Special Projects Group Exercise Assigned Role Group Exercise

This exercise engages participants in discussion and negotiation concerning the rank order of importance of a set of proposals for funding from a Special Projects budget. This is an ‘assigned role’ exercise in which each participant must support a particular case while finding common ground for agreement by the end of the exercise. Participant materials include a copy of their own and others' proposals, as well as background organisational information.

Number of participants: Groups of 4 - 6
(materials are available for larger groups if required)

Administration & completion time: 60m.

Exercise Description

Office Moves Assigned Role Group Exercise

This exercise requires participants to reach agreement on a revised accommodation plan that will entail the permanent relocation of some staff. Participants each manage teams based in one of 4 different offices. The plan must take into account some additional office space, current plans for refurbishment, and the requirement to close at least one office. A limited budget is available. Each participant has one strong reason for not wanting to see their own office closed.

Number of participants: Groups of 4

Administration & completion time: 60m.

Exercise Description

Plan & Build Non-assigned Role Group Exercise

This is a co-operative group exercise in which participants plan for and execute the production of a simple product to a specific client brief with limited supplies. Participants must analyse the brief to correctly identify customers needs, and plan to make a realistic estimate of their production capacity. The exercise outcome is scored, and two separate groups can be run in parallel to introduce an element of competition and fun.

Number of participants: 1 or 2 groups of 4 - 6

Administration & completion time: 70m.

Exercise Description

SSRB Planning Meeting Non-assigned Role Group Exercise

This exercise has been designed to investigate how participants deal with a group discussion in which they are required to set the agenda for an initial Planning Meeting in terms of the significance of a set of issues related to the performance of a Social Services Department for consideration at an Inspection Visit. Background documentation is provided in the form of 'Extracts from Pre-Inspection Report' prepared for the inspection body (Social Services Review Body or SSRB)

Number of participants: Groups of 4 - 6

Administration & completion time: 60m.

Exercise Description

Bank Merger Non-assigned Role Group Exercise

This exercise has been designed to investigate how participants deal with a group discussion around issues involved in the merger between two financial organisations - a bank and a building society recently converted from mutual status. Participants are provided with a range of information about the two organisations and need to make recommendations about financial, personnel and cultural issues in both the short and the long term.

Number of participants: Groups of 4 - 6

Administration & completion time: 60m.

Exercise Description

Keen Cycles Non-assigned Role Group Exercise

In this exercise participants are presented with a range of options for reversing the recent downturn in profits of a cycle manufacturer. Information available includes the balance sheet for the last 3 years, a statement of the company’s guiding principles, and an analysis of current strengths and weaknesses. Participants are required to identify a 5 year development plan for the company based on the options provided.

Number of participants: Groups of 4 - 6

Administration & completion time: 60m.

Exercise Description

Interstellar Trading Group Negotiation Exercise Assigned Role Group Negotiation Exercise

This exercise engages participants in a negotiation problem conducted between 2 groups of 2-4 participants. Each group takes the role of trade representatives seeking to achieve balances of trade among items of varying over and under-supply. Participants must set, implement and review their negotiating strategy to achieve the best outcome.

Number of participants: 2 groups of 2 - 4

Administration & completion time: 60m.

Exercise Description

Gastonville College Assigned Role Group Negotiation Exercise

This is an analysis and negotiation exercise for two groups of participants. One group takes the role of members of the Senior Management Team of City of Gaston College, while the other group takes the role of members of Senior Management Team of Bishop Warville College. The aim of the 2 teams is to agree an academic structure for the new Gastonville College which is to be formed by a merger of the two colleges.

Number of participants: 2 groups of 2 - 5

Administration & completion time: 60m.

Exercise Description