Policy Games for Strategic Management
Chapter 8 - Designing the Policy Exercise
Policy Games for Strategic Management
by Richard D. Duke and Jac L.A. Geurts
Rozenberg Publishers © 2004
8.3 Conclusion
The design process for creating a policy exercise is
well defined. The process consists of deriving a theory of real-world behavior,
constructing a model to reflect this theory, and translating this model into a
game. Each of the 21 steps will contribute to the accuracy and validity of the
model relative to the system it is intended to represent. In the previous
sections, we have tried to document the many advantages to the employment of
this approach. First and foremost, the design team can communicate with each
other efficiently throughout the process with no fear of becoming lost. In
addition, the team can communicate effectively with the client from the outset
– there is no need to hide behind a professional screen or to make magical
giant leaps requiring the client to “have faith.” There is no magic, just hard
work. The process permits the client to become and to remain informed as a
series of decisions are taken in an effort to represent their world in an
effective decision model.
When used faithfully, the following benefits will derive
from employing a deliberate process of game design:
* Validation of the initial decision by the
client to proceed with a game;
* Clarity in the initial organization of
the project;
* Protecting the client and the design team
from misunderstandings;
* Defensible budgeting arrangements for
resources: time, money, staffing;
* Efficient, step-by-step approach;
* Meeting all deadlines, built-in
checkpoints to ensure staying on target;
* Efficient teamwork, no getting lost;
* Retaining the client’s understanding and
confidence as the process unfolds;
* The effective clarification of the
client’s needs;
* Ease of communicating with the client;
* Efficiency, cost savings, etc.;
* Effective structuring of the problem;
* Development of a prototype exercise;
* Testing and modification of the
prototype;
* Timely delivery to the client; and
certainly not least,
* Establishing the validity of the
evaluation process of the final product.
When using this design process, it is important to
have reasonable objectives and adhere closely to them; it is also important to
use teamwork effectively. Remember that games serve well as devices for
communication, so it is incumbent upon the designer to identify who is trying
to communicate with whom, and quite specifically, about what specific
substantive content. Finally, games are situation specific – if a game is well
designed for a specific client, it should not be expected to perform well in a
different environment.