distributing the money when problems would arise. Other challenges including firstly intervening when the Executives were reluctant to dismiss the workers, then when the dismissed workers in turn would not leave, and then when the remaining workers became very close to them. It was also difficult to observe the participants in the various rooms, and keep notes of occurrences.
It was evident however that the pace of the simulation picked up once production of the rabbit cages commenced and it was as this point, that the participants appeared immersed in the simulation.
8.2.3 Feedback from the evaluation forms
Experience in the simulation
Practically all participants described positive feelings regarding their participation in the simulation. Many used the word ‘interesting’ and some commented on how useful it was in having them understand real life. Some described the simulation as challenging and demanding, and pointed out that it took time for them to understand what was required. Mention was made of the difficulty of initially ‘acting out’. This feeling however faded as the simulation proceeded. There was a clear indication that participants ‘fell’ into the simulation as illustrated below.
But when we were spending more and more time with the simulation, it became so real.
Certain participants felt that the simulation had impressed on them the devastating effects that lack of planning, lack of coordination, and poor human management could have. Some also expressed how critical it was to understand what was going on in an organisation. It was clear that participants took to the roles that they were in and that the roles therefore came across as intended. Those in the Government role for example spoke about the demands that were placed on them by both Executives and workers, whereas dismissed workers described the feeling of job loss as very real.
I felt the emotions, devastation of losing the job and the impact it will bring to yourself and family and that felt real.
Effect of the simulation on thoughts about the real world
Some pointed to thinking differently about issues around people relations, pressures on management and communication, as a result of participation in the simulation. The need to be prepared for unexpected happenings and urgent demands in the real world, as well as being proactive came to the fore. Others spoke about how the simulation made them realise how dependent they were on the university to finance their studies; some also felt strongly about the desire to not want to be dependent on anyone. There were those who felt that the simulation did not make them think differently about the real world, as what they experienced in the simulation was similar to the real world.
No, because what I experienced in the simulation is what you often find in the real world. In the real world things are done without much planning. The Government is doing its own things, no consultation and proper communication.
Recommendation for others to participate
There was general agreement and positivity about recommending others to participate in the simulation. One participant pointed out that the simulation had enlightened their mind, and that it was reflective of the real world.
Challenge level of the simulation and suggestions for improvement
The simulation was regarded as having been challenging yet interesting. There was however agreement that more time should have been spent on better explaining the simulation and its importance. The difficulties of understanding the briefing document and rules was also raised, as well as the fact that not everybody had a business background. The need for more time to explain what would be required of the participants, what the different steps would be and how much time would be available, was raised.
8.2.4 Adaptations after the simulation
I felt satisfied that the simulation had achieved what it was intended to but I knew that certain things had to be revised before the real world runs. The suggestions for improvement by the participants were carefully studied to improve the simulation. Certain aspects of the simulation were thus changed after the trial run. The policy document (R3) and specifications (R5) documents were simplified for example, and it was decided that the participants would deal with
the specifications themselves, rather than the facilitator. I also made a point for the future to go through the policy document slowly, and explain it in more detail, if need be. The definition of a simulation was also altered to be more understandable for participants. The use of paper money was also omitted, and the role that the media person would play in the simulation was carefully noted for consideration for future runs.
The simulation was then altered to incorporate the changes and the evaluation forms specifically adapted for the fisheries system.