Process management becomes tangible

As Albert Schweitzer already knew, “the most important skill of a teacher is to awaken a joy in creating and discovering.” With the help of the GRID process management simulation, this was precisely what was achieved during a one-week workshop organized by the Career Services office at St. Marienthal Abbey in Ostritz. First, the Career Service staff familiarized themselves with the simulation game with the support of its developer, Eric Treske, and were then able to pass on their knowledge on the second day of the workshop as trainers and facilitators to students in the “integrated management systems” and “integrated management” degree programmes.

Mr. Treske provided a brief overview of the required materials and the basic rules, and then the game could begin. The game involves the maintenance and management of a local infrastructure. This would be a challenge in itself if it weren’t for the disruptions that occur…

The group can also choose for itself what type of infrastructure it wants to focus on. Do they want to deal with gas, water, or power lines, or would they rather plan a road, subway, or train network? This decision alone reveals whose ideas prevail and how communication works within the game team. In addition, the group must determine who will take on a leadership role, who will serve as the team leader acting as a mediator, and who will sit directly at the game board to carry out the tasks. It is important to effectively manage, budget for, and ultimately implement the processes related to the upcoming maintenance work. This brings process management to life.

The workshop was rounded out by engaging team-building activities with both groups, which focused on the topic of project management. In the practical session, a multi-course meal was then prepared for all participants in the conference center’s event kitchen, complete with appropriate time, resource, and workflow planning.

A particular challenge for the students was the participation of an Erasmus student from the State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics, and Optics (ITMO)—a partner university of both degree programmes in St. Petersburg—who has no knowledge of German yet. But even with that, there was no shortage of fun.

If you’d like to experience project and process management for yourself through this simulation game, you’ll have the opportunity to do so starting in the 2017–18 winter semester. We’d be delighted to have you participate.

Author: Maike Schiller

You can find the complete Career Services program and further information here.