Instructions

System Requirements

• To start up, ensure you are using an Internet browser that has Style sheets, Cookies and Scripting enabled. The application is designed for Internet Explorer / PC but is not tested on all platforms. It is known to work using IE6 and Netscape 7.
• The connection speed is not critical, although there are some graphics that will obviously load faster with a faster connection.
• The screen resolution should ideally be at least 1024x768. If you have lower resolution, note that you can close the standard browser buttons to save space since you will not need these.

Startup

• You need a login code and password to access the simulation. Anyone can access the demonstration version using ID ‘demo’ and password ‘demo’. Authorised individuals may use their allocated ID and password to access the full version. To acquire an ID, see contact details on the menu to the left.
• To start the simulation, simply click Log in / Start in the menu to the left.
• Note that a typical ‘session’ on the Internet is cancelled after 20 minutes of inactivity. If you press Save at any stage however, the position of your simulation will be kept in a cookie for 2 days.

Operation

• The project is about to start, and you must manage it through to completion.
• You see a main control panel which shows the current day, and details of the first event that has happened and is demanding your attention.
• For each event there are one or more alternative responses. Scroll carefully through these using the video control buttons.
• You can use the performance, network and activity information windows in order to help you make optimal decisions. Note that the network window highlights the activities in progress with a slightly bolder border.
• When you are sure about your response, ensure this response is shown, and only then press the DO IT! button.
• The next event, whenever it happens, will be automatically presented to you - wait for this and do not click DO IT! again until you have considered the next event.
• You cannot go back in time! Don’t forget to monitor your performance and progress using the cost and project status information; you will be given occasional reminders to do this.
• At any time you have the option to try to negotiate with the staff on active tasks, offering them bonus payments to shorten the duration of their task. Click the 'Activity progress and Overtime' button, select an activity, choose how many days you would like to save, and make a reasonable offer. Staff may reject your offer; there is a higher chance of acceptance of larger offers; if they reject, you can offer more. You may haggle at any time while the task is active, unless it is very close to completion, and for time savings up to a maximum of 20% of the task duration.

General control

• You can click on 'Control Screen' button whilst in the simulation. This gives you the opportunity to Reset if you wish to enable a new run, or Log In again if your session is cancelled. Save, then click Log in / Start to re-enter the simulation.

Troubleshooting

• If the initial simulation does not load,it is probably because Scripts are not enabled. Check Tools | Internet Options | Security | Scripting, and ensure your firewall does not override these settings.

Full user guide (311kb pdf)