Utility Training: Water Utility Management Simulation Game

This in-person 4-day training utility course, "Water Utility Management Simulation Game" is a hands-on learning tool designed to develop practical decision-making skills for professionals in utility management. In teams, participants take on roles representing key business units within a utility—such as commercial, finance, and technical management. Over 10 rounds, simulating a 10-year period, teams will make strategic decisions on tariff setting, customer subsidies, water allocation, maintenance, and expansion of production capacity. The goal is to ensure long-term sustainability while balancing financial, operational, and environmental factors.

The training is jointly organised by the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, the WaterWorX Programme/Vitens Evides International - VEi, and GWOPA. 

A key learning outcome is for participants to understand the complex interplay of financial and operational decisions, enhancing their strategic planning abilities. Teams will also gain experience in risk management, as they navigate challenges like natural disasters, political interventions, or market changes. By the end of the game, participants will be able to evaluate the long-term impacts of their decisions on key performance indicators (KPIs), such as operating ratios and customer satisfaction, while benchmarking their results against other teams.

The game fosters critical thinking and teamwork, as participants reflect on their decision-making processes and outcomes. The simulation encourages learning through experience, providing a safe environment to explore the consequences of strategic actions without real-world repercussions. Facilitated feedback sessions allow participants to see how their choices affect utility performance, helping them build the skills needed for effective utility management and long-term resilience.

By the end of the "Utility Management Simulation Game," participants will be able to:

1. Identify and describe key operational and financial factors that influence the sustainability of a utility, such as tariff setting, customer subsidies, and water allocation
2. Analyze the impact of strategic decisions on utility performance using key performance indicators (KPIs)
3. Apply risk management strategies by responding to crises, such as natural disasters or political interventions, and adapting their utility's operations accordingly
4. Evaluate the long-term outcomes of their decisions through reflection and benchmarking, making adjustments to improve future strategic planning and resilience