General:


What is a login?


The Login is an unique code per team. This login-code allows you, in combination with the password, to enter the date for each period. The game-leaders will provide you with these credentials at the start of the game.


Why is the data-input not accepted?


The data input always consists of integers. Point numbers are not accepted. Please use the dataformat 1234 (and not 1.234,45). If the value is zero, please put in a “0”.


What if the data-input was not succesful?


While entering the data or while pressing ‘Save’, it may occur that you get an error message. The message will explain in more detail what problem you have to solve. Check the error message, correct your data-input and click on ‘Save’. Once this was succesfull you will see a confirmation that the input has been accepted.





Inputs:


Why is the data- input ‘price’ not accepted?


Please remember that for the domestic market the price only can increase or decrease with 10% compared to the price level of the previous period.


Why is the input ‘number of representatives’ not accepted?


The number of representatives active in a particular period is calculated according to the following formula: # representatives(p) = # representatives(p-1) - # dismissed(p) + # representatives in training(p-2) .
This means that the number of representatives in period (p) to be entered is equal to the number of representatives active in the previous period (p-1) reduced with the fired representatives in period (p) and increased with the number of representatives enrolled (p-2) and that finished their training.


Why is the input ‘market research’ not valid?


A maximum of 3 report can be ticked in every period, including the free market research report number 1. Should you decide not to order any market research report, you automatically will receive the (free) market research report 1.





Tips:


Selling price


The selling price to the consumer is crucial in the marketing mix. As for the domestic market a price variation of maximum 10% can be applied, hence the initial price setting is very important.
Please remember that the selling price includes the cost of goods sold, the margins for the wholesaler and retailer, profit for your company, salaries for the rep’s, investments in advertising & promotion, research & development, …
The export price consists of a tender – each company receives the same quantity requested. Every manufacturer can offer a best price. There are no margins to take into account except of course the profit your company wants to make on this export order.


Representatives in training


You can enroll new representatives. The new recruited sales people get a training during 2 periods. The third period they become active and operate like the other representatives.
Please put in the number of representatives you want to recruit in the box ‘Number of representatives in training’. Once you enrolled new representatives, you don’t have to repeat this number in the next period. Once enrolled they will be operational after 2 periods.
Keep track of the number of enrolled representatives. You have to input the right number of operational representatives each period. Furthermore this in important information to analyse the impact of your decisions.


New factory(ies)?


You can decide to invest in an extra factory or even more new factories. Therefore you have to invest 20.000 € for three periods consecutive for one extra factory. After 3 periods the factory will be operational in p+4. It is important to invest for 3 periods the 20.000 € (or a multiple of this amount). Do not interrupt this investment, otherwise you will have to start all over again and the previous investment(s) are lost!
Note that you only can invest in 3 extra factories at the same time.