We all know how exciting Business Process Management (BPM) can be, and I'm sure you'll be exited to learn to learn that IBM has developed a game called Innov8 which lets users test their business decision making skills.

The 3D simulation game can be played through a browser or as a fully downloadable client and takes data based on real life scenarios and lets users make decisions and see how well they turn out.

One example scenario sees the player as a supplier faced with an approaching hurricane. The user must then organise emergency shipments of supplies to various stores - deciding which vendors/suppliers to purchase from to effectively balance demand, company profitability, environmental impact and customer satisfaction.

As an added bonus, the mini-games are accompanied by a set of 3D interactive tutorials that explain the business value of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) for the three scenarios showcased in the games, using data from real case studies and real clients.

The game is already part of the University of Manchester Business School curriculum and several other universities and business schools are looking at incorporating it into their teaching.

For the truly competitive, there are also public online scoreboards to compare your achievements with every other Innov8 player.

When the trailer begins (yes it has a trailer) with a gravelly voice saying: "Enter a world where cities reduce traffic congestion before your eyes, companies revolutionise customer service and business streamline supply chains..." you know you can't resist.

09 Sep 2009