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Project Adventure - Cycle Time Puzzle

Providing a unique, unparalleled challenge, Cycle Time complements the traditional adventure with an

interesting blend of mental and physical skills.

Objective

Assemble the boards into the provided configuration in a construction process aspiring towards "world-

class" performance.

Issues

• Planning and problem solving

• Communication

• Analytical skills (documenting procedures, creating best practices)

• Roles and responsibilities

• Interdependence

Props and Set Up

14 puzzle boards 1-2 copies of the cycle time task sheet

Provide a large flat area for the group to work in. A carpeted surface for comfort. Place the boards in a

stack with the shortest pieces on top of the pile and the longest pieces on the bottom. Hand out 1-2

copies of the puzzle diagram.

Instructor's Safety Warning

As people move the boards around, while assembling the puzzle, people are concentrating on where and

how the puzzle fits. They are not paying as close attention to where people are standing or sitting. Warn

people about moving the boards without looking.

We call this the MLC (Moe, Larry, and Curly) factor—thanks to Peter Aubry for this analogy. If you do

not emphasize the safety considerations, you may recreate one of those memorable collisions between

human and board.

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Rules

1) The group has 75 minutes to assemble the puzzle.

2) The group must assemble the puzzle to look like the diagram.

3) The timed assembly process will always start with the boards stacked in a pile, longest boards on the

bottom to shortest boards on top. Boards of the same size may be stacked in whatever order the

group determines.

4) They can practice the assembly process many times within the hour.

5) The boards cannot be marked in any way.

6) The floor cannot be marked in any way (i.e. no template for assembly can be laid out or marked on

the floor).

7) At the end of the 75 minutes, they must demonstrate their best solution.

8) To achieve world class performance, the final assembly should take less than 45 seconds.

Instructor's Field Notes and Variations

The fastest time is less than 20 seconds but some groups may not get under 60 seconds. The time to

achieve world-class performance can be changed to reflect the challenge level of the task and the skill

level of the group.

With younger or less skilled groups, adapting the rules about marking the boards may be relaxed. It is

recommended that you not allow any marking that cannot be easily removed.

Having two puzzles available can aid in developing a solution. A group may sub-divide to create the

solution, then join back together for the final assembly. A second puzzle also allows the group to do the

final assembly by building the puzzle on top of a completed prototype. If you use two puzzles, do not

allow the puzzle pieces to be switched. While the pieces are similar, the cuts may not be exactly the

same. The puzzle pieces fit together with some “play” in the connection points. You may not have

perfect right angles when fully assembled, but the configuration will be the same.

Debriefs

• Planning / Problem Solving: How did the group organize to accomplish the goal?

• Communication: Was it clear and understood by all or were there hindering gaps?

• Analytical Skills: Did the group define any processes to allow repeated assembly? How did the group

keep track of all the information, i.e. where boards fit, how are they positioned (i.e. slots up or

down? Were they disassembled to allow efficient reassembly?

• Roles and Responsibilities: Were group members clear on their own role and contribution? How

were roles identified and assigned? Were people utilized effectively?

• Interdependence: How did the group interact together? Was the group's work cohesive and focused,

or disjointed and confused? What factors caused the group to be effective? What barriers created

frustration or a lack of success?

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Cycle Time Puzzle Task Sheet

TASK

To assemble the boards into a configuration as shown in the shape pictured

below.

To develop an assembly process that can be repeated rapidly.

To demonstrate a final assembly process that meets the standards of world-class

performance, in less than minutes.

RULES

� The boards may not be marked.

� The floor may not be marked.

� The assembly process must start with the boards stacked as

found, longest boards on the bottom and shortest on the top.

RULES

� The boards may not be marked.

� The floor may not be marked.

� The assembly process must start with the boards stacked as

found, longest boards on the bottom and shortest on the top.

RULES

� The boards may not be marked.

� The floor may not be marked.

� The assembly process must start with the boards stacked as

found, longest boards on the bottom and shortest on the top.

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Cycle Time Puzzle Task Sheet

TASK

To assemble the boards into a configuration as shown in the shape pictured

below.

To develop an assembly process that can be repeated rapidly.

To demonstrate a final assembly process that meets the standards of world-class

performance, in less than minutes.

RULES

� The boards may not be marked.

� The floor may not be marked.

� The assembly process must start with the boards stacked as

found, longest boards on the bottom and shortest on the top.

RULES

� The boards may not be marked.

� The floor may not be marked.

� The assembly process must start with the boards stacked as

found, longest boards on the bottom and shortest on the top.

RULES

� The boards may not be marked.

� The floor may not be marked.

� The assembly process must start with the boards stacked as

found, longest boards on the bottom and shortest on the top.