The planning topics covered by the game are aggregate planning, inventory theory, lot sizing, productions scheduling and materials requirement planning. The theory of each topic has been covered individually. The latest version of the game is a computer simulation created using Visual Basic in Excel. The game involves the production and selling of a product line with three models over a twelve to twenty-four period horizon. The game is played in two stages, a planning stage followed by the production of the products.
Planning requires an aggregate plan, a master production schedule and a material requirements plan.
Implementation includes production, attempts to meet a random sales demand, and the calculation of costs and revenues for each period. The game is won by the team that generates the highest profit. The planning is a key phase of the game. The aggregate planning horizon covers four quarters. The base number of labor hours is determined by each team but must be kept constant throughout the game.