What do you need for a session

In this page, you can find information about what you need to host a session: face to face sessions or online.

In general

Whether planning for an online or face-to-face session, the facilitator of the MSP Challenge session will need to have the server+client combi installed in the (server) computer that they will be operating. Also, the participants will need the client installed in the computers they will be using.

In case of concerns regarding the computer's suitability for MSP use, consult the system's requirements.

For ease of use, we advise the facilitator and the participants to use a mouse (drawing with a touchpad or touch screen might be more difficult).

Check also the Materials for facilitators and the Handouts for players page were you can find useful materials to run a MSP Challenge session.

If you are not too familiar with MSP Challenge yourself please check our tutorials on basic features, advanced features, and contact us for further information.

Another good idea for when there is little time on the day of the MSP Challenge session itself it to have the participants following the tutorials beforehand so you can skip those instructions at the main event.

Face to face sessions

For a face-to-face session, you will need a room where all your participants can join comfortably. Comfort is essential since an MSP Challenge session should last at least 3 to 4 hours.

It would be best to plan for a whole day for this activity, with a couple of coffee breaks and a lunch break.

You should limit your participants to a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 30.

You can opt to provide prepared computers (with the MSP Challenge client installed) and a mouse pad. Another option is to ask participants to bring their prepared laptop and mouse pad.

If you opt to provide computers for the participants, we found that an optimal number of participants per computer is 2 or 3. A fourth participant might have trouble seeing the screen or take an active part in the discussion. Do not forget you need a computer yourself.

Be prepared and bring extension cords (and possibly adaptors if you go to a country that uses different electricity plugs than yours).

It is helpful to have a big screen to show the plans made, the KPIs, etc., to engage the participants in the discussion between eras and after simulation runs.

Online Sessions

If the session is online, each participant will be using their computer. Therefore we advise you to ask participants to download and install the MSP Challenge platform client before the session.

Recomendations for facilitator

For online sessions, the facilitator needs to arrange for a communication platform. This platform needs to allow both plenary sessions and break-out rooms. The plenary session is used for the welcome, introduction, instructions and discussions. Leave this channel open for questions during the whole session. The break-out rooms are used for team members to communicate and share their screens while planning. It is nice to have also a digital whiteboard for drawing or annotation of screenshots.

- Two screens or a big screen: to be able to see the MSP Challenge and follow the online communication.

- Good headset with microphone

- Webcam

Recomendations for participants:

It is nice if participants have a mouse and mouse pad for comfort and two screens or a big screen. We also recomend to use a headset and video camera.