{BreezingForms : reg_2012}
{gallery depth=1}gallery/merit2011_final{/gallery}
MERIT 2011 has been set up to model a construction industry operating in an economy emerging from a recession with up to date bank interest rates and charges and current corporation tax. Learning to survive as a construction business in tough market conditions with fierce competition is the knowledge currently needed by our industry executives.
After completing eight rounds simulating two years of trading the top six teams will be invited to Loughborough University to experience a further two years of simulated trading in the MERIT 2011 final, the winning team will be presented with the ICE’s Silver Salver and named the 2011 MERIT Champion.
Registration
- Nov 2010 - 21 Jan 2011
Submissions
- Round 1 - 03 Feb 2011
- Round 2 - 10 Feb 2011
- Round 3 - 17 Feb 2011
- Round 4 - 24 Feb 2011
- Round 5 - 03 Mar 2011
- Round 6 - 10 Mar 2011
- Round 7 - 22 Mar 2011 - Please note changed date
- Round 8 - 29 Mar 2011 - Please note changed date
Final at Loughborough University
- 11 & 12 April 2011
The main MERIT competition, the next one scheduled is MERIT 2024, is an annual event open to all construction professionals, both in the UK and abroad.
To take part in the simulation participants do not have to leave their place of work, making Merit a very cost-effective training tool, and one that requires minimal internal administration.
Participants need to form a team of up to 4 people - a minimum of 3 is recommended to benefit from the team-working aspects of the simulation, and select a team leader to become the main contact for the competition.
Having registered for the competition, the key components for taking part are:-
- A web browser to use the online software known as the Team Module. We recommend Chrome, but all modern browsers are supported. The Team Module enables decisions to be entered, information to be extracted and performance to be measured for the company being managed
- A powerpoint slideshow tutorial that covers all aspects of the simulation (also available as a PDF version to aid searching)
- Trial data for practising prior to the start of the competition
Once the competition commences the online software is used to communicate decisions to and from the Game Controller, the decisions being held in the team's unique company database.
There are 8 rounds in the first phase of the competition, known as the Early Years. Each round is played over one week, and will normally require between 1 and 2 hours of each team member's time per week.
The top teams from the early years will be invited to an intensive final held online, known as the Final Years, when the skills gained to date will be put to the test in an even more competitive environment over a further 8 rounds.
The following links are tables giving the usage statistics of MERIT for 2000 to 2020, this shows that there have been 22,361 participants in MERIT in that time, 15,098 coming from the International Game, 7,263 from University students and from commercial organisations.
Data from the early years prior to 2000 is not recorded in the same detail but as the same staff were overseeing MERIT in these years informed estimates can be made with a high confidence. These estimates indicate participation in the years prior to 2000 to be greater than 10,000 giving a total number of participants approaching 32,400.
The benefits of using the MERIT simulation as a learning vehicle are based upon principles of adult learning. It is widely accepted that adult learners acquire knowledge in a different way from the typical classroom environment. Recognising that MERIT utilises learning methodologies and tools to help transfer knowledge, skills and competencies need to improve the business skills and understanding of young engineers so that they in turn deliver improved performance for their organisations. In the jargon of education MERIT is an action-learning exercise designed to anchor important lessons of business success with the participating teams. Thinking strategically, performing in the midst of chaos and balancing risk and reward all play out in the simulation which most of the participants find engaging. The simulation evolves and incorporates evolving legislative, regulatory and sector practices keeping the challenge of MERIT modern and relevant. Examples of changes introduced over the period of operation have included:
- Tools to enable detailed interactive analysis of key business areas
- Learning enhanced by detailed powerpoint tutorial, and participants can ‘trial’ the simulation prior to the start of a competition
- Move from a contracting company to a Plc with ability to invest in other businesses
- Enhancements to the 2-stage tendering process
- Developments of risk, and its affect on bidding and job progression
- Changes to the use of project managers to reflect what happens in the real world e.g., ‘golden hellos’, resignations, grudges
- Labour fluctuations in the market
- Expansion of the key performance indicators in line with industry trends
- Introduction of Quality and Health and Safety into the overhead function
- Client relationships impact on more areas of the business
A key feature to MERIT’s success is that it does not take the trainees away from their work place for extensive periods and so fits with the demands of the modern industry that training is delivered effectively in the work place.
It demonstrates that with the appropriate development and support e-learning can be both inexpensive and effective.