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Simulation Overview
1. OVERVIEW:
The Global Technology Management Simulation Project (GlobeTech-6, Fall 2000) is
a Curriculum Innovation and Development (CID) tool developed at Cooper Union under
the auspices of the Gateway Engineering Education Coalition.
The subject for the Fall 2000 Simulation is: "Alternative Energy Source
Joint-Venture Projects in Cinda, France, and India".
GlobeTech is conceived as a major component of
an undergraduate interdisciplinary engineering course of Global
Technology Management such as Nerken's EID-372. However,
participation in a Global Technology Management course is not
necessary. Since the simulation deals with issues such as: use of
alternative energy sources, sustainable development, aspects of
air pollution control, global competitiveness strategies,
international negotiations, technology transfer, operations'
optimization, etc., it could be offered in conjunction with many
environmental, economics or engineering management courses.
This project aims to familiarize the
engineering students with the real and very complex political,
economic, social, and technical issues influencing global
technology decisions, thus better preparing them for a furture of
increased globalization and concern for sustainable development.
2. GLOBETECH'S MAIN BENEFITS:
- Develops cross-cultural awareness skills
among the students, who might portray, in the simulation,
United States or foreign decision makers such as private
company managers or government representatives.
- Emphasizes the cross-disciplinary nature
of global technology management through the technical,
economic, political, and social background research
students undertake to prepare for the simulation.
- Disseminates new learning methods based on
the use of modern information technology to all
participants.
- Develops students' leadership, team work,
and international negotiating skills through the
interactive simulation process.
- Opens the door towards greater domestic
and international collaboration in engineering education
through direct faculty and student contact with the
colleges participating in this project.
3. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT:
Two main areas are developed for each simulation:
- Simulation Structure and Content
- Computer Software Infrastructure to Support the Simulation
Lets discuss in some detail each of these two areas...
Simulation Structure and Content:
For the 2000 Simulation, the following main simulation parts
will be developed:
- The Simulation Background Information:
Contains environmental and technical background
information on the chosen topic, countries, and
companies. This information will be available on the
project's WWW site for all the participating teams prior
to September 15, 2000. The background information will
constitute the basis for each team's detailed research
and analysis in their area of responsibility,
- The Simulation Scenario and Schedule:
Contains proposed simulation activities and schedules,
- The Simulation Questions, News Bulletins, Discussion Topics, etc.:
For 2000 will be developed together with the various faculty team leaders (FTLs) as
the simulation progresses,
- Faculty Information:
Provides the faculty team with detailed simulation management information,
- The structure for the two "on-line" conferences will be developed
together with the various FTLs prior to conference dates.
- Student and Faculty Feedback Forms:
A very important part of the simulation, these feedback forms
should be completed at the end of the simulation to give
the project development team some idea of the
satisfaction of the participants with this project, and
suggested improvements for future projects.
The simulation process will consist of:
- Writing the Request For Proposals
(RFP's) and Responding Proposals for the
chosen projects as per the scenario and schedule of the
simulation,
- Weekly communications/negotiations via
computer (e-mail, chat room, etc.) among the various
teams and faculty leaders,
- At least two "on-line"
conferences or tele-conference sessions in which all the
student teams should participate,
- Contracts awards,
- Teams' debriefing / feedback,
- Simulation conclusions
The above activities will be monitored by a Simulation Lead Team (SLT)
of three of four faculty members from among the participants, with the
help of all the other participating faculty.
Note: Close faculty communications during the simulation
preparation and actual run are essential and key for the success of this
project, so we heartily encourage all faculty to actively participate.
- Computer Software Infrastructure to Support the Simulation
This is a computer simulation which will take place via the Internet.
The following main features will be available:
- GlobeTech-6 computer homepage and communication links,
- Faculty and students e-mail addresses,
- Capability for "on-line" conferences via IRC or
teleconference, using 2 or 3 computer simultaneously
at each location
4. CONCLUSION:
The GlobeTech-6 Simulation will build on the
strengths and experience of the previous five simulations and
will represent a valuable learning tool for all participating
faculty and students. The more participants, the more interesting the
simulation will become. We should appreciate to know as soon as
possible if your school is interesting to participate with a
student team. For further information, we can be reached at: [email protected].
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