Policy Games for Strategic Management

Chapter 8 - Designing the Policy Exercise

by Richard D. Duke and Jac L.A. Geurts

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.