Possible Mission: Escape from Earth Game

Year 2117: Earth is in danger. The planet has ceased to be a pleasant place for human life for years now, and scientists believe that in a few years it will no longer be habitable… Therefore, the future of humanity is at stake. The only possible option is to leave planet Earth in search of another place that can host the human race and other species.

You have received a crucial assignment from GASA (Global Aeronautics and Space Administration): you have been selected to build the spacecraft that will lead the first space expedition, “Looking for a new home.”

In Possible Mission, you will need to build a spacecraft that allows humanity to travel to another planet. This project is critical and comes with strict constraints in terms of time and resources. The entire world depends on the success of this project.

Are you ready to take on this challenge?

Possible Mission is a game designed to understand and practice project management. It is available both in traditional and agile editions.

The main objectives achieved by this game are:

• Differentiate between planning, execution, monitoring and control.
• The main areas it covers are: scope, time, cost, quality, risks, and benefits management.
• Other areas covered: supplier and stakeholder management.
• Focus on the phases and the management of different project lifecycles.
• Program management (the game is based on 4 projects that are developed independently and that, at the end of the game, must be combined into a single project).

Project management experts can use this simulation as part of their projects. For example, they can incorporate them into their own methodology and projects to resolve current incidents or conflicts. It can also be used as a starting point for new projects or even to analyze how a team approaches new projects. Training managers can use this simulation in any project management course, focusing on aspects such as communication management, teamwork, troubleshooting, or leadership.

There are no prerequisites in terms of knowledge of project management methodology. It is advisable to be familiar with project management, but it is not essential.

Game features

Room: the game will take place in a room without computers, for up to 20 people. An Internet connection is required for the facilitator.

Duration: 8 hours of play, structured in 3 parts:

• Planning, which takes about 3 hours.
• Execution, which takes about 4 hours.
• Closure, which takes about 2 hours.

Players: From 8 to 20 people per game.

Teams: 4 teams of up to 5 people per team.

The game allows for, and is designed to, alternate the playful experience with reflection on what happens in each game in order to extract the best lessons learned.

The facilitator observes and guides the game to achieve the proposed knowledge transfer objectives.

A Certificate of Attendance for course JJM 176 will only be issued to participants with an attendance above 75%, and a Diploma of Achievement will be awarded if they also pass the assessment test.

Contents of Possible Mission: Escape from Earth

1. Planning
   1. Participants will be divided into 4 teams, each team assigned to one spacecraft.
   2. In each team, participants will have to read and understand the objective of the project.
   3. They will have to discuss and decide on the composition of the spacecraft.
   4. They will have to decide which contingency plans to adopt to cover the different risks.
2. Actions
   1. Develop a rough outline of the entire project.
   2. Develop a detailed plan for the first phase.
   3. Analyze the risks and acquire contingency plans if necessary.
   4. Request authorization to begin the execution.
   5. Execute in 3 phases.
   6. At the end of each phase, summarize the completed phase.
3.  Closure
   1. At this point, teams must assemble the four spacecrafts to carry out the test flight.
   2. Each team must provide a closure report for their project, and program managers must do the same for the entire program.
   3. Finally, they must identify and document the lessons learned from the project.

JJM176