This article deals with shift scheduling and materials planning, which is considered to be a management game. The power of management games in providing experiential learning, based on the research of numerous experts, is highlighted. The game, the approach to its conduct in classroom settings, and potential learning are the subjects of discussion of this article. Such a game can be used as an aid in Operations Management courses both in the postgraduate and executive development programs.

This article presents a management game on shift scheduling and materials planning. The exercise focuses on a hypothetical company that manufactures a single product, where production can take place in one or two shifts, and for which a single raw material or purchased component is required. Production and material procurement plans have to be developed, reviewed periodically, revised and implemented incorporating economic and other considerations. The process of conduct of the game in classroom settings and the potential insights offered by the game are discussed. The game also enables the introduction of certain useful concepts.

The article is organized as follows: A brief overview of management games is provided in the next section. Subsequently, the entire game is detailed. Next, the process of conduct of the game in a classroom, including the required prior preparation by program participants and the role of an instructor are discussed. Finally, important insights based on the performance of participating teams and other concepts are also articulated.Management education is directed towards enhancement of participants’ decision-making skills, besides increase in the domain knowledge through formal conceptual inputs. In addition to the lecture method, several other teaching or training methodologies are also used including role plays, management games, business simulations and case studies. All these methodologies provide for experiential learning where learning is centered on the participant rather than on the instructor.

Shift Scheduling and Materials Planning: A Management Game, experiential learning, numerous experts, potential learning, Operations Management, hypothetical company, purchased component, material procurement, incorporating economic, considerations, prior preparation, decision-making skills, domain knowledge, formal conceptual inputs, lecture method, training methodologies, are also used including role plays, management games, business simulations, case studies, methodologies.