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f24 IN4023 Virtual Systems Business Simulation

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`https://coda.io/@peter-sigurdson/how-to-create-and-publish-a-technical-blog`⁠

This worksheet will lead you through creating the content for your company’s website.

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You can refer to this video to see the steps of setting up a Google Sites website: sites.google.com

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https://youtu.be/wlTTMkILBA0⁠

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This is a our class project.

We will do work each week to build up to delivering your Final Mission: Running a strategic outsourcing service company that works with other companies (class teams) to deliver your clients’ IT data center needs.

Your success will be determined by your team’s net profitability and your key performance metrics on your Scorecard.

This mirrors how managers and executives in real strategic services outsourcing companies work.

Strategic Services Outsourcing Simulation: Honing Your Business Battle Instincts

Welcome to our business simulation project, designed to mirror the challenges and decision-making processes of running a strategic services outsourcing company in the IT sector. This simulation is not just an academic exercise – it's a powerful tool used by the world's most prestigious business schools, including Yale School of Management and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, to prepare future business leaders for real-world challenges.

What is Strategic Services Outsourcing?

Strategic services outsourcing involves partnering with external specialists to manage critical business functions, allowing companies to focus on their core competencies. In the IT sector, this often includes:

Data center management

Cloud computing services

Cybersecurity

Network infrastructure

Application development and maintenance

These services provide immense value to customers by:

Reducing operational costs

Accessing cutting-edge technology and expertise

Improving scalability and flexibility

Enhancing focus on core business activities

Real-World Examples

To underscore the relevance of this simulation, consider these recent business stories:

IBM's $4.6 billion deal with Lufthansa to outsource the airline's IT infrastructure services.

Accenture's partnership with Takeda Pharmaceutical to accelerate their digital transformation.

Infosys' $1.5 billion contract with Vanguard to manage their recordkeeping services.

Your Mission

Over the coming weeks, you will build and run a strategic outsourcing service company, collaborating with other teams to fulfill your clients' IT data center needs. Your success will be measured by your team's net profitability and key performance metrics on your Scorecard – mirroring how real executives in strategic services outsourcing companies are evaluated.

This simulation will challenge you to:

Develop strategic thinking

Make data-driven decisions

Manage resources effectively

Navigate competitive landscapes

Balance short-term gains with long-term sustainability

Are you ready to step into the shoes of a strategic services outsourcing executive and test your business acumen?

Let's begin this exciting journey!

How teams will make or lose money on deals and provide an example of a deal performance scorecard.

This information will be crucial for students to understand the mechanics of the simulation.

Deal Mechanics and Scorecard Example

Understanding Deal Mechanics in Strategic Services Outsourcing

In this simulation, your team will navigate the complex world of strategic services outsourcing by accepting contracts and managing resources efficiently. Here's how you'll make or lose money:

Deal Mechanics

Accepting Contracts: The instructor will provide contracts representing client needs. These contracts will specify:

Services required (e.g., data center management, cloud computing, cybersecurity)

Contract duration

Expected service levels

Potential revenue

Resource Management: Your team must decide whether to: a) Fulfill the contract using your own resources b) Outsource parts of the contract to other teams (subcontracting) c) Decline the contract

Profit/Loss Calculation: Your profit (or loss) will be determined by: Revenue from the contract - (Cost of your resources + Cost of subcontracted services)

Examples

Example 1: Profitable Deal

Contract: 3-year data center management for a mid-sized company

Revenue: $5 million per year

Your costs: $3.5 million per year

Profit: $1.5 million per year

Example 2: Deal with Subcontracting

Contract: 2-year comprehensive IT services including areas outside your expertise

Revenue: $8 million per year

Your costs: $4 million per year

Subcontracted services cost: $3 million per year

Profit: $1 million per year

Example 3: Unprofitable Deal

Contract: 1-year cybersecurity services for a large corporation

Revenue: $2 million

Your costs: $1.8 million

Subcontracted services cost: $0.5 million (specialized security auditing)

Loss: $0.3 million

Deal Performance Scorecard

Here's an example of what a deal performance scorecard might look like:

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In this scorecard:

Each metric has a target and an actual value

The score is calculated as a percentage of the target achieved

The overall deal performance is an average of all individual scores

Teams will need to balance these various metrics to achieve success. For example, cutting costs too aggressively might improve profit margin but could negatively impact customer satisfaction or service level agreements.

Remember, in strategic services outsourcing, long-term relationships and reputation are crucial.

A deal that looks profitable in the short term might not be strategic if it leads to poor performance or customer dissatisfaction.

This explanation and example scorecard should give students a clear understanding of how their decisions will impact their team's performance in the simulation.

Here are some additional points to consider:

Risk management: Encourage students to think about the risks associated with each deal. For example, subcontracting might reduce immediate costs but introduces dependency and potential quality control issues.

Capacity planning: Teams should consider their current and future capacity when accepting deals. Overcommitting can lead to poor performance across all contracts.

Investment decisions: Include scenarios where teams can invest in new capabilities or technologies. These investments might reduce short-term profits but could open up more lucrative contracts in the future.

Market dynamics: Consider introducing market fluctuations that affect the cost of resources or subcontracted services. This will teach students to adapt to changing conditions.

Negotiation skills: Allow some room for negotiation in contracts. Students could practice negotiating terms with the instructor or with other teams for subcontracting.

Long-term strategy: Encourage teams to develop a long-term strategy. Some deals might be worth taking at a lower profit margin if they align with the team's long-term goals or provide valuable experience in a new area.

Performance improvement: After each round or major deal, have teams analyze their performance scorecard and develop improvement plans.

By incorporating these elements, you'll create a rich, dynamic simulation that challenges students to think strategically and make complex decisions, much like real executives in the strategic services outsourcing industry.

Team Organization

Here are 10 teams for your Virtual Data Center Strategic Services Outsourcing simulation, using the provided student names and assigning a leader to each team:

Team 1: Cloud Commanders — VirtuCore Solutions

Leader: Akashdeep Singh

Amarpal

Anmolpreet Kaur

Anshu

Team 2: Data Defenders —- CloudMaster Technologies

Leader: Bhupinder Singh

Dev

Dhriti

Garvit

Team 3: Virtual Visionaries —- HyperScale Systems

Leader: Gurjant Singh

Gurkanwal Singh

Gurkaran Singh

Gurshajpreet

Team 4: Server Sentinels —- SecureVirt Inc.

Leader: Harmanjot Kaur

Harsh

Himanshu

Team 5: Firewall Fighters —- AgileVM Consulting

Leader: Ivjot Singh

Jashanpreet

Jasjeet Singh

Krishan

Team 6: Infrastructure Innovators —- EcoVirt Green Technologies

Leader: Lovepreet Singh

Madhvender

Mandeep Kaur

Manjeet Kaur

Team 7: Network Navigators —- VirtEdge Networks

Leader: Mayank

Navraj Singh

Parminder Singh

Parneet Kaur

Team 8: Cyber Guardians —- MultiCloud Synergy

Leader: Parvinder Singh

Prabal

Raghav

Rajkomal Kaur

Team 9: Secure Sockets —- VirtualizeAI

Leader: Rajveer Singh

Ramandeep Kaur

Sahazpreet Singh

Team 10: Defense Dynamics —- ContainerPro Solutions

Leader: Sahilpreet Singh

Sandeep Kaur

Seo-Young

Harman Singh

Shamsher

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Business simulations serve a crucial role in virtual data center administration college classes, providing students with practical, hands-on experience in a risk-free environment. These simulations offer several key benefits for aspiring data center administrators:

## Bridging Theory and Practice

Business simulations allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to realistic scenarios, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world data center management[1][2]. This hands-on approach helps students understand how concepts like capacity planning, energy efficiency, and performance optimization work in practice.

## Developing Critical Skills

### Decision-Making Under Pressure

In data center simulations, students learn to make quick, informed decisions under time constraints, mirroring the fast-paced environment of actual data centers[3]. This skill is crucial for managing potential crises and maintaining optimal performance.

### Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Simulations present complex scenarios that require students to analyze problems, consider multiple factors, and develop effective solutions[2]. This process enhances critical thinking skills essential for data center management.

## Risk-Free Learning Environment

One of the most significant advantages of business simulations is the ability to experiment and learn from mistakes without real-world consequences[3]. Students can test different strategies and configurations, learning valuable lessons without risking actual data center operations or incurring costs.

## Comprehensive Understanding of Data Center Operations

### Virtual Modeling and Analysis

Data center simulations often include virtual models representing the entire data center ecosystem, including infrastructure like chillers, generators, and cooling towers[4]. This comprehensive view helps students understand the interdependencies between various components and how they affect overall performance.

### Performance Optimization

Students can use simulation software to explore multiple design configurations and failure scenarios, learning how to optimize data center resilience, physical capacity, and cooling efficiency[4]. This experience is invaluable for future data center administrators who will need to balance reliability, efficiency, and sustainability in their roles.

## Collaboration and Teamwork

Many business simulations incorporate team-based scenarios, allowing students to develop collaboration skills crucial in real-world data center management[2]. This aspect of simulations helps prepare students for the cross-functional teamwork often required in data center operations.

## Exposure to Industry-Standard Tools

Advanced simulation software, such as Cadence® Reality™ DC, provides students with exposure to professional-grade tools used in the industry[4]. Familiarity with these tools can give students a competitive edge when entering the job market.

## Analytics and Reporting Skills

Data center simulations often include features for data visualization and reporting[4]. This aspect helps students develop skills in interpreting complex data, creating actionable insights, and communicating results effectively – all crucial abilities for data center administrators.

In conclusion, business simulations in virtual data center administration classes provide an immersive, practical learning experience that prepares students for the challenges they'll face in real-world data center management. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, these simulations help develop the critical skills, decision-making abilities, and comprehensive understanding necessary for success in this dynamic field.

Citations: [1] https://www.monsoonsim.com/news/1076321/the-power-of-business-simulations-engage-and-educate-with-immersive-experiences [2] https://businessthink.in/why-use-business-simulations-in-education/ [3] https://web.stratxsimulations.com/recent-posts/business-simulations [4] https://www.pdsol.com/product/data-center-simulation/ [5] https://erpsim.hec.ca/en/erpsim

This will be your class project.

You will work in teams. Each team will represent a Company.

Each Company will offer services for a price.

What is our Workflow to get started for this Simulation?

→ Each team will make a Google Workspace to be your company’s office.

One team member: Use your Google account to set this up:

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Set up a Google Drive

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Share the Editor Link with other team members and with

peter@petersigurdson.net⁠

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Next Step: Make a Google Document and use it to do research

Design a simulation engine for your Virtual Systems Administration class (IN4023) with 10 teams. This is an excellent way to engage students in practical application of their knowledge while also developing business acumen. Let's create a framework for this simulation:

# Virtual Systems Administration (IN4023) Simulation Engine

## Overview This simulation engine is designed for a class of 10 teams, each representing a company in the IT services and virtualization market. Teams will buy and sell services, manage resources, and make strategic decisions to maximize their profit by the end of the simulation.

## Company Profiles

1. VirtuCore Solutions

- Specialization: Enterprise-level virtualization - Starting capital: $1,000,000 - Initial resources: 5 senior virtualization engineers, 2 data centers

2. CloudMaster Technologies

- Specialization: Cloud migration services - Starting capital: $800,000 - Initial resources: 4 cloud architects, 1 data center

3. HyperScale Systems

- Specialization: Hyperconverged infrastructure - Starting capital: $1,200,000 - Initial resources: 3 HCI specialists, 3 small data centers

4. SecureVirt Inc.

- Specialization: Secure virtualization for financial sector - Starting capital: $900,000 - Initial resources: 4 security-focused virtualization experts, 1 high-security data center

5. AgileVM Consulting

- Specialization: Agile virtualization implementation - Starting capital: $700,000 - Initial resources: 6 agile-certified virtualization consultants

6. EcoVirt Green Technologies

- Specialization: Energy-efficient virtualization solutions - Starting capital: $850,000 - Initial resources: 3 green IT specialists, 1 eco-friendly data center

7. VirtEdge Networks

- Specialization: Edge computing and virtualization - Starting capital: $950,000 - Initial resources: 4 edge computing experts, 10 edge nodes

8. MultiCloud Synergy

- Specialization: Multi-cloud orchestration - Starting capital: $1,100,000 - Initial resources: 5 multi-cloud architects, partnerships with major cloud providers

9. VirtualizeAI

- Specialization: AI-optimized virtualization - Starting capital: $1,300,000 - Initial resources: 3 AI specialists, 2 high-performance computing clusters

10. ContainerPro Solutions

- Specialization: Container-based virtualization

- Starting capital: $750,000 - Initial resources: 5 container orchestration experts, 1 container-optimized data center

Simulation Mechanics

1. Rounds: The simulation will run for 10 rounds, each representing a fiscal quarter.

2. Services: Teams can offer various services such as: - Virtualization implementation - Cloud migration - Security audits - Performance optimization - Disaster recovery planning - Training and certification

3. Resource Management: - Teams can hire/fire staff - Invest in infrastructure (data centers, edge nodes, etc.) - Upgrade technology stack

4. Market Dynamics: - Fluctuating demand for different services - Technology trends affecting service value - Random events (e.g., security breaches, new regulations)

5. Inter-team Transactions: - Teams can subcontract services to each other - Form strategic partnerships - Merge or acquire other teams (with instructor approval)

6. Financial Management: - Teams must manage cash flow - Can take loans for expansion - Pay taxes and operational costs

7. Innovation: - Teams can invest in R&D to develop new services - Patent new technologies for competitive advantage

8. Customer Satisfaction: - Track and manage customer satisfaction scores - Higher scores lead to more business opportunities

9. Reporting: - Teams submit quarterly reports - Present strategy and results to the class

10. Winning Condition: - The team with the highest total value (cash + assets + future contracts) at the end of 10 rounds wins

## Instructor Controls

- Introduce market shifts or new technologies - Adjust difficulty by changing market conditions - Provide bonus opportunities or challenges - Facilitate inter-team negotiations and deals

## Learning Objectives

- Apply virtualization concepts in a business context - Understand the interplay between technical decisions and business outcomes - Develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills - Practice financial management in an IT services context - Enhance teamwork and communication skills

This simulation engine provides a framework for an engaging, competitive, and educational experience that reinforces the technical concepts of Virtual Systems Administration while also developing business acumen.

I've designed a simulation engine for your Virtual Systems Administration class (IN4023) with 10 teams. Each team represents a company in the IT services and virtualization market. The simulation is designed to run over 10 rounds, representing fiscal quarters, where teams will make strategic decisions, manage resources, and engage in transactions with each other.

Key features of the simulation include:

1. Diverse company profiles with different specializations and starting resources 2. A range of services teams can offer, from virtualization implementation to security audits 3. Resource management, including hiring staff and investing in infrastructure 4. Dynamic market conditions and random events to keep the simulation challenging 5. Inter-team transactions and partnerships 6. Financial management aspects, including cash flow and loans 7. Innovation and R&D components 8. Customer satisfaction tracking 9. Regular reporting and presentations

The simulation is designed to reinforce technical concepts while also developing business skills such as strategic thinking, financial management, and teamwork.

Would you like me to elaborate on any specific aspect of the simulation engine? For example, I could provide more details on how to implement the market dynamics, or suggest ways to integrate specific course content into the simulation.

Virtual Systems Administration (IN4023) Simulation Engine

This simulation engine is designed for a class of 10 teams, each representing a company in the IT services and virtualization market.

Teams will buy and sell services, manage resources, and make strategic decisions to maximize their profit by the end of the simulation.

Company Profiles

1. VirtuCore Solutions

- Specialization: Enterprise-level virtualization - Starting capital: $1,000,000 - Initial resources: 5 senior virtualization engineers, 2 data centers

2. CloudMaster Technologies - Specialization: Cloud migration services - Starting capital: $800,000 - Initial resources: 4 cloud architects, 1 data center

3. HyperScale Systems - Specialization: Hyperconverged infrastructure - Starting capital: $1,200,000 - Initial resources: 3 HCI specialists, 3 small data centers

4. SecureVirt Inc. - Specialization: Secure virtualization for financial sector - Starting capital: $900,000 - Initial resources: 4 security-focused virtualization experts, 1 high-security data center

5. AgileVM Consulting - Specialization: Agile virtualization implementation - Starting capital: $700,000 - Initial resources: 6 agile-certified virtualization consultants

6. EcoVirt Green Technologies - Specialization: Energy-efficient virtualization solutions - Starting capital: $850,000 - Initial resources: 3 green IT specialists, 1 eco-friendly data center

7. VirtEdge Networks - Specialization: Edge computing and virtualization - Starting capital: $950,000 - Initial resources: 4 edge computing experts, 10 edge nodes

8. MultiCloud Synergy - Specialization: Multi-cloud orchestration - Starting capital: $1,100,000 - Initial resources: 5 multi-cloud architects, partnerships with major cloud providers

9. VirtualizeAI - Specialization: AI-optimized virtualization - Starting capital: $1,300,000 - Initial resources: 3 AI specialists, 2 high-performance computing clusters

10. ContainerPro Solutions - Specialization: Container-based virtualization - Starting capital: $750,000 - Initial resources: 5 container orchestration experts, 1 container-optimized data center

## Simulation Mechanics