Marketplace Simulations: Venture Strategy – Bikes (Play Against Classmates)

The goal of Venture Strategy Bikes is to prepare graduates for a leadership role within a new venture. It provides total immersion into entrepreneurial strategy and management. The simulation challenges students to grow an entrepreneurial business from the beginning through market introduction and growth. Entrepreneurial problems and opportunities are presented in the context of a new enterprise, complete with demands on the players' time, attention, talent, resources, and livelihood. These issues represent dilemmas to be resolved, growing as the business develops. Students must be very analytical, thoughtful, and strategic in their decision-making. It's learning by doing. Venture Strategy Bikes is designed to engage, challenge, inspire, and transform students into entrepreneurial professionals. It's also fun, realistic, and relevant. Game Scenario: Student teams start a bicycle company. Two new technologies--an economical form of carbon fiber and advanced 3D-printers, make it possible to print carbon fiber bikes of any size and shape. The new carbon fiber bikes are more affordable than existing carbon fiber alternatives but they are still pricey. Will buyers pay a premium over traditional models for a lighter, customized bike? Instructor Involvement: Instructor/student interaction is encouraged. Students are highly receptive to coaching, lectures, and exercises that enhance their business skills. Students are self-guided, work online and have built-in instructions, help files, warnings, and supplementary Marketplace Microsimulations™. Students have access to an AI Coach in the simulation to assist them with queries about their decisions as well as game mechanics, learning concepts, and how to interpret their results. Students also have access to an AI-powered tool that reviews their tactical plans and identifies opportunities for improvement. Instead of providing answers, it challenges students' thinking by highlighting inconsistencies, drawing attention to overlooked considerations, and prompting them to evaluate and refine their plans.

Six decision rounds, each lasting two to three hours. Designed for team play in small to medium classes.

Target course: Capstone entrepreneurship for undergraduate and graduate students; also suitable for capstone management courses.

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