Names of the game

LUCAS Industries, Touche Ross and South Yorkshire Police are among the organisations that have signed up for the Independent Management Game. Several other well- known names are about to join them and compete for the pounds 10,000 first prize plus the opportunity to take part in an international final.

If you fancy your chances you need to act fast. The closing date for applications is 29 April.

The game, sponsored by National Westminster Bank, simulates the operation of a small to medium-sized enterprise in the European Union. It involves teams of five or six 'directors' - which may come from business, schools and colleges or be made up of individuals - competing in a knock- out. Rather than merely playing against the computer ( as in some management games), they will be competing with each other for a share of the market and of the labour force.

This means that though the criterion of success is share price performance, participants will have to demonstrate a range of abilities. In addition to handling the human resources side, they will need to be able to manage production, design, marketing and exchange rates. Consequently, the make-up of a team could be critical.

The organisers believe that the game is a cost-effective way of introducing staff to business or new ideas without incurring real-life risks. But it can also be fun.

If you want to take part or obtain further information, please call 081-671 7733 or fax 081-671 4552. Application forms, available from those numbers, must be returned by 29 April.