Design Paradigms for our
Computerised Business Simulations

The motif summarises our design approach reflecting a focus on the core needs of effectiveness, efficiency, and consistency. The design is decided by the outer of management development needs, duration, target users and manner of use. Linking and binding the two are the elements of our designs - the simulation model, the tutoring support system, multiple versions to meet multiple needs and the management of the learning process dynamics.

Simulations ENGINEERED for Management Development

This and the following pages describe our:

• DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

• DESIGN FOCUS

• DESIGN PREREQUISITES

• SIMULATION MODEL

• SIMULATION VERSIONS

• TUTORING SUPPORT

• SYSTEM DYNAMICS

• SOFTWARE ASPECTS

• PUBLISHED RESEARCH

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

This compares our engineered design approach to the more usual "hunter- gatherer" paradigm. In other words, our designs focus on delivering learning and meeting management development objectives rather than just on creating a complex model!

DESIGN FOCUS

This explores the central focus of our designs on management development effectiveness, efficiency and consistency.

DESIGN PREREQUISITES

This explores the key management development needs, the durations of our simulations, ways in which they can be used and the target users we design for. (The outer ring of the design motif.)

SIMULATION MODEL

This describes how we relate the model to management development needs.Our experience in business modeling is described in the section about Hall Marketing.

SIMULATION VERSIONS

This explains why, for many of our simulations we offer different versions and describes the range of versions available (classic, classic +, progressive, assessment, compleat, etc.).

TUTORING SUPPORT

This describes key tutoring tasks (administration, facilitation and learning management) and the, unique, facilities offered (decision screening, explanations, qualitative comments, tutor's audit, team commentaries and hypertext help) by our simulations.

SYSTEM DYNAMICS

First, this explores the feedback structure built into our simulators and then discusses the dynamics of the simulation process in terms of work load, cognition (understanding) and affection (feelings). Finally, how our simulations manage these dynamics through economic calibration, ramped complexity and tutor intervention is explained.

SOFTWARE ASPECTS

This explains our software types (tutor mediated and direct use) and design approach (standard shells, data centred, object oriented). An approach that minimises development costs, simplifies modification and assures quality.

PUBLISHED RESEARCH

This lists and abstracts some recent research papers and conference presentations.

Most recent update: 20/07/03
Hall Marketing, Studio 11, Colman's Wharf, 45 Morris Road, London E14 6PA, ENGLAND
Phone & Fax +44 (0)20 7537 2982 E-mail jeremyhall@simulations.co.uk