The "Business Basics" games

Developed in 1989, and still going!

For games on New Venture Development (Small Business), click here

The advantages of games

Games allow people to EXPERIENCE.  A well designed game controls the environment, and at the same time gives the players the opportunity to make choices, take risks and earn development. For more on experiences, CLICK HERE

How these games are designed to your needs

The basic game is "OUR SHOP".  It is designed to high school children, aspirant entrepreneurs and low level workers.

Sophisticated versions on the same technology are designed for supervisor level, and the level of management above supervisors.

All games are customised

There are no "off the shelf" versions.  Games are customised, and situations adapted precisely to the needs of the learners.

How the games work

These are all board games, each played by four players.  There can be any number of groups in a room.  The players use dice to play for opportunities, and are presented with problems that they have to solve individually or collectively.  Lower levels of workers play against situations on cards.  Other levels can include active role play and spontaneous multi-party discussion.

Each game is designed to meet the specific needs of the learner group.

Are the games successful?

"OUR SHOP" was first designed in 1989, and since then has undergone changes to encompass the different stages of social development that the country has experienced..

Can it teach anything else??

The basic game is adaptable, and has been used to:

1. Introduce school children to the basics and reality of small business, using the situation of the shop on the corner.

2. The same situation is used for budding entrepreneurs, and to develop the unemployed.

3. Factory floor workers have benefited from the game repositioned into their manufacturing environment.

4. Supervisors play a game that involves more role-play, and hands on problem solving.

5. Managers play a version that involves managerial challenges..