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.

The Electronic Oracle

The Society is happy to offer The Electronic Oracle by Donella H. Meadows and Jennifer M. Robinson. This reprint of the original 1985 book includes new forewords by Dennis Meadows and John Sterman. A terrific addition to any system dynamics library.

Forrester Seminar Series

The System Dynamics Society is proud to offer the Forrester Seminar Series on System Dynamics presented on video tape, conducted by Professor Jay W. Forrester at the MIT Sloan School of Management. The eleven three-hour sessions address a variety of topics which should be of interest and benefit to any student or practitioner in the field. See pricing and information for details on obtaining this valuable resource.

The MIT System Dynamics Group
Literature Collection

The MIT System Dynamics Group Literature Collection contains over 3600 D-memos, along with theses, publications, the Guided Study Program, the Road Map series and miscellaneous papers selected by Jay W. Forrester. The collection spans nearly fifty years of work in system dynamics, and reveals a rich historical point of view. Professor Forrester has selected this comprehensive collection to include substantive materials. See pricing and information for details about obtaining this extensive collection.

The 2001 Fireside Chat with Jay Forrester

Now available on DVD – enjoy George Richardson’s interview with Jay W. Forrester. Videotaped in 2001 at the 19 th International Conference of the System Dynamics Society in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Approximately one hour long. See pricing and information for order details.

Ordering Information

New York State and Massachusetts residents must add appropriate sales tax or attach exempt form on all orders.
We accept orders by phone, fax, email or mail. Acceptable methods of payment include credit card, (international) money order, wire transfer 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.

See pricing and ordering information page for most pricing details. For more information about shipping, payment or any of our publications or products please contact the Society office.

The Society also makes available back publications.

Last edited by JP 12/22/07

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