In the MarkStrat business simulation, your starting team assignment can significantly impact your performance. Some MarkStrat versions assign different products, revenues, and sales figures to each team, creating an uneven playing field from the beginning. This is especially concerning when your grades depend on your final SPI (Share Price Index) ranking.
Many institutions use the more equitable version where all teams begin with identical products, SPI, and revenues. However, if your college uses the unbalanced version, you might wonder if your team assignment puts you at a disadvantage.
MarkStrat Starting Positions: Statistical Evidence of Inequality
After analyzing multiple MarkStrat simulations with varied starting positions, the data confirms that your initial team assignment statistically affects your performance outcomes.
I conducted an ANOVA test on team results that yielded a P-value of 0.006453865—well below the 0.05 threshold. This confirms a significant difference in mean SPI values based on starting team assignments.
Which MarkStrat Teams Have an Advantage?
Further T-tests revealed statistical differences primarily between the highest and lowest performing teams. If you’ve been assigned to Team L or Team M, you face a statistical disadvantage compared to Teams N and R. Teams S and T fall somewhere in the middle, with no significant advantage or disadvantage.
MarkStrat Team Performance Analysis
| Team | Average SPI |
| L | 1643.917 |
| M | 1578.918 |
| N | 2297.885 |
| R | 2519.638 |
| S | 1977.007 |
| T | 1860.162 |
Strategies for Disadvantaged MarkStrat Teams
If you find yourself in a disadvantaged team, consider these approaches:
- Focus on market research to identify untapped opportunities
- Develop a clear differentiation strategy
- Optimize your marketing mix more aggressively than competitors
- Consider discussing the statistical disadvantage with your instructor
While starting positions matter, skilled teams can still overcome initial disadvantages with superior strategy and execution. According to research from Harvard Business Review, business simulations that mirror real-world conditions often contain inherent inequalities that require adaptive strategies.
The best teams don’t just play the game—they understand its underlying mechanics and adapt accordingly.
Business Simulation ExpertHave you experienced the MarkStrat simulation? Share your team assignment and strategies in the comments below!