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The Beer Game
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Production Distribution Game -
"The Beer Game"

The Beer Game was developed to introduce students, managers and executives to concepts of system dynamics. The purpose of the game is to illustrate the key principle that "structure produces behavior." Players experience the pressures of playing a role in a complex system and can see long range effects during the course of the game. Each player participates as a member of a team that must meet its customers' demands. The object of the game is to minimize the total cost for your team.

In the structured debriefing that follows it, the game illustrates a number of insights about management systems that generalize well beyond inventories. To play and debrief the game takes a minimum of just over two hours. The debriefing is the most important part of the game. Each game board accommodates up to 8 players (4 pairs) comfortably. Additional boards may be purchased for a larger group. If assistance is needed in facilitating the playing of the game, we can let you know of skilled facilitators in your area.

One complete educational "Beer Game" set consists of a 30" X 100" vinyl game board, printed instructions for leading and debriefing the game, the customer order cards, order slips, pencils, 600 plastic game chips, and an informational DVD showing the game being played at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the direction of Professor John Sterman. The cost of one complete set is US$125, plus shipping. Items can also be purchased separately. We can offer regular and express shipping options nationally and internationally.

We prefer to fill orders upon receipt of payment, but will invoice. We take orders by phone, fax, email or mail. Acceptable methods of payment include credit card, (international) money order or a check made out in US dollars, drawn on a US bank, payable to the System Dynamics Society. All duties (customs) and taxes are paid by the recipient.

To place an order and get shipping costs, go to: ORDER FORM and SHIPPING AND HANDLING RATE CHART.

Send with payment to:

System Dynamics Society
Milne 300 - Rockefeller College
University at Albany - State University of New York
Albany, New York 12222, US
A

Phone:   (518) 442-3865
Fax:       (518) 442-3398
system.dynamics@albany.edu

Last edited 7/14/07 by JP

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