The disks are run on a master program that takes approximately one hour. It is important for the disk to stay with the students for the majority of the time. Decisions made can be changed at any time until the disk is run in on the master program. This allows students to make decisions, reflect on the possible results, and make changes if necessary. Each company can produce domestically in the US or build plants in Europe or Asia, or upgrade current facilities.
Companies have the power to borrow money or issue stock.
Included in the simulation program is a what if section which allows students to see the effects of their decisions. The what if section is nothing more than a spreadsheet program which indicates the overall effects of change. However, students must be warned that this spreadsheet function is made in isolation, not taking into account decisions made by other companies or their associated markets. It soon becomes apparent that making decisions in isolation of each other may accomplish the task of completing the weekly disk assignment, but it does little to positively position a company in relationship to its competitors. As mentioned earlier, each group starts out with the same operating and financial position.