The Context
An industrial SME with 36 employees, generating over 5 million euros in revenue, is organizing its annual event Innov'Rimo 2026. This strategic event must bring together 180 guests and serves as a major commercial lever for the company.
The management team, consisting of the general manager, production manager, and commercial director, is heavily invested in this event. All three are experienced professionals, accustomed to the operational challenges of their industrial sector.
The event is scheduled for just a few weeks away, and the stakes are considerable for this family business seeking to strengthen its market position.
The Challenge
The sudden liquidation of the main event service provider plunges the organization into a major crisis. With only 10 weeks left before the event, 180 confirmed guests, and no designated organizer.
This emergency situation reveals the vulnerability of SMEs to their partners' failures. The team must quickly regain control of the organization while managing technical setbacks and budget constraints.
Time pressure intensifies with the emergence of new obstacles: technical malfunctions and supplier ultimatums. Every decision made under pressure could compromise the success of this strategic event.
The Stakes
The main challenge lies in maintaining event quality despite the constraints. The company's image with its 180 guests, prospects, and partners is directly at stake.
The financial dimension constitutes a major challenge: how to respect the initial budget while facing cost increases due to last-minute changes? Alternative service providers cost 40% more.
This crisis also tests the SME's organizational resilience. The management team's ability to effectively coordinate internal and external efforts will determine the success of this mission critical to commercial future.
Skills Developed
Crisis management
quickly analyze a deteriorated situation and prioritize corrective actions
Project management
completely replan a project under extreme time constraints
Commercial negotiation
obtain favorable conditions despite urgency and weak position
Operational leadership
mobilize and coordinate internal teams when facing the unexpected
Risk analysis
identify and address residual risks in an unstable context
Learning Progression
Round 1
Develop an emergency reorganization plan following the main provider's liquidation
Round 2
Manage the materialization of technical risk and adapt the demonstration strategy
Round 3
Make final decisions under time and budget pressure to validate the event
Target Audience
This business simulation is designed for master's students in management, business administration, or commerce who want to develop their project management and crisis management skills. It is particularly suitable for programs focused on operational management in SMEs.
The intermediate difficulty level allows students to grasp the realities of business management without overwhelming them. Decisions are based on accessible analytical frameworks while faithfully reproducing real-world pressure.
Key Takeaways
Crisis management requires rapid adaptability and confident decision-making
In SMEs, management team versatility becomes crucial when facing major setbacks
Time pressure reveals the importance of preventive planning and supplier risk management
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