Polish - American Entrepreneurial Business Cooperation Workshop Utilizing the Income/Outcometm Simulation Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 33, 2006 POLISH - AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS COOPERATION WORKSHOP UTILIZING THE INCOME/OUTCOMETM SIMULATION A CASE STUDY Joseph T. Kuvshinikov Kent State University Ashtabula Campus jkuvshin@kent.edu ABSTRACT In 1998, Erie, Pennsylvania and Lublin, Poland entered into a sister city agreement. This case study presents a workshop between sister city entrepreneurs in Lublin, Poland during January, 2005. The Polish/American Entrepreneurial Business Cooperation Workshop assembled a select group of Polish and American business leaders, government leaders, academics and consultants to begin building a platform of mutual understanding and cooperation. The workshop allowed business leaders to learn management skills and build a common international communication platform through participation in the Andromeda Training’s Income/OutcomeTM business simulation. The workshop was very successful and other cities are now considering similar workshops. Key Words: Poland, Entrepreneurs, Cooperation BACKGROUND In 1998, Erie, Pennsylvania and Lublin, Poland entered into a sister city agreement for joint cooperation and mutual benefit. This relationship was formed under the auspices of Sister Cities International. Sister Cities Intl. (http://www.sister-cities.org) mission statement explains that the organization is a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network designed to create and strengthen partnerships between U.S. and international communities for three main purposes. These purposes are to increase global cooperation at the municipal level, to promote cultural understanding and to stimulate economic development. The mission statement further provides the following five goals of the association: Develop municipal partnerships between U.S. cities, counties, and states and similar jurisdictions in other nations. Provide opportunities for city officials and citizens to experience and explore other cultures through long-term community partnerships. Create an atmosphere in which economic and community development can be implemented and strengthened. Stimulate environments through which communities will creatively team, work, and solve problems together through reciprocal cultural, educational, municipal, business, professional and technical exchanges and projects. Collaborate with organizations in the United States and other countries which share similar goals. As in every sister city arrangement, one challenge facing community leaders from each city is creating opportunities and channels through which relationship building can be encouraged. This case study presents a workshop between Polish and American entrepreneurs held in Lublin, Poland during January 11-14 , 2005. THE WORKSHOP AND SIMULATION The Polish/American Entrepreneurial Business Cooperation Workshop assembled a select group of Polish and American business leaders, academics and consultants to begin building a platform of mutual understanding and cooperation. The event consisted of presentations, interactive case studies and hands-on business simulations designed to explain ways in which businesses in each city could continue to grow and prepare to embrace entrepreneurial business opportunities between Poland and the United States. The organizers desired to initiate an atmosphere of understanding, joint cooperation, new ideas, and future opportunities for Polish/American business partner matching. The workshop was also designed so that participation enabled business leaders to learn management skills and build a common international communication platform. This was accomplished through the Income/OutcomeTM business simulation designed by Andromeda Training. This is the same business simulation used by The Coca-Cola Company, General Electric, Michelin, BASF, Hewlett Packard and other international business organizations to train their management. Further information about the simulation can be found on the world wide web at http://www.income-outcome.com. Use of this corporate exercise simulated the organization and operation of corporate management groups and enabled business leaders to evaluate their potential cross-cultural, cooperative corporate governing ability. The Polish/American Entrepreneurial Business Cooperation 2005 Workshop Program is attached as Appendix A. All sessions were held in the English language. Biographical sketches of the workshop leadership 295 mailto:jkuvshin@kent.edu http://www.sister-cities.org/ Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 33, 2006 team are included as Appendix B. Twenty-three Polish companies, regional government and national consultants sent representatives to participate. The topics discussed in the seminars and during the simulation included but were not limited to the following: Strategic leadership skills Marketing that works internationally Understanding how U.S. businesses operate Structuring your business process to maximize efficiency and productivity Keys to success in managing international projects Employee training and retention Business ethics To encourage relationship building and cooperation participants were divided into learning teams. Each team included Polish and American entrepreneurial leaders. Each team was assigned university students as translators. The simulation was originally scheduled to run from 3:30pm to 5:00pm on Wednesday afternoon and 8:00am to 5:00pm on Thursday. By Thursday afternoon, the enthusiasm and relationship building in the room was so great that participants unanimously voted to continue the simulation for three hours on Friday morning. Pictures from the workshop can be found at http://www.jtkcpa.net/PAL1PAGE.HTM. CONCLUSION At the conclusion of the workshop, participants were asked to complete an evaluation form that would be used in the development of further workshops. Questions and answers from this evaluation instrument are attached in Appendix C. Participants put aside cultural differences and overcame language barriers as they led their simulated companies. Many new friendships were formed. Participants from both cities are now emailing each other and are eagerly looking forward to future meetings and cooperation with their new friends. This workshop has helped encourage a visit by an official trade delegation from Lublin to Erie during October, 2005. In addition, the success of this effort has resulted in business and community leaders from other cities to approach the organizers and begin planning of joint workshops between cities in the United States and cities in their foreign countries. 296 http://www.jtkcpa.net/PAL1PAGE.HTM Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 33, 2006 APPENDIX A DAILY PROGRAM TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2005 9:00AM Day one commences 9:00AM-9:30AM Introduction & welcome. Marek Charis,CFS Prof. Joseph Kuvshinikov, CPA 9:30AM-10:30AM Keynote Speakers President of Lublin Letter from Jim Tompson Vice President of UMCS 10:30AM-11:00AM Coffee Break 11:00AM-12:00PM Keynote speakers continued Business Association Leader, Maciej Letter from US Embassy Video of Erie, PA 12:00PM-1:00PM Lunch at Trybunal 1:00PM-1:15PM Introduction to speakers and simulation Prof. Joseph Kuvshinikov, CPA 1:15PM-2:45PM American speakers Dave Hillman Peter Kuvshinikov Glenn McDonald 2:45PM-3:15PM Coffee break 3:15PM-4:45PM American speakers continued Keith McGarvey Earl Stubbe 4:45PM-5:00PM Business executives select day 2 concurrent seminars 5:00PM Day one concludes WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2005 8:00AM Day two commences 8:00AM-10:00AM International Marketing of Commodities David Hillman 10:00AM-10:15AM 15 minute coffee break 10:15AM-12:15PM Executive Leadership Keith McGarvey 12:15PM-1:00PM Lunch together 1:00PM-3:00PM Project Management Peter Kuvshinikov 3:00PM-3:30PM 30 minute coffee break 3:30PM-5:00PM I/O Intermediate Simulation, Part 1 Joseph Kuvshinikov, Lead Facilitator 5:00PM Day two concludes 297 Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 33, 2006 THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005 8:00AM Day three commences 8:00AM-8:10AM Welcome, announcements and reminders 8:10AM-10:00AM I/O Intermediate Simulation, Part 2 10:00AM-10:15AM 15 minute coffee break 10:15AM-12:00PM I/O Intermediate Simulation, Part 3 12:00PM-1:00PM Lunch together 1:00PM-3:00PM I/O Intermediate Simulation, Part 4 3:00PM-3:15PM 15 minute coffee break 3:15PM-5:00PM I/O Intermediate Simulation, Part 5 5:00PM Day three concludes FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2005 8:00AM Day three commences 8:00AM-8:10AM Welcome, announcements and reminders 8:10AM-10:00AM I/O Intermediate Simulation, Part 6 10:00AM-10:15AM 15 minute coffee break 10:15AM-12:00PM I/O Intermediate Simulation, Part 7 11:30AM-12:00PM Concluding remarks. Participant evaluation surveys collected. Presentation of certificates. Prof. Joseph Kuvshinikov, CPA Marek Charis,CFS 12:00PM Workshop concludes 298 Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 33, 2006 APPENDIX B JANUARY 2005 LEADERSHIP TEAM BIOGRAPHICAL SUMMARIES Joseph Kuvshinikov, M.B.A., C.P.A. Primary Co-Organizer, American Team Coordinator Address: 5414 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506 USA US Phone: +1(814)833-7077 PL Phone: 01 14 86 92 24 20 25 (3/1/05 – 15/1/05) US Fax: +1(814)833-7669 Email: jtkcpa@velocity.net or jkuvshin@kent.edu Website: http://www.jtkcpa.net Topic: Basic Financial Management/Finance for Everyone Income/Outcome Business Simulations Education: 1987/Penn State Univ./B.S. Accounting 1992/Penn State Univ./M.B.A. Business Administration 1993/Commonwealth of Pennsylvania/Certified Public Accountant 1998/State of Ohio/Certified Public Accountant Experience: 1987-1989/First National Bank/Subsidiary Accountant 1990-1992/Penn State Univ./Graduate Research Assistant & Lab Coordinator 1992-1994/Penn State Univ./Instructor 1993-1994/Gannon Univ./Instructor 1994-Present/Kent State University/Tenured Associate Professor & Program Lead Accounting Technology and Business Management Technology 1990-Present/Own and operate Certified Public Accounting firm 299 mailto:jtkcpa@velocity.net mailto:jkuvshin@kent.edu Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 33, 2006 David Hillman Email: dhillman87@juno.com Topic: International Marketing of Commodities Education: 1958/Georgia Tech/B.S. Industrial Engineering Experience: 1958-1981/Westvaco/Specialty Pulp Sales 1981-1982/Woodpulp Intl./Vice President-Specialty Pulp Sales 1982-1987/Hammermill/Manager-Pulp Sales 1987-Present/International Market Pulp Consultant Peter Kuvshinikov, M.E. Email: pkuvshinikov@edinboro.edu Topic: Keys to Success in Managing International Projects Education: 1990/Penn State Univ./Assoc. Mechanical Engineering 1999/Penn State Univ./B.S. Plastics Engineering 2003/Penn State Univ./M.E. Manufacturing Systems Experience: 1994-Present/Tool and Die Productions/ Owner 2000/Kent State University/Adjunct Faculty 2004/Edinboro Univ. of Pennsylvania/ Professor & MET Program Director Glenn McDonald Email: glenn@starhomeserie.com Topic: Analysis of Ethics/Sales Techniques Education: 1975/Grove City College/B.A. Economics & Philosophy Experience: 1975-Present/Star Manufactured Homes/Owner 300 mailto:dhillman87@juno.com mailto:pkuvshinikov@edinboro.edu mailto:glenn@starhomeserie.com Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 33, 2006 Keith McGarvey, M.B.A. Email: keith@velocity.net Topic: Strategic Leadership/People Management Skills/Melding of Ethics, Harmony and Success Education: 1979/Grove City College/Assoc. Accounting 1981/Wharton-University of Pennsylvania/B.S Accounting & Finance 1983/University of Michigan/M.B.A. Marketing & Finance Concentration Experience: 1983-1991/Meadow Brook Dairy/V.P. Sales, President 1991-1995/Dean Foods/Vice President 1995-2002/Country Fair/President 2002-Present/Self-Employed Consultant & Investor Earl Stubbe, M.A., D.Ed. Email: estubbe@earthlink.net Topic: Training and Retention Education: 1947/Edinboro Univ. of Pennsylvania/B.S Education 1949/Columbia Univ./M.A. Education 1964/Penn State Univ./D.Ed. Education Administration and Finance Experience: 1947-1951/Girard High School/Math & Science Teacher 1951-1955/Edinboro State College/ Super. Student Teachers 1955-1966/Fort LeBoeuf High School/ Principal 1966-1971/Erie County Public Schools/ Asst. Supt. – Business 1971-1982/NW Tri County Inter. Unit/ Asst. Exec. Dir. 1983-1985/Gannon Univ./Public Finance Instructor 301 mailto:keith@velocity.net mailto:estubbe@earthlink.net Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 33, 2006 302 APPENDIX C JANUARY 2005 WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT EVALUATION SURVEY RESULTS Number of respondents 35 Answer questions 1-3 using a ranking scale of 1-5. (With 5 being the highest or most affirmative ranking.) Question. 1 What is your opinion about content-related level of the workshop (1-5 scale)? Level Number of answers 3 1 4 9 5 25 Question.2 What is your opinion about organization of the workshop (1-5 scale)? Level Number of answers 3 6 4 13 5 16 Question.3 What is your opinion about the level of the business simulation (1-5 scale)? Level Number of answers 3 2 4 8 5 24 no respond 1 Question.4 Would you like to participle in such workshop the future? Yes 33 No 0 No respond 2 Question.5 Would you like to participle in English language course in August 2005? Yes 25 No 5 I don’t know 4 No respond 1 Question.6 Will you use the knowledge that you learned at the workshop? Yes 33 No 0 No respond 2 Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 33, 2006 303 Question 7. Remarks and suggestions Simultanic translation needed Very good materials Longer workshop necessary Too long introduction Polish version of materials needed Not too much materials Good opportunity for young translators Too long brakes at the first two days Not to much content-related exercises Translators not necessary Translators should know materials before workshop Too large group Preparation of the brief of the Lecture for participants Less formal meeting More such meetings and workshops Simulation should be finished The participants should know the rules of the workshop earlier in Polish No water and glass 8 AM is too early because some participants have to visit their companies More methods of economic account of the company and methods of preparations of development strategy Workshops should be organized cyclically Table of Contents Volume 33, 2006 Learning Assurance Using Business Simulations Applications To Executive Management Education Team Teaching In An Integrated Business Course Using Critical Problem Based Learning Factors In An Integrated Undergraduate Business Curriculum: A Business Course Success Personality Type And Strategic Planning Business Games As Strategic Management Laboratories The Relationship Between Students' Success On A Simulation Exercise And Their Perception Of Its Effectiveness As A PBL Problem Forecasting Accuracy And Learning: The Key To Measuring Simulation Performance The Business Strategy Game: A Performance Review Of The New Online Edition Using The Socratic Method And Bloom's Taxonomy Of The Cognitive Domain To Enhance Online Discussion, Critical Thinking, And Student Learning Using Negotiation Exercises To Promote Critical Thinking Skills Effective Leadership Experiences For Management Majors In A Futures Class The Role Of Learning Versus Performance Orientations When Reacting To Negative Outcomes In Simulation Games Is Pay Inversion Ethical? A Three-Part Exercise Simulations And Experiential Exercises - Do They Result In Learning? Have We Figured It Out Yet? Examining Program Management In Business Simulations: Student And Faculty Views Validating Business Simulations: Do Simulations Exhibit Natural Market Structures? Characterizing Business Games Used In Distance Education Utilizing Games In A Graduate Level Instructional Game Course Employment Interview Preparation: Assessing The Writing-To-Learn Approach Simulations - Bridging From Thwarted Innovation To Disruptive Technology Creating An Authentic Cultural Lens Using Case Dialogue Learning By Fire: Reflections Of A First Time Online Instructor An International Internship With A Service-Learning Focus Learner Participation In The Online Learning Experience: Help Or Hindrance? Any Given Sunday: Intervention In Pursuit Of Simulation Team Parity Beginning With The End: Creating An Experiential Exercise From Assessment Criteria Simulating Life Cycles: Life Span As The Measure Of Performance In Business Gaming Simulations It's Puzzling: Communications, Competition, And Cooperation Balanced Scorecard Implementation For Strategy Management: Variation Of Manager Opinion In Real And Simulated Companies Cases And Business Games: The Perfect Match! Three-Attribute Interrelationships For Industry-Level Demand Equations Using A Web-Based Module To Teach Information Literacy Decision Support System For Demand Forecasting In Business Games The Invalidity Of Profit=F(Market Share) PIMS Validation Of Marketing Games Online Market Test Laboratory With The MINSIM* Program The Gas Mileage Game - A Policy Simulation Delivered Cost And Differentiation Applied To Threshold 3rd Ed. The Effect Of Team-Leadership Modes On Team Performance: A Preliminary Study The Design And Use Of A Macroeconomics Simulation Using Maple Software: A Pilot Study The Instructor's Toolbox: A Meaning-Centered Framework For The Social Construction Of Experiential Learning Incorporating Strategic Product-Mix Decisions Into Simulation Games: Modeling The 'Profitable-Product Death Spiral' Group Composition And Groupthink In A Business Game A Direct Approach To Teaching Business Ethics A Decision Support System For Planning Sales, Production, And Plant Addition With Manager: A Computer Simulation Polish - American Entrepreneurial Business Cooperation Workshop Utilizing The Income/Outcome Simulation Student Leader Training Exercise Student Preference To Mode Of Learning In Hong Kong Experiential Learning For Technology-Based And Management Programme In Hong Kong: A China Study Tour A Price Game With Product Differentiation In The Classroom Discrete Event Modeling In A New Transportation Simulation Supply-Side Modeling In A Total Enterprise Simulation The Quality Game Towards A Massive Multiplayer Online Business Simulation Making The Connection: Improving Virtual Team Performance Through Behavioral Assessment Profiling And Behavioral Cues Individual Learning Producing A Learning Organization: 'Playing Dice With Polar Bears' Narratology and Ludology: Competing Paradigms or Complementary Theories in Simulation Framework For Evaluating Internet Research Using Children's Games To Illustrate Strategy Concepts: Is Less Better?