Root Beer Game - Student Preparation Instructions
Please follow the below instructions prior to the beginning of Tuesday's class. These instructions
provide an overview of the game's purpose, as well as details on how you can register and pay for your
participation in the online supply chain simulation, the root beer game. Finally, directions are also
provided explaining how you can locate training videos once you have completed registration.
Registration and Payment
First, you must navigate to http://forio.com/signup/F1273520 and register for participation in the
simulation. Once you have registered at the above link, you will be prompted to provide payment. After
submitting payment details, you will receive a second link to access the simulation itself. The URL
should look like the figure below.
Training Materials
Once you have accessed the simulation, you will be able to log in but are restricted to the "Prepare"
screens until we actually begin the simulation. Here you are able to review introductory information on
how to navigate within the simulation. Be sure to view the short “how to play” movie, available from
the Prepare Tab.
Synopsis
Modeled after the classic Beer Game developed at MIT in the 1960s, the Root Beer Game provides a
first-hand account of the inherent challenges in supply chain management. As a one of a group of four
students, you will play one of four roles in a root beer supply chain: Factory, Distributor, Wholesaler, or
Retailer; each cycle (week) within the simulation, you need to place your root beer orders with your
direct supplier based on your current inventory level and your (estimated) demand from the next node
on the chain. You will have no direct communication with the other members of your supply chain aside
from the request and delivery of orders for new inventory.
All players in the simulation have a common goal: minimizing costs tied up in carrying unnecessary
inventory—which could put you out of business—yet avoiding the costs of inventory shortages, which
also could put you out of business if customers decide to go elsewhere. Limited communication and
visibility along the chain, combined with shipping delays, cascade quickly into severe shortages or
overstocks, despite customer demand remaining virtually steady throughout the game.