Are you launching a new project? Are you introducing a 'project culture' into your organization? Do you want to get your new project off to a great start? Do you have have a project team who have never worked together before?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then this is the simulation for you.
The Martha's Vineyard SkyLink Project simulation is designed to give people in your organization the experience of being part of a project from beginning to end. This simulation runs in 'real time', and will take approximately half a day. You also have the option to shorten the simulation or run it as a whole day activity.
How the simulation works:
In order to win a lucrative building contract the project teams are required to build a model with only the raw materials supplied (this is not a kit) while demonstrating best-practice Project Management methodology. To be successful the teams must complete the task within the given constraints and also demonstrate that they can work as an effective project team. Points will be awarded, and deducted, for both the task activities and the project management activities. 
Throughout the simulation the teams may be required to perform a project risk analysis, identify key project roles and responsibilities, identify key project deliverables and develop a deliverables flow diagram. The number of activities will depend upon how much 'learning' you want to include in the simulation and how much time is available.
The teams will also be required to have 'team meetings' at key project milestones where they will review their progress and identify what actions are required during the next steps of the project for the team to improve their performance. This is where much of the reflection and learning takes place.
The teams will eventually design, build and test a model bridge to span a 33 inch gap. The rollout step of the project provides a lot of fun as part of the criteria set by the customer is to build a strong bridge - the bridges must be tested to destruction.
The final steps of the project, which are also the final steps of the simulation, are the Close and Review steps. The teams will review their performance and will identify the key lessons learned and what they will be taking with them back to the work place.
The Martha's Vinyard SkyLink Project simulation will:
- facilitate management and staff understanding and buy-in of a 'project culture'
- support staff awareness of project management
- introduce a proven framework for project management
- demonstrate the need for careful planning
- define the key factors of successful project management
- help recognize and handle difficult situations
- help avoid the problems and pitfalls of project management
- recognize the importance of celebrating success
