The morning sun spilled into the campus courtyard as Group Four gathered at the designated field area for their project. The challenge was clear: a multi-stage business simulation combining strategic planning, problem-solving, and physical coordination. Each task mirrored real-world business scenarios, testing intellect and teamwork under pressure.
Hope surveyed the setup. A series of stations had been arranged across the open space—each station represented a different "department" in a simulated company: finance, marketing, logistics, and operations.
Station One: Financial Calculations – Determine budgets, optimize spending, and calculate potential returns on hypothetical investments.
Station Two: Marketing Pitch – Create a mini advertising campaign and present it to an evaluator.
Station Three: Logistics Challenge – Move and organize physical supplies under time constraints, simulating product distribution.
Station Four: Operations Puzzle – Solve practical challenges combining logic, speed, and teamwork, like assembling a product prototype.
Hope quickly identified the roles:
James – Strategy, calculations, logistics planning
Hope – Coordination, secondary strategy, brainstorming creative approaches
Diane – Physical execution and overseeing efficiency, sharp oversight, subtle leadership
Samuel – Physical tasks, stamina, execution
Anita – Supportive coordination, ensuring smooth transitions between tasks
Station One – Financial Calculations
James spread out the papers on a portable table, calmly outlining their approach.
"Let's calculate each department's allocation based on potential ROI. Accuracy and speed matter," he instructed.
Hope assisted, noting key figures and suggesting adjustments. Diane hovered over them, her sharp eyes scanning every number.
"Don't forget contingency funds," she snapped, though her tone carried amusement more than irritation. "If you mess this up, we look bad."
James didn't flinch, presenting his calculations with methodical precision. Hope noticed Diane's subtle smile—she liked being involved, being in control, and being close to James—but she didn't interfere, only observing.
Samuel and Anita checked and re-checked figures, confirming totals. The station was completed efficiently, and evaluators nodded approvingly.
Station Two – Marketing Pitch
Next, they had ten minutes to create a mini marketing campaign for a hypothetical product. Hope immediately took the lead on brainstorming ideas.
"We need something clever but practical. Something memorable," she suggested, jotting ideas down rapidly.
Diane rolled her eyes slightly. "Memorable, yes, but it has to sell. Remember, presentation counts." She glanced at James, leaning closer with a whisper, "Don't let them forget who's really running this team."
James smirked faintly but let her influence guide efficiency. They drafted slogans, sketches for product packaging, and a short pitch presentation. Diane practiced delivery with Samuel and Anita, her sharp tone commanding attention yet smooth enough to charm the evaluators.
Station Three – Logistics Challenge
Here, the physical coordination came into play. Wooden crates, ropes, and markers were arranged to simulate a supply chain. Diane immediately took charge.
"Samuel, carry the crates carefully. Anita, you mark the zones. Hope, help coordinate timing and route. James, oversee movement and efficiency," she directed, her voice authoritative yet playful.
Hope moved with precision, calling out cues, adjusting timing, and ensuring the group worked like a synchronized unit. James observed, occasionally stepping in to optimize routes, all without disrupting Diane's leadership.
Diane leaned close to James at one point, brushing shoulders, murmuring, "Keep them in line, won't let anyone slack." Her possessive undertone was subtle but noticeable. James simply nodded, focused but aware of her presence.
Station Four – Operations Puzzle
The final station required assembling a small prototype while solving logic puzzles under time pressure. Hope jumped in, leading coordination, delegating tasks efficiently. Diane assisted physically, ensuring pieces were correctly placed.
James handled measurements and alignment, precise as ever. Samuel and Anita executed quickly, following instructions. The group worked fluidly, communication sharp and clear, even as subtle tension lingered from Diane's possessiveness and Hope's observant calm.
By the end, the prototype was assembled, the pitch delivered, and calculations verified—all ahead of time. The evaluators were impressed, praising their balance of strategy, coordination, and execution