SEMQ - Simulation Games: Project-o-poly (PoP) [Luigi Buglione]

luigi.buglione@computer.org

Project-o-poly (PoP)

Background

Adapting to the PM context

Downloads

Publications & External References

Background
As in the overall "background & rationale" page, the original question was: why do not applying those thoughts to technical issues such as (Software) Project Management (and related knowledge areas)? That's why during the 1^st Workshop on "Methods for Learning Metrics" (see slide#12) at the IEEE METRICS2005 conference, I proposed to introduce the use of SE/PM-tailored well-known games (and Monopoly, for sure, it's one of these) as a facilitator in the learning process.

Adapting to the PM context
Using the adagio "Start small", this is a first small deliverable for realizing this idea: introducing moments during the working life when it is possible to learn from games in a pleasant way. Obviously, this is not a perfect substitute for learning in the traditional way, but it has the goal to suggest that it's better to spend our working time in a pleasant way, learning new things and increasing your personal knowledge each day, no matter if you've learned a lot of things or just one, the most important thing is to know more, for yourself and, consequently, bringing this knowledge into your work. This is a little thumbnail of the game plan:

The goal of Project-o-poly is, as in the original game, to be the most straightforward PM in your organization, managing human resources and money for making your projects the most profitable ones in the organization and using increased skills or acquired certifications on Project Management (as PMP, CAPM and other ones) for being allocated in next projects, avoding periods of Waiting-for-Allocation (WFA). And so on. But take a look to instructions for the whole detail on it!
For instance, the traditional "Chance" and "Project Chest" cards have been translated to the PM world, and therefore best practices (and malpractices) from the PM world has been introduced, in order to stimulate possible discussions and occasions for "lateral" learning on such issues. BTW, the few cards currently in the downloadable set are just a starting point and you all are welcome to submit further ideas for new ones.

Downloads

Instructions (EN, IT)

Game plan

Projects & Certifications cards

Chance and Project Chest cards

Money

Characters sets

Publications

Buglione L., Project-o-poly. Giocare per Apprendere. Il gioco come opportunità nelle Learning Organizations., Persone & Conoscenze, Gennaio/Febbraio 2007, No.26/27, Edizioni ESTE, pp.43-47

Buglione L., Giocare per Apprendere. Il gioco come opportunità nelle Learning Organizations, Forum ISIPM, Istituto Italiano di Project Management, 30 Ottobre 2007, Roma

External References

Gresse von Wangenheim C., Thiry M., Kochanski D., Steil L., Silva D., Lino J., Desenvolvimento de um jogo para ensino de medição de software, SBQS - Simpósio Brasileiro de Qualidade de Software, Ouro Preto, 2009

Gresse von Wangenheim C., Thiry M., Kochanski D.,Empirical evaluation of an educational game on software measurement, Empirical Software Engineering (ESE) Journal, Wiley & Sons, Vol.14 No.4 (August 2009), pp.418-452

last update: April 19, 2011