Business Simulations

Transform your team’s IT and business operations approach with our interactive and fun business simulations! Symphonise Consulting proudly offers GamingWorks simulations, globally recognised for their impactful, hands-on learning experiences.

The Phoenix Project Simulation

A Unique, Engaging Approach to DevOps Training

The Phoenix Project simulation brings the principles of DevOps to life through an innovative, interactive experience where everyone—from IT to marketing—works together to solve critical issues. Developed by GamingWorks, a Netherlands-based pioneer in business simulations, this training is perfect for tech start-ups and established companies alike.

This isn’t your typical training! The Phoenix Project simulation, inspired by the popular book The Phoenix Project, puts participants in the thick of a high-stakes business transformation at Parts Unlimited. The company is facing severe financial difficulties, and to turn things around, they must launch “The Phoenix Project”—an IT-driven initiative designed to make Parts Unlimited profitable and competitive. With Retail Operations as the project sponsor, the VP of IT Operations is tasked with leading the IT department through this transformation. However, they face massive backlogs of issues, features, and projects, making the journey challenging.

What Is The Phoenix Project Simulation?

This immersive six-hour simulation revolves around developing a new sales system to boost revenue, profit, and customer satisfaction. Participants take on various roles across business and IT, planning, developing, and releasing new features rapidly and with minimal errors. Over four rounds, teams of 8-12 participants will apply DevOps principles to help drive the company’s strategy, experiencing firsthand how continuous experimentation and learning create a high-performing team. Through this simulation, delegates gain valuable insights into DevOps practices, strengthen collaboration, and capture key improvement actions to apply in their own teams. The Phoenix Project simulation is ideal for fostering buy-in, turning theory into practice, and equipping teams for success in remote and DevOps-centered environments.

Key elements include:

Creating Flow – Learn to reduce bottlenecks and speed up the delivery pipeline.
Building Quality – Find ways to stabilise work processes and minimise errors.
Promoting Teamwork – Break down silos between departments to enhance effectiveness.
Understanding DevOps Culture – Discover that DevOps is more about culture and mindset than just tools.

Why Choose The Phoenix Project?

An Innovative Team-Building Alternative: This isn’t just a training session—it’s a dynamic team experience that beats conventional team-building exercises. With the structure of a murder mystery party, it combines learning and fun in an immersive, memorable setting.
Inclusive and People-Focused: True DevOps success is about people, not just tools. This simulation fosters collaboration, bringing in all functions of a tech start-up environment so your entire team learns to pull together.
Immediate Practical Impact: The Phoenix Project simulation gives participants clear takeaways they can apply directly to their work, fostering a robust DevOps-ready culture across your team.

What Participants Will Gain

Hands-On DevOps Experience: See the entire DevOps lifecycle in action, from planning to continuous improvement, with real-time feedback and learning opportunities.
Cultural Transformation: Embrace shared responsibilities, collective ownership, and a culture where everyone feels invested in the outcome.
Enhanced Communication: Break down barriers across IT and business, building mutual understanding and support.
Problem-Solving Skills: Solve realistic challenges with your team and build skills that drive collaboration and innovation.

Who Should Attend?

DevOps and IT Teams: Strengthen technical skills and teamwork in a safe, engaging environment.
IT Operations and Development: Learn the importance of cross-functional support.
Business Stakeholders: Gain insights into how IT can better support business needs.
Leaders and Managers: Experience the benefits of a DevOps culture and collaborative problem-solving.

Book Your Simulation

Consider The Phoenix Project simulation instead of your regular team-building event—it’s a unique opportunity to bring everyone together, drive cultural change, and tackle DevOps in an educational and fun way.