The day of the crisis sim
Emmania Rodriguez
Not sure if I sent you this but this is more information on the sim and what it entails. Any questions let me know. Right now, I am trying to get Eric examples of game changers from last year and am working on answering some of Lauren's logistical questions.
Planning Details
Game Changers
Plan to prepare several game changers (enough for at least 2 per round) that can help facilitate the game progress. These should be short paragraphs and should be likely events that would occur or decisions made by parties not represented in the simulation. For example, announcements from INGOs, nonstate actor activities/decisions, etc. While these will be planned in advance, be flexible. Depending on the decisions made by actors in the simulation, some game changers may no longer be applicable. Be prepared to write new ones on the spot!
Intelligence Reports
As you write your game changers, think of possible intelligence data that may be crucial/helpful to a particular actor or actors in making an informed decision. Keep in mind the capabilities of the actors- who would be able to get good intelligence and who wouldn’t be able to collect / analyze as much or as good intelligence.
Actors are welcome to leak intelligence to the entire simulation, but they should be warned- this will burn their source and they will no longer be able to receive intelligence on the country of which the leaked information concerned.
Just like the game changers, some intelligence reports may need to be written on site in order to be pertinent to the evolution of the crisis. Also, not every country need receive intelligence every round.
The Control Group
The Control Group is the group of 5-7 people who help the simulation run smoothly. They will be responsible for updating the blog with end of round decisions, international updates (game changers), and leaks from other players. They should be well versed in the background of each actor in the simulation so that they may answer any questions participants have.
Room Set-Up
The room should have separate tables for each actor group, 1-2 tables set aside for negotiations, and 1 table for the control group. Each table needs access to a power strip so participants can charge their laptops. The room will require a screen and projector / computer so the Control Group may display the blog during the simulation. Tables for food set-up will also be required (3 rectangular tables).
After Action Review (AAR)
To be held immediately following the announcement of the final events. This gives participants an opportunity to discuss what they learned and their initial reactions of the simulation. Control Group and/or Dr. Betts should mediate AAR- ask what worked and didn’t work, what was realistic and unrealistic, what was helpful and what detracted from the simulation and if there are any recommendations for future simulations.
Northeastern '09, International Affairs