The Game

If you have ever though about running your own business, don't miss New Zealand Business Week.

During Business Week your company will operate two businesses in a competitive simulation. The simulation provides a fast-paced, competitive market where customers, staff and suppliers are demanding and the competition is working hard to take away your customers! This competitive excitement is infectious. The focus is on outsmarting other teams in a ‘friendly' and fun environment.

During the simulation you will manage your virtual companies through a number of decision cycles. Repeatedly, you and your team will analyze the situation, plan a strategy and then execute it into the future. The simulation environment reflects the stimulates the competitive spirit of business.

During the simulation you and our team will:

• Exercise strategic planning and execution skills within a rapidly changing environment
• Gain a bottom line focus while recognising the simultaneous need to deliver customer value
• Encounter common ethical and moral business issues
• Exercise financial management skills
• Learn the importance of using market data and competitive signals to adjust the strategic plan and more tightly focus business tactics
• Learn the importance of teamwork as you work towards common goals
• Exercise your communication skills to influence other team members
• See how your decisions affect the performance of your business
• Learn basic business concepts and principles
• Build your confidence through knowledge and experience.

There are no hard and fast rules for forming a good team and winning the competition, but the following may help.

• Adopt a long term strategy in playing the game
• Know what you want to talk about and listen to your team members
• Focus on the results of your past decisions, making the necessary adjustments
• Be open and honest about skills/talents as well as areas that you feel you are weaker in
• Be positive and enthusiastic about your ability to succeed in your business at all times
• Share information freely with your team members so that they can make informed decisions
• Don't expect the advisor or your other team members to solve problems - your contribution is needed!