The Bridge contract
Activity-Team building-The Bridge contract
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Team Building Activity: The Bridge Contract
Overview
Teams design and build a freestanding paper bridge under budget and time pressure. They set a simple strategy, assign roles, forecast costs, and then build and test. The exercise surfaces trade‑offs between speed, quality, and cost while strengthening decision making and coordination.
Materials
- A4 paper sheets (limited by budget rules)
- Adhesive tape
- Stopwatch or timer
- Project evaluation/score forms (optional)
Preparation & setup
- Clear a safe, open workspace. Mark each team’s build area.
- Set up a visible timer. Prepare paper/tape supply at the front desk.
- Explain costing and rules before the planning phase starts.
Phase 1 – Planning (45 minutes)
- Vision, mission, values: Agree on a simple purpose and design stance.
- Key result areas (KRAs): Define success (e.g., strength, cost, build time).
- Roles & responsibilities: Name a design lead, cost analyst, builder(s), coordinator.
- Brainstorm & prototype: Sketch and, if allowed, fold mini test elements.
- Cost forecast: Estimate sheet use and build time using the rules below.
- Stakeholders: Note who is affected (team, “client,” judge).
- Assumptions & outcomes: List assumptions and expected result.
Phase 2 – Building & testing (45 minutes)
- On the signal, collect materials from the desk and start the clock.
- Use only A4 paper and tape. Freestanding bridge only.
- When ready, test: three members pass through one at a time.
- Record actual sheet count and elapsed time for final costing.
Costing & rules
Material cost (per A4 sheet)
| Tier | Sheets | Rate (per sheet) |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 1–2 | $1,000 |
| Tier 2 | 3–6 | $2,000 |
| Tier 3 | 7+ | $4,000 |
Labour cost (elapsed build time in seconds)
- First 300 seconds (first 5 minutes): $12,000/min → $200/sec
- After 300 seconds: $18,000/min → $300/sec
Formula
If ET ≤ 300: Labour = ET × 200
If ET > 300: Labour = (ET − 300) × 300 + 120,000
Evaluation & awards
| Criterion | Description | Award / Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Material costs | Based on sheet usage and tiers | Deducted |
| Labour costs | Based on elapsed build time | Deducted |
| Beauty award | Aesthetic design and finish | Bonus up to $5,000 |
| Team name award | Memorable brand and signage | Bonus up to $1,000 |
Benchmark: Other competitors’ total cost is $60,000. Beat it to win the contract.
Scoring worksheet (trainer use)
| Team | Sheets used | Material cost | Elapsed time (sec) | Labour cost | Bonuses (beauty/name) | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team A | ||||||
| Team B | ||||||
| Team C |
Safety tips
- Keep floors clear; avoid running with tape or scissors (if used for tape tearing).
- Watch for paper cuts; provide bandages if needed.
- Ensure the pass‑through test is slow and supported. Stop if the structure looks unsafe.
Facilitator tips
- Ask for a visible build plan and simple kanban (To Do / Doing / Done).
- Time‑box decisions. Lock designs before building to reduce churn.
- Prompt concise stand‑ups every 10 minutes during build.
- Capture actuals (sheets/time) the moment the bridge passes testing.
Post‑activity debrief
- How did your plan shape the build? What changed mid‑way?
- Which assumptions helped or hurt?
- Did actual costs match the forecast? Why or why not?
- Where did communication break down? What fixed it?
- What would you repeat or drop next time?
Suggested time breakdown
| Activity part | Duration |
|---|---|
| Planning | 45 minutes |
| Building | 45 minutes |
| Testing & debrief | 15–20 minutes |
Related training material packages
- Building High‑Performing Teams – roles, cohesion, alignment. View package →
- Communicating with Clarity & Impact – briefings and handoffs. View package →
- Creative Problem Solving & Decision Making – trade‑offs under constraints. View package →
Free assessment tools & quizzes
- Listening Style Quiz – tune briefings and feedback. Take quiz →
- How Good a Listener Are You? – quick self‑check. Start self‑assessment →
- Explore more tools: Free self‑assessment library →
FAQ
When do we start the timer for labour cost?
When teams collect materials for building. Planning is separate. Stop the clock after a successful test or when time expires.
How strict is the pass‑through test?
One person must pass through at a time without touching external supports. Three members must pass to qualify.
What if a team forgets to submit a cost forecast?
Apply the $5,000 penalty to their total cost.
How do we break a tie?
Lowest total cost wins. If still tied, use highest beauty award, then shortest build time.
Can we reuse off‑cuts?
Yes—count only full sheets drawn from the desk. Off‑cuts from those sheets are free to reuse.
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