This question involves the use of the HBS online simulation - Data Analytics Simulation: Strategic Decision Making. This simulation is accessible from the content section of the course portal for session 3. If you do not already have an account with HBS, you will have to create one to access the simulation.

In the simulation, you will be taking on the role of product manager for a household laundry detergent called Blue. You will manage this product over a four-year period making several decisions each year, all of which will be guided by a state-of-the-art analytics support system with a modest predictive (forecasting) capability. Your objective is to maximize cumulative profit over the four-year period. You will be given up to 10 opportunities to conduct the simulation and your best run, in terms of cumulative profit, over the four years will be used to determine your grade for this question. The students with the top 10% cumulative profit will receive 20/20 for this question.Students who do not attempt the simulation prior to the assignment deadline will receive 0/20. Here are the remainder of the grades based upon your relative position in the cohort, with respect to cumulative profit after 4 years:

Top 10% - 20/20

80% - 90% - 18/20

70% - 80% - 17/20

60% - 70% - 15/20

50% - 60% - 13/20

Below 50% - 11/20