Pipeline Business Game

This training resource works well:

• as an icebreaker to make key learning points
• with limited time and as a fun pick-me-up
• for training in customer service and balancing quality, efficiency and effectiveness
• as a team building game
• for conference breakout sessions
• for indoor or outdoor use.

Choose from 6 ways of using the game for different learning outcomes. For example, when using the game for customer service training; the team is asked to quote to the customer how many deliveries of ‘goods’ they can make in the time allowed.

Team members are issued with a piece of half-pipe which they hold next to another team member’s pipe to create a pipeline. This will allows a ball (the ‘goods’) to roll down the pipe.

The group’s task is to get the ball to roll over a set distance and into a container at the end. Each ball successfully delivered results in a happy customer. It sounds simple and teams naturally want to deliver lots of balls in the time allowed.

Teams normally work quickly to achieve the task; however, this often results in the ‘goods’ getting damaged when they fall to the ground and they have a disappointed customer. They soon learn the importance of the balance between high production, wastage and customer service.

We supply tennis balls with the game, but you can also use golf balls which will travel much faster, or eggs to emphasise customer care!

• Brings out key issues such as Customer service, Intercommunication, Taking on responsibility, Planning, Resource Management, Supply Chain, Focusing on targets, Teamwork and Leadership
• Acts as an icebreaker and leads to greater understanding between group members
• The facilitator can brief the group so it can be used in any language
• Integrates into any training situation
• Simple to set up and administer with clear instructions and Trainer’s Guide with debrief suggestions.

• 6 lengths of half-pipe (each pipe = 670mm x 75mm. Colour of pipe varies – currently black)
• 2 Tennis balls
• Laminated Team Sheets for 6 different ways of running the game
• Trainer’s Guide.

• Business Game PDF
• Business Games Brochure
• Course Brochure
• Team Building Brochure

The licence for a game purchased covers 5 to 12 participants playing at a time.  Additional licences are required to play more than one game at a time.  We recommend up to 48 participants per trainer.  There’s no restriction on the number of times you can use our games.