The Investment Game

Why?

The investment game is a simple and fun evaluation tool that offers each student a chance to fight for the idea that they believe in. Thus, the students use this method to make a selection of their best ideas after the divergent phase.

How?

Each student chooses an idea from the divergent phase that he or she feels attracted to; an idea that the student finds interesting, funny or unique. Then the students take turns at pitching their chosen idea in 2 minutes in front of the other students in the group. Thus, the students must keep the pitch short, but convincing (see Elevators Pitch). Each of these pitches is followed by a question round where the other students in the group get to ask questions for elaboration, or to outline potential concerns.

Now, all the students are provided with the same amount of money to invest. Each student places their investment on the idea that he or she considers to be the best one. The students can also divide their investment among several ideas, but it is not possible to invest in their own idea. Finally, the idea that receives the largest investment is the winning idea.

Tips

The students can continue this activity by making a second, third and fourth round where they redistribute the money that was not invested in the winning idea.

Literature

Graham, B. (1949). The Intelligent Investor New York: Collins