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Management game for 3rd year medical
students Faculty of Medicine, King Fahad Medical City Riyadh February 17, 2014
by Professor Omar Hasan Kasule
Learning
objectives
·
To identify the
attributes of a successful team
·
To facilitate
the operation of small-group learning
·
To maximize the
power of teams to improve learning
Keywords
·
Team-player,
·
Small-group
learning
OBJECTIVE OF THE GAME
1.
The objective
of this game is to put into practice principles of effective team-work.
2.
Each team will
have the task of making a strategy and an action plan that will enable
fulfilling defined practical tasks. Success in the game will depend on good and
effective team work.
EVALUATION OF THE TEAMS
1.
Each team will
be given a score on each of 2 assessment areas (a) process evaluation (team or
group dynamics) (b) outcome evaluation (successful completion of the task
within the allocated time). Judges will stay with the team during planning and
also during task execution. They will award scores to the team using score
sheets.
2.
Scores of the
teams will be totaled up and displayed at the end of the game. The criteria
used will be distributed and will be discussed by all participants with
Professor OHK moderating the discussions. An attempt will be made to summarize
lessons on team work that will have been learned.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PLAYERS 1
1.
You will be
divided into several teams each consisting of 5-10 persons. Team allocations
will be entirely random and you will have no say on the allocation process. You
must wear sports clothing with suitable shoes.
2.
Each team will
have to carry out two tasks. The first task will be carried out simultaneously
by all the teams. The second task will be carried out by each team one at a
time while the others watch or even create confusion.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PLAYERS 2
3.
Each team will
be given a maximum of 10 minutes to meet as a team and plan its strategy for
each task. During the planning stage, the team will be allowed to practice the
task. They however will not be allowed to talk to members of the opposing teams
or even to eavesdrop on their discussions.
4.
Each team will
be given a maximum of 15 minutes to accomplish the task. One score point will
be deducted for each minute of delay beyond this time limit.
TASK #1
1.
The team will
have the task of building (a) paper (s) columns that can support the given
object for 30 seconds without falling down. Only materials supplied by the game
organizers will be used for this task.
2.
The aim of the
team should be building the tallest column possible. The team will score 3
points for each centimeter of column height. These score points will be applied
if the column is able to withstand the load without collapsing for 30 seconds
or more. If the column collapses within 30 seconds the team will score a zero
for task completion.
TASK #2
1.
The team will
have the task of guiding a blind-folded member bearing a flag to walk from one
point to another while avoiding obstacles on the way. The team will be awarded
20 score points for successful completion of the task. Hitting or touching an
obstacle however light will lead to deduction of one score point.
2.
Team members
will have to devise a communication system to guide the pusher of the wheel
chair. All communication must be in dictionary English. The terms ‘turn left’
and ‘turn right’ will not be allowed. A point will be deducted for each
violation of the above language restrictions.
3.
Team members
will not be allowed to touch the flag bearer or get too close in an attempt to
guide him physically. Each violation of this rule will result in deduction of
one score point.
4.
Members of
other teams in the competition will be allowed to follow the flag-bearer and to
communicate in any way they like including confusing the pusher of the wheel
chair. They however will not be allowed to make any physical contact.
CRITERIA FOR TEAM MATURITY
1.
Giving and
accepting feedback
2.
Democratic
decision making
3.
Group cohesion
4.
Flexibility of
members
5.
Use of all
member resources
6.
Members feel
free to disagree
7.
Everyone is
free to express an opinion
8.
Humor is the
norm
9.
Communication
is effective
10. Group sets clear strategies and goals
11. Interdependence Among members
12. Shared participation and not dictatorship
13. Listening to and considering minority views
CRITERIA FOR TEAM EFFECTIVENESS
1.
Productivity
2.
Positive
handling of complaints
3.
Positive
conflict resolution
4.
Commitment to
goals
5.
Action-orientation
6.
Dealing with
apathy of some members
7.
Encouraging
creativity and innovation
8.
Competence of
team managers/leaders
9.
Effectiveness
of meetings and discussions
10. Effective communication
11. Trust among team members
12. Making sure decisions are understood by all
13. Feeling good as a team member
14. Principled behavior