The students canvassed expert views from the automotive industry through presentations and subsequent cross examination. Working in political parties, the group evaluated the evidence gathered and developed a set of policies based on their party world view.

The party representatives then came together as part of the fictional All Party Parliamentary Group for Sustainable Development, to negotiate a shared position which would advance sustainable development but also be likely to gather the support of their colleagues.

The exercise aimed to give students the experience of an inquiry-like process, collecting evidence, cross examining witnesses, developing a policy position and negotiating a consensus. This provided an insight into the challenges which emerge at the intersection of engineering, business, policy and the political.