The goal in playing this game is to meet the demand for houses (a zero gap in houses); you do this by setting and changing the variable planning which introduces new houses into the planning and construction process. Right now planning is determined by a formula. This formula allows you to simulate the model, but does not provide a mechanism for you to intervene and change the value of planning during a simulation. You need to change planning to a Game variable. To do this:
| Ø | Select the Equations tool. |
| Ø | Click on the variable planning. |
We see the equation:
| planning = MAX( 0, replacement houses + (gap in houses / |
Units: house/Month
The equation is formulated so planning can never go negative; you can plan to build some houses (positive) or plan to build no houses (zero). To make this a Game variable, we change the variable type in the lower drop-down variable type box:
| Ø | Click on the drop-down arrow on the lower variable Type box (currently reads Normal) and choose Gaming from the list. Click the OK button. |
You can convert any Auxiliary, Rate or Constant into a Game variable in this manner. During a simulation a Game variable does just what it would do if it were an Auxiliary, Rate or Constant. However, during a game, you can set the value of a Game variable at each time as the game progresses.
