MARGA Online Competition 2022/2023
The MARGA Online Competition started into a new round on November 08. Over the next six months, the 31 participating teams will be in direct competition with each other to manage their own virtual company with all its functional areas. Who are the TOP 4, what exciting challenges do the teams face, how do they do in the individual game periods and who will enter the final at the end of the main round? Here we will keep you up to date with all the latest news and information!
We look forward to an eventful and exciting competition!
Test round
Altogether 31 teams set off into this year’s MARGA Online Competition. By now, the kick-off sessions, in which each team receives a detailed introduction into the simulation course and software through a MARGA tutor, have already been carried out. The teams have now moved on to the test round. Here they are given two periods to get acquainted with their new role as management of their virtual MARGA company - a renowned global player. All participants are now challenged to organize themselves within their teams and as a first step to get to know the overall market behavior. As there is no ranking during the test round, we advise all teams not to concentrate on the profit yet, but rather to find out the effect drivers and the overall customer preferences.
The teams had to make their decisions for the first simulation period of the test round by 23 November. So far it was only possible to see the consequences of one's own decisions in plan mode: How does the MARGA Value Added change if we lay off 1,000 employees, buy raw materials in stock, or change our payment behavior? But after the market simulation, the teams also see for the first time the influence of their competitors' decisions on the market and on their own company.
The deadline for the decision of the second test period is December 14th. On this day we will reset everything and all teams will start again into the first qualification round from ‘zero’ – however with the acquired knowledge of the test period.
We wish all teams a successful start and lots of ‘wow effects’! The MARGA tutors are pleased to answer your questions.
Start into the main round: Now ever decision counts
Main round: period 1
In the main round, new challenges as well as new competitors are waiting for the teams. To make sure that all teams are well prepared for the upcoming round, we offered a feedback for each group in mid January. Here we analyzed what happened on the markets and gave some hints on how to implement strategies in the MARGA business simulation.
The teams now have to prevail in their respective foursome group. Therefore, they have to develop a well-thought-out strategy and implement it operationally during the five periods.
The teams have the opportunity to enter a new market for the first time in this first period. As in reality, initial investments ("market entry costs") are necessary and the board members have to weigh costs and potential.
After the first of five periods the team of OBI Group Holding is being chased at top of the ranking. Good job, way to go! You are off to a great start.
On the second rank you will find a team of Bayer, on the third rank a team of SCHOTT, and on rank four another team of OBI Group Holding positioned itself after the first period.
The start has been successful, but defending the places will be difficult.
Main round: period 2
Period 2! What an exciting race:
Team 21 from SCHOTT with a huge leap to the top of the rankings. From stations a little further back, Team 24 and Team 25 from Deutsche Bahn also made a stop in the Top 4. The Top 4 is completed by Team 10 from OBI Group Holding, that unfortunately must give up its top spot.
Some teams suffered losses; other teams are very successful. But it was only the second period and our learning journey just started. Is everyone prepared for the next period?
Period 3 is always a tough one. The vacation period has started and has to be planned carefully: One third of the workers is not available for production in the third period. Thus, the non-productive personnel costs will significantly increase. How will the teams manage this period? Have they recruited workers, or will they make use of overtime and temp workers? Have they bought trade goods or pre-produced to increase the stock?
Main round: period 3
Period 3 is always a tough one!
The MARGA teams had to cope with the fact that 1/3 of their staff were not available to help with production.
But the teams still have time to increase your MARGA Value Added!
We have a new player in the game! The Westlake Vinnolit team is shaking up the TOP 4.
OBI Group Holding was able to move up to the second place and team 25 of Deutsche Bahn can hold on to its place in the TOP 4 ranking.
Two periods left! Can anyone become dangerous to the leading SCHOTT team?
Main round: period 4
One more period to go during the main round for the participants of this year’s Online Competition
SCHOTT's Team 21 is still at the top of the ranking.
Behind them we see two teams of OBI: Team number 10 and 11 have each secured a place in the top 4.
Team 16 from Westlake Vinnolit also remains in the top 4.
Will anything change in this area? We can reveal: There are still several contenders for the top 4.
We are looking forward to see the results of this main round’s final period and keep our fingers crossed for all participants!
