Penny Game

The Penny Game is a Lean simulation game that allows participants to understand the impact of batch size on cycle time and value delivery. Participants pass coins along a chain, experimenting with different batch sizes to observe the effects on system performance. This game highlights the principles of flow and efficiency in a fun and engaging context.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Introduction

   5 min

   The facilitator introduces the game and its objective: to demonstrate the impact of batch size on workflow. They explain that each participant represents a station in a production chain, and their task is to flip coins and pass them to the next station.

   Tip — Use a concrete example of a production chain to illustrate the concept before starting the game.

2. 2

   First round: Batch of 10 coins

   10 min

   The facilitator distributes 10 coins to the first person in the chain. Each participant flips the coins one by one and passes them to the next person until all coins have moved through the chain. The facilitator times the total elapsed time.

   Tip — Encourage participants to observe bottlenecks and waiting times in the process.

3. 3

   Second round: Batch of 5 coins

   10 min

   This time, the facilitator distributes batches of 5 coins to the first person. The process is repeated, and the total time is measured again. Participants note the differences observed compared to the first round.

   Tip — Ask participants to reflect on how reducing batch size affected flow and group dynamics.

4. 4

   Third round: Batch of 1 coin

   10 min

   The process is repeated with batches of 1 coin. The facilitator measures the total time and encourages participants to compare the results with previous rounds. Participants discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuous flow.

   Tip — Emphasise the improvement in fluidity and reduction in cycle time with smaller batches.

5. 5

   Group discussion

   10 min

   The facilitator invites participants to share their observations and discuss the lessons learned. They guide the discussion towards the practical implications of the game in their professional context.

   Tip — Ask targeted questions to encourage deep reflection on the application of Lean principles.

6. 6

   Summary and conclusion

   5 min

   The facilitator summarises the key points of the game and highlights the importance of managing batch size to optimise workflow. They encourage participants to apply these concepts in their daily work.

   Tip — Use real-life examples to illustrate how these principles can be applied in different professional contexts.

Variants

• Use playing cards instead of coins to vary the materials.
• Add a quality constraint where the coins must be checked before being passed.
• Experiment with different batch sizes for each station to observe the effects on flow.