MBA and Sustainable Energy Development students dive into Newtonian Shift Simulation

Earlier this month, more than 30 MBA students and industry professionals spent the day participating in The Newtonian Shift Simulation, an energy transition simulation case. They join the ranks of the more than 50 Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) students and business professionals who engaged in the same challenge in November 2017.

The case, which is based in the fictitious country of Newtonia, challenges participants to gather information, determine issues and find solutions to Newtonia’s energy problems. Participants gain insight into the complex shift from carbon-intensive energy (coal, oil and gas) to renewable energy involving multiple stakeholders and changing circumstances. Beyond offering experiential learning, the simulation also reveals participants’ teamwork leadership skills and areas for development.

The simulation encourages participants to assume roles they are less familiar with, and to experience situations and issues from new perspectives. The public appears to be increasingly interested in the importance on businesses’ involvement in the community. CCAL sponsored the simulation for the students because we believe it provides excellent context to explore new narratives around the purpose of commerce and its role in society.

David Milia, Associate Director of the Centre for Corporate Sustainability (CCS), first brought the simulation which encourages to the Haskayne School of Business in 2016. “It’s the players in the room who decide the outcomes based on their actions as stakeholders, so no two simulations are ever the same,” shared Milia.

The Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership in Business (CCAL) collaborated with the CCS and the Masters of Science in Sustainable Energy Development program to offer within a credit course for the first time. “In an effort to underline the role of business and its future in society,” explained,” Natalie Valle, Program Advisor with CCAL, “we worked together with Professor Irene Herremans to bring this opportunity into two different graduate courses – in an Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) course in November and in a MBA course in January.”

“Often our Sustainable Energy Development and MBA students know one aspect of the energy industry very well, the one that they work in or the one they are exposed to as a consumer,” explained Herremans. “The simulation helps them understand how their decisions affect stakeholders. It also helps them choose projects that are more relevant and useful to our current or future energy sources.”

First year SEDV student Ryan Hearn participated in the simulation as a major oil producer and commented, “The Newtonian Shift was an intense and enlightening experience. It gave me deep insight into the challenges that all stakeholders face not only in today’s rapidly changing energy market, but also in society as a whole.”

Other participants echoed Ryan’s observations. Maria Lavelle, Climate Lead – Regulatory Development at the Alberta Energy Regulator, thought the simulation was an excellent tool that provided real life insights. “I found the experience very valuable in understanding the challenges and motivations of other stakeholders. It let me see in action the type of collaborative process required to ensure a successful energy transition.”

Thanks to support from SEDV, CCS and CCAL, Professor Irene Herremans was able to bring the Newtonian Shift Simulation back into her MBA course, Evaluating Environmental Performance during block week this January.

Interested in participating or in more information? Contact Natalie Valle, Program Advisor for CCAL, at natalie.valle@ucalgary.ca