Questions
about the Virtual Team Challenge
Program:
Q: How do I participate in the Virtual Team
Challenge? A: In order to participate in the
Deloitte Virtual Team Challenge, you must be registered as a participant in
the challenge through your high school or other learning institution.
Q: I am a student in a class enrolled in the
Deloitte Virtual Team Challenge. What do I need to compete? A: In order to participate in the Virtual
Team Challenge, you will need access to a personal Windows computer that
has basic 3D graphics functionality, and a broadband Internet connection.
Questions
about the Virtual Team
Challenge Module:
Q:What is the Deloitte Virtual Team
Challenge simulation? A:The simulation is a 3D, virtual
environment that will give participants a taste of different aspects of
conducting business as an employee of a fictional professional services
firm. Every participant will fulfill one of several roles on a
simulated professional services team and will compete against other teams
to clean up an oil spill in the river.
Q: What is the object of the simulation? A:The object of this
simulation is to help your client, the town of New City
, organize the clean up of an oil spill in the river and raise money for the
United Way. The team that
raises the most money wins! And, the sponsor of this simulation is
going to make a real donation to the charity on behalf of the winning team,
so you can actually help your local United Way make an impact on your
community just by participating in the challenge!
Q:
How do I win the simulation? A:Each member of your team
will be asked to make decisions regarding specific aspects of cleaning up the river. Find out as much as you can about the
alternatives you must consider when making your decisions and make the
decision that will raise the most money for the
United Way. The team who raises
the most money as a result of making the best decisions wins the Virtual
Team Challenge. Your score may be compared against other teams in
your class, your school, your state and nationally.
Q:How will I know how I'm doing in the
simulation? A: There is no raw
numerical "score" given in the simulation, but there are many
measurements taken of each participant's performance. For example,
you can see how much personal money you have by checking your "inventory" screen
by selecting the "inventory" briefcase icon near the lower left corner of
the screen. You can also view your "Character Sheet" by
selecting the "character sheet" scorecard icon near the lower left hand
corner of the screen to see how you are doing. Additionally, during
the program, virtual "people" you meet will tell you how you are doing with
your decisions and with the questions that you are being asked. At
the conclusion of the Challenge, your teammates and you will find out how
well you did organizing the cleanup of the river.
Q:Do I
need to own a computer to participate in the simulation? A: Although you do not
need to own a computer to participate in the Deloitte Virtual Team
Challenge, you do need to have access to a computer onto which you can
install the simulation software. If you do not own a computer,
talk to your teammates or to your teacher to see what arrangements you can
make to access a viable computer for the duration of the Challenge.
Q:What kind of
Internet connection do I need to participate in the simulation? A:You need a broadband
connection (ISDN, DSL, Cable, or higher) to the Internet in order to use
the simulation.
A DSL or higher (256k+) connection is recommended.
Q: How do I register to "take the
Challenge"? A:Teachers may
register teams by going to the Challenge registration at http://www.virtualteamchallenge.com/ . Locate
and select your school's name and then complete the required information.
Q:When is the next Challenge? A:If you are
registered already, we'll communicate with you directly through e-mail with
updates and alerts to keep you appraised of our progress over the coming
weeks. If you haven't registered, or you're not sure if you want to
register, keep coming back to this site for updates about the Virtual Team Challenge.
Q: Will I have to work beyond my normal classroom hours
to complete the challenge? A:One of the
objectives of the Virtual Team Challenge is to learn to collaborate with
your teammates and manage your time effectively. Completing the simulation
will take about 12-16 hours from start to finish so you will probably want
to commit time beyond your normal classroom hours to complete it.
Keep in mind that you should work as a team as much as possible during that
time. If you are unable to complete tasks in the simulation, you may want
to consult your team members or contact your teacher.
Q: Who do I contact if I don't have access to
the resources or technologies I need? A: To participate in the
Challenge, every member of your team needs Internet access and a computer
that meets the minimum specifications for the Challenge. If you do
not own a computer, talk to your teammates or to your teacher to see what
arrangements you can make to access a viable computer for the duration of
the Challenge. For technical assistance, contact your teacher, visit
the support section of this website, or email support@virtualteamchallenge.com.
Q: What screen resolutions are supported by
the Virtual Team Challenge ? A: Our default resolution is
800x600, though low-end machines can reduce it to 640x480 if required.
There is no cap on the upper limit of resolution so you will be able to
operate the simulation in as high a resolution as your graphics card and
monitor allow.
Q: Does the simulation
have support for the hearing impaired? A.
The simulation has text versions of
all pre-recorded voice-overs. User commands will produce "user
feedback" graphically so that the hearing impaired, or users without
speakers and/or headphones attached to their computers, are still able to
use the simulation.
If you require any accommodation utilizing the simulation, please contact
vtchs@deloitte.com.
Q:
How do I install Virtual Team Challenge? A:
Insert the program CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. After the disc is inserted, its "Autorun" sequence will automatically initiate an "installation wizard". Follow the on-screen instructions. After the program is installed, you will be prompted to install the latest version of Direct X, which you will need to run the simulation.
Q:
The program CD-ROM does not automatically initiate the installation wizard. How do I install the Virtual Team Challenge? A:
On older computers, the Virtual Team Challenge: disc may not "Autorun". If this is the case, double-click the "My Computer" icon on the desktop or from the Start Menu. Then, right-click the CD-ROM icon representing the program CD-ROM and select "Explore" from the options that appear. Once the CD-ROM contents appear in a new window, double-click on the "Setup.exe" icon to launch the installer manually.
Q:
How do I manually uninstall Virtual Team Challenge? A:
To uninstall the program software, select the CONTROL PANEL from the Start Menu and then select ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS. Find "Virtual Team Challenge" on the program list and click "Remove". Finally, delete the Virtual Team Challenge folder from its installation location (default directory is C:\Program Files).
Q:
Support asked me for a Log file to send them so that they can help me fix my problem. How do I create a "log file" for Virtual Team Challenge? A:
Click on the START button (found on the on your Windows® toolbar) then select RUN. Type "dxdiag" in the text box. At the bottom of the diagnostics screen that appears, select SAVE ALL INFORMATION. Save the file to your desktop and send it to the Virtual Team Challenge technical support team via e-mail at support@virtualteamchallenge.com.
Q:
How do I create a DirectX Diagnostic (DxDiag) report? A:
Click on the START button (found on the on your Windows® toolbar) then select RUN. Type "dxdiag" in the text box. At the bottom of the diagnostics screen that appears, select SAVE ALL INFORMATION. Save the file to your desktop and send it to the Virtual Team Challenge technical support team via e-mail at support@virtualteamchallenge.com.
Q:
How do I take and submit a screenshot with my support request? A:
To generate a screen shot, press the PRINT SCREEN button on your keyboard while the game is running. Then, exit the game. Afterwards, click on the START button (found on the on your Windows® toolbar) and select the PAINT program from the ACCESSORIES program group. When paint appears, simply click in the white space in the PAINT program window and then select "Paste" from the "Edit" menu or press CTRL+V on your keyboard. Save the file to your desktop as a JPEG and send it to the Virtual Team Challenge technical support via e-mail at support@virtualteamchallenge.com.
Q:
How can I play through a Firewall? A:
If you are trying to play through a firewall of some sort, here is some information for you to help you get connected. Virtual Team Challenge uses TCP for its connections. If you think that your firewall is preventing you from connecting to the game servers, please make sure that either TCP port 2714 or port 27140 is open for outgoing connections to the servers.
Check out http://www.portforward.com for detailed configuration instructions for most common brands of router.
(note: not affiliated nor supported by Deloitte VTC Tech Support, BrandGames, Semi Logic Entertainment, or Deloitte)
Q:
The picture seems to be stuttering. Or, I"m getting poor performance when playing Virtual Team Challenge, what can I do to fix this? A:
Some possible fixes are:
Drivers - Download and install the latest drivers available for your video and sound card. Please consult your hardware manufacturer"s manual for instructions detailing how this is done.
Hard drive - Run scandisk and disk defragmenter, this will fix any errors on your hard drive and keep it running smoothly.
Virus Scan - Ensure your machine is virus free. Not only will this keep your machine running properly, many virus" have been known to harvest CD-Keys for popular games.
Spyware - Ensure your machine is spyware free, you can download a free trial of "Ad-Aware" a spyware/adware detection/removal for personal use: Lavasoft USA
Other - If you have other programs running in the background your machine may not have enough available system resources to deliver a satisfactory play experience. Also, simultaneously running instant messaging and email applications are known to cause crashes in the Virtual Team Challenge program. To free up additional resources shut down some of these other programs before you play the game.
DirectX - Ensure you have the latest version of DirectX installed. Try installing DirectX from the Virtual Team Challenge program disc.
Updates - Virtual Team Challenge automatically apples updates each time you run the simulation. To make sure an update has been applied, simply exit and then restart the simulation.
Reinstall - If the any of the above solutions do not fix the issue, you may have to uninstall and reinstall the game.
Q: Can I change teams? A: No. Changing teams is
against the rules. If you are having problems communicating with your
teammates, speak to your teacher.
Q: Can I seek help from other students in my
school from different teams? A: No. This is a
competitive and confidential situation. Collaborating with someone from
another team -- and giving away answers from the Virtual Team Challenge -- is against the rules, and may
result in disqualification.
Q: Will other teams be able to see my team's
progress in the Challenge? A: We'll provide all teams
with a way to track progress through the time period in which the Challenge
takes place. However, the final scores and rankings will not be made
available until after the conclusion of the Virtual Team Challenge.
Q: How does my team gain an advantage in this
challenge? A: Every team and
individual competing in the Deloitte Virtual
Team Challenge has access to the same materials
and information. In order to get ahead, you'll need to think strategically,
work as a team and pay close attention to the information given in the
simulation and in class. The answer to all questions can be found
either in the classroom materials or in the research resources and
characters in the simulation world.
Q:What is the object
of the simulation? A: The object of the simulation is to raise the most money possible for the United Way by staging a successful environmental cleanup at the lowest possible price.
Q:Can I play the
simulation alone or do I have to participate as
part of a team? A: The Virtual Team Challenge simulation
is written and structured for teams and to encourage and reward teamwork.
Back
to the Top Q: What kind of setting is used in the simulation? A:The Virtual Team Challenge takes place in the fictional town of New City. New City is a medium size cosmopolitan
city, with many inhabitants and area businesses that you can interact with.
Q:Are there monsters or other enemies in the simulation? Will there be violence? A: Although the Virtual Team Challenge is a familiar feeling "computer simulation-type"
simulation, there is no violence and no weapons.
Q: Is the simulation in 2D or 3D?
What is the viewing perspective in the simulation? A: Virtual Team Challenge is a 3D simulation that takes advantage of current
graphics and rendering technology. The simulation is presented to the
player from a 3rd person, over-the-shoulder perspective, similar to the
kind of viewpoint used in current action and role-playing games (RPGs).
Q:I am being asked a
lot of questions by a lot of different characters. Where do I get the
answers? A: Many characters in
the simulation prompt you to answer questions based on other things, such
as the in-class Challenge curriculum, facts about the United Way organization and
in-simulation trivia. Answers to all of these questions can be found
whether inside the simulation world or in the material presented in class.
Q: How do I know what to do next? A: Characters inside the
simulation world give you tasks from time to time. If you need to
know what to do next, there is an "objectives" section of your
journal. The journal is accessed by selecting the notebook
"journal" icon near the lower left hand corner of the
screen. There are subsequent tabs inside that journal, which allow
you to view (among other things) both your current and your completed
objectives.
Q:I am stuck in a room. How do I get
out? A: The doors leading into
and out of locations in the simulation world are decorated with "doormats"
in front of them. An arrow on that doormat indicates whether that is
the way into or out of a location.
Q: I was told to find someone who is at a
location inside the Virtual Team Challenge simulation
world. How do I know where to go? A: Your map contains all
known locations within the simulation world. You can call up your map
screen by selecting the compass "map" icon near the lower left
hand corner of the screen.
Q:
How will I communicate with non-player characters in the
simulation? A: You will be communicating
with animated characters throughout the game. Answer their questions
by clicking on the answer choices below their questions in the text box
that appears with their picture in it.
Q: What is the Deloitte Virtual Team
Challenge? A: The Virtual Team Challenge is an
online business simulation, created by Deloitte, to be under the
supervision of a teacher. The goal is to introduce students to the business
world and what's involved in operating a successful business. Other
objectives include teaching students the value of collaboration and
teamwork, in regards to time management, workflow efficiency and the
completion of detailed tasks.
Q: How many weeks is the Virtual Team
Challenge? A: The online version of the
Virtual Team Challengehas been designed to run for two and a half days a week
over a two-week period, for a total of 5 days of class. Part of the first
day will be designated as an orientation period, where students will
familiarize themselves with the Website and begin to strategize with
regards to time management, collaboration and workflow.
Q: How do I participate in the Deloitte Virtual Team
Challenge? A:In order to participate
in the Deloitte Virtual Team Challenge, you must be registered as a
participant in the challenge through your high school or other learning
institution.
Q: How was my daughter or son selected to
participate? A: Deloitte has teamed up
with Scholastic to identify an elite group of teachers to participate in
the Business Smarts: 101 program. Your daughter's
or son's teacher was among this group and opted to include the curricula in
his or her lesson plans.
Back
to the Top Q:Who else will participate in the challenge? A: Students in high schools
across the country will be participating in the Virtual Team Challenge . This is a unique opportunity
for your daughter or son to compete against an elite group of students with
similar academic interests.
Q: I am a student in a class enrolled in the Deloitte
Virtual Team Challenge. What do I need to compete? A:In order to participate in the Virtual Team
Challenge, you will need access to a personal Windows computer that has
basic 3D graphics functionality, and a broadband Internet connection.
Back
to the Top Q: Which students will get the most out of this
program? A: The Virtual Team Challengehas been
developed with the college-bound high school student in mind. While the
types of questions and research activities built into the simulation are
appropriate for students in grades 10-12 (focusing on teamwork and
collaboration in the workplace) the content may resonate most with students
considering a future in business or a corporate environment (offering a
unique look at the business world and careers in professional service
firms, like Deloitte).
Q: Will guest speakers from Deloitte be
visiting the classroom? A: One of our goals in
establishing the Virtual Team
Challenge is to begin building
relationships with both teachers and students at the high school level. At
Deloitte, we believe it's never too early to begin thinking about future
academic and career goals. At the teacher's request, we will volunteer time
in the classroom to discuss a variety of topics, including career
opportunities in business and professional services, college preparation,
resume building and much more.
Q: How do I obtain more information about the
Business Smarts: 101 program? A: Thank you for you
interest. Deloitte developed the Business Smarts: 101 program.
The program consists of four in-class (offline) activities pertaining to
business and the online Virtual Team
Challenge ,
which you are learning about on this site. If necessary, we'll be happy to
provide you with more information about the program.
The materials are used for informational purposes only.
The materials are used for noncommercial purposes.
Any copy of the materials or portion thereof must include this copyright notice in its entirety.
Intellectual Property Information
Deloitte, Deloitte & Touche, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, the Deloitte logo and the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Certain product names mentioned in this web site are the trademarks or registered trademarks of Deloitte Development LLC. All other product names mentioned in this web site are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners and are mentioned for identification purposes only.
Note that any program, publication, design, product, process, software, technology, information, know-how, or idea described in this web site may be the subject of other rights, including other intellectual property rights, which are owned by Deloitte Development LLC or other interested parties and are not licensed to you hereunder.
Disclaimer
This Web site and the information contained therein (the "Deloitte U.S. Web site") is provided by Deloitte LLP and is subsidiaries (the "Deloitte U.S. Entities") and is intended to provide general information on a particular subject or subjects and is not an exhaustive treatment of such subjects. Accordingly, the Deloitte U.S. Web site is not intended to constitute legal, accounting, tax, investment, consulting, or other professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that might affect your personal finances or business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor.
THE DELOITTE US WEB SITE IS PROVIDED AS IS, AND THE DELOITTE US ENTITIES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES REGARDING THE DELOITTE US WEB SITE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THE DELOITTE US ENTITIES DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE DELOITTE US WEB SITE WILL BE ERROR-FREE OR WILL MEET ANY PARTICULAR CRITERIA OF PERFORMANCE OR QUALITY. THE DELOITTE US ENTITIES EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, TITLE, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, COMPATIBILITY, SECURITY, AND ACCURACY.
YOUR USE OF THE DELOITTE US WEB SITE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK AND YOU ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND RISK OF LOSS RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THEREOF. THE DELOITTE US ENTITIES WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, STATUTE, TORT (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, RELATING TO THE USE OF THE DELOITTE US WEB SITE.
If any of the foregoing is not fully enforceable for any reason, the remainder shall nonetheless continue to apply.
Certain links in the Deloitte U.S. Web site lead to resources maintained by third parties over whom the Deloitte U.S. Entities have no control, including, without limitation, web sites maintained by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, other member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and their respective affiliates. The Deloitte U.S. Entities make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of, or any other aspect relating to, those resources.
