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Houston we have a problem

A Northgate Training Game

This training game brings out all the lessons of teamwork cooperation, but it is also about coping under pressure to obtain a successful outcome.

astronaut game photoIn this training activity, four teams are looking forward to blast-off from the Moon, just as soon as all preparations are complete. Then there's a problem!

Four teams, A B C & D, based on the Moon, have a number of tasks to complete in readiness for their return journey to Earth. They must set up a laser beacon, erect a flag and collect rock samples. Oxygen supplies are getting low so the work involves careful forward planning and full liaison with the other teams.

Just when teams are getting “all the boxes ticked”, they receive an emergency communication from Mission Control, Houston! All is not well. There is a critical problem with a carbon dioxide filter on the spacecraft. With already limited oxygen and now the added shortage of time, can teams, with the help of Mission Control and the materials available, construct a life-saving replacement filter – and save themselves?

Houston Game PackThe team building game consists of:

  • all the material to use many times
  • trainer's notes
  • action plan
  • key points handout
  • team self-assessment forms.


What it does

The essence of this exercise is two-fold. First, it is about effective teamwork but it is also about cooperating with other teams to obtain a successful outcome. As well, various constraints challenge more specific aspects of team performance: constraints imposed on communication between teams makes them think more carefully about what they say and how to share information (at meetings or in writing).

Lack of oxygen means teams must cope with issues of limited resources. The activity stresses the need to think carefully, plan ahead and schedule tasks between the four teams to achieve all the objectives within the deadline.

The additional problem from Mission Control, arriving well into the activity, challenges teams to cope with the unexpected, react to change, follow instructions “to the letter” and work under pressure. Great fun and masses for teams to talk about at the Debrief! And lots of learning issues to consolidate.

Learning Benefits:

  • Teamwork
  • Team cooperation
  • Problem-solving
  • Clarifying objectives
  • Communication skills – oral and written
  • Coping under pressure and with resource constraints.

Comments from Users of this Team Cooperation Game

“Very effective learning on teamwork and communication skills. No single team can achieve the objective – it has to be a joint solution.”
“A real winner! Very positive feedback from participants about the way the activity related to work.”
“Fun, challenging, engaging. Learning points emerge as individuals reflect. Well explained and everything you need is in the pack.”

pdfDownload a PDF file of this team building game

Buy this game and use it many times; or we will run it for you. Please contact us for more information.

Timing: This team cooperation game runs for 1.5 hours + debrief.
Numbers: Up to 4 teams with 3 to 6 participants in a team (for each activity).
Who: Staff at any level.
PC required: One computer (or laptop) and printer required.
Licence Free: There are no restrictions on how many times you can use this game.
Cost to buy and facilitate yourself: £395 + delivery and VAT (if applicable).

Buy this game with:

  • Credit or Debit Card – Click on the Add to cart button below or contact us to pay over the phone
  • Bank Transfer (please ask for details)
  • Cheque in Pounds Sterling made out to Elite Training European Ltd
  • PayPal (please ask for details).

Houston we have a problem game.
Buy the Houston we have a problem game. Price: £395.00 + delivery and VAT (if applicable)

Google Checkout will process your online card transaction. Please select the appropriate delivery service in their checkout and we will deliver the game(s) to you.

We can arrange for shorter or longer delivery times, which will increase or decrease the cost of delivery. If you would like alternative shipping costs or have questions about ordering, see our Ordering page or contact us.

We develop and sell a wide range of business simulation games and training material. We also sell selected training activities and games produced by other top training companies that achieve excellent results in our training courses and events. This training activity like many of the business games we sell, allows you to build your collection of readymade trainer-led activities or tailor your own training program. The activities are ideal for your training course, seminar or conference.

Expert advice to help you choose and use

With our business experience and expertise in training, we can help you choose the right training material or business game. Advice is free and there is no obligation to buy.

To see the other companies that have bought business simulation games from us and their feedback on our services please visit our >> Customers and Feedback Page

BusGame1Prefer us to run the game? No problem

Our facilitators will run a business game or training activity at your management conference, seminar or training course.

Just let us know what you want to achieve from running the game and relax in the knowledge that we will make the game interesting, enjoyable and beneficial.

“The general feedback on our conference was ‘one of the best yet!’ I think that using starting the day with the Crime Squad really helped relax people into the day and I think they all found the Hotel exercise both challenging and rewarding and having you run the afternoon enabled us to see how the delegates actually worked together. Thanks to you and your team for helping make our conference a success.
The challenge for us is now to come up with something different for next year so any suggestions would be appreciated.”C. Garrett – Selwood

Download our Brochures

  • pdfHouston Game Details
  • pdfBusiness Games
  • pdfCourse_Brochure
  • pdfTeam Building Brochure

More Information

  • All Games Listed by Name
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  • FAQs - Business Games

Houston we have a problem

pdfDownload a PDF file of this Training Game

Timing: This business game runs for
1.5 hours + Debrief.
Numbers: Up to 4 teams with 3 to 6
participants in a team.
Who: Staff at any level.
PC required: None.
Licence Free: No restrictions on the number of
times you can use this game.
Cost to buy: £395 + delivery and VAT
(if applicable).

Buy this game with:

  • Credit or Debit Card. Click on the Add to cart button below or contact us to pay by phone
  • Bank Transfer (please ask for details)
  • Cheque in Pounds Sterling made out to Elite Training European Ltd
  • PayPal (please ask for details).

Houston We Have a Problem.
Buy the Houston We Have a Problem. Price: £395.00 + delivery and VAT (if applicable)
Google Checkout will process your online card transaction. Please select the appropriate delivery service in their checkout and we will deliver the game(s) to you.

Buy this game and use it many times; or we will run it for you.  Please Contact Us for more information.

Contact Details

Liz Garrard
Elite Training European Ltd
3 Parkers Place
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
IP5 3UX
UK

Telephone +44 (0) 1473 610320

Email: games@elitetraining.co.uk

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