Dynamic Distributed Decision-making (DDD) Simulation
DDD was originally developed by Aptima Corporation, in conjunction with the Office of Naval Research to study how high-performance teams operate in complex environments. The task simulates a military command and control context, where the decision makers own and operate various vehicles, such as helicopters, jets, tanks, and radar planes. The object of the task is to monitor restricted airspace and prevent enemy vehicles from entering forbidden locations by detecting them, identifying them, and attacking them if necessary. In contrast to purely objective research projects, where the researchers remain detached and merely observant, when MBA classes are held in the lab, the professors’ role is to be much more involved in the action. The MBA students’ Team Lab exercises are designed to expose them to situations where most people make mistakes, which leads to “teachable moments” - those light-bulb-over-the-head moments when people are suddenly more open to learning about alternative ways of handling team-related problems. “Although it is more fun to win and work error-free,” John Hollenbeck said, “we often learn more from losing and reflecting on our mistakes.”
Click here to see the game screen
Watch video of the DDD simulation being played
Short Clip
Full Clip (very large download)
Click here to view a PowerPoint presentation on some of the recent and ongoing research conducted in the Team Effectiveness Laboratory. Research covered in this presentation examines adaptation, structural asymmetries, and reward structures within team-based, command and control environments.