The poet William Blake once wrote about “seeing a world in a grain of sand, and heaven in a wild flower,” of “holding infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour.”
His words, inviting us to recognize the universes of meaning hidden within even the smallest things, came to mind for me in Michigan last month, as I observed Central Michigan University’s eleventh annual ERPsim event, at the Mount Pleasant, Michigan campus on March 23.
Around 180 students and 65 corporate executive mentors had worked with their teams for about two months to prepare for the competition, one of of the largest competitions of its kind in the United States. Teams were tasked with generating the highest net income using SAP technology, working with corporate mentors from participating companies. In making use of both SAP software and business principles, the ERPsim game is intended to make the classroom learning experience come to (simulated) life. Watching this play out was a beautiful reminder of what wonders can occur when volunteers come together.
Members of the CMU College of Business leadership, SAP representatives from the SAP Next-Gen and University Alliance programs, ASUG Volunteers, corporations, and students all converged for ERPsim. While some students in the competition participated because it was a class requirement, the majority in attendance asked to compete. ASUG Volunteers from the Michigan Chapter hosted a reception on the evening of March 22 to let students converse with prospective employers, potentially laying the track for internships or full-time employment opportunities. A “Mingle Bingo” game provided a fun, safe environment for students to practice their social networking and elevator pitching skills. Students learned more about selected companies and sought advice on class selection, certifications, and careers. I was struck by the conviviality of the companies present, inviting the students to hear their stories and share some of their own. It was a relaxing way for everyone to “warm up” for the main event the next day.
In talking to students engaged in the competition, I learned that the teams could apply as a pre-set group or that their assignments could be made randomly. CMU data indicates that participating teams with diverse perspectives and disciplines are the most successful at ERPsim.
Teams wore team colors representing their sponsoring organizations. Mentors were also in team gear, ready to offer words of encouragement and advice. The teams operated in a simulated manufacturing environment and formulated plans to anticipate sales, procurement, materials on hand, production schedules, stock on hand, pricing, marketing, cash flows, and debt repayment—among other factors. Under any circumstances, this would be a test of strategy, planning, and quick decision-making. Each game featured four rounds signifying 20 days (each “day” was 60 seconds). Winners were those with the best combination of profit, sales, investment, and debt management.
At one point, a technical glitch required the game to be reset. As a first-time observer, I thought this was part of the scenario itself. After restarting, teams found that challenges became even more intense, as the length of a “day” was reduced to 45 seconds. Teams kept a sharp eye on the leaderboard for their results and relative progress. Those of us observing the competition remarked on the teams' cool composure and ready adaptability to changing circumstances. This is not very different from real life—plans change, time keeps running—and the whole team needs to contribute to the solution, seeing the significance of each small moment before them, in order to seek out and secure the best results.
Carolyn Dolezal is ASUG's Chief Operating Officer.