Building the Future of Business: A Recap of the 2024 Management Challenge

From February 12th to 16th, students from various European universities joined for the annual Management Challenge at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. This event, integrating the innovative LEGO Serious Play method with the dynamic TOPSIM Scale-up simulation game, offered participants a unique opportunity to explore the details of business management while focusing on revolutionizing the e-scooter industry.

LEGO Serious Play

Under the expert guidance of professors and guest lecturers, students transcended conventional boundaries by utilizing LEGO bricks as strategic tools in crafting the core and aspirational identity landscape of their virtual companies. This unconventional approach not only nurtured creativity but also provided a solid foundation for informed decision-making within the competitive business landscape.

Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

Equipped with their strategies, teams engaged themselves in the TOPSIM Scale-up simulation game, assuming various management roles within their companies. From strategic decision-making to operational management, participants encountered a spectrum of challenges that tested their leadership judgment and business expertise. Each decision phase served as a learning opportunity, enabling students to refine their approaches and adapt to evolving scenarios.

Cultivating Collaboration and Growth

Beyond the restrictions of traditional classroom settings, collaboration emerged as a cornerstone of success. Following each decision phase, teams engaged in reflective dialogues, analyzing their strategies and leadership dynamics. Through constructive feedback and open discourse, participants sharpened their teamwork skills and refined their problem-solving capabilities, fostering personal and collective growth.

Celebrating Achievement and Innovation

As the Management Challenge ended, participants gathered to celebrate the conclusion of their efforts. Through professional presentations and corporate videos that showcased their LEGO landscapes, each team demonstrated remarkable achievements in the areas of leadership and strategic innovation.

The 2024 Management Challenge at HSLU exemplified the transformative power of creativity, collaboration, and strategic thinking in shaping the future of business leadership. Through the synergy of LEGO Serious Play and the TOPSIM Scale-up simulation game, participants are provided with new knowledge and connections and will be ready to tackle future challenges in the dynamic world of business.

We would like to thank Prof. Dr. Sascha Götte and Prof. Dr. Max Monauni from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts for their valuable contributions as teachers, Prof. Dr. Mario Rapaccini from the University of Florence and Prof. Dr. Donato Morea from the University of Cagliari for their guidance as guest lecturers, and Carlo Spellucci for his expertise as a trainer in the LEGO SERIOUS PLAY methodology.