The Indepedent Management Game 1994: Challenge tougher for our contestants

TEAMS taking part in the Independent Management Game will face two key challenges - the weakening financial position of 'their' company and recession in the US.

But for those who can overcome these problems, the rewards are high.

At stake is a pounds 10,000 first prize and an opportunity to take part in an international final, plus pounds 5,000 worth of runners-up prizes.

To join the representatives of organisations that have already signed up - such as Lloyds Bank, Lucas Industries, South Yorkshire Police and Touche Ross, the accountants - and compete for these prizes, you must act quickly. The closing date for entries is Friday, 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 consist 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. As a result, the make-up of the team could be critical.

David Robertson, of Edit 515, the game's organisers, said that one of the chief difficulties for the directors would be dealing with shareholders who were not happy about the way the company was being run. But he added that the potentially bad news about the US market was countered by more encouraging events in Europe.

'It's not all bad news. Some markets are still growing,' he said.

If you want to take part or obtain further information, please call 081-671 7733 or send a fax to 081-671 4552.