Simulation Model

1. A+B = Simulation Issues
2. B+C = Development Needs
3. Complexity is proportional to A+B
4. Duration is proportional to A+B
5. Effectiveness is a function of B/(B+C)
6. Efficiency is a function of B/(A+B)
7. Development Costs are a function of A+B

The diagram shows the overlap between the issues raised by the simulation model (A+B) and the development needs (B+C).

As the duration of the simulation will depend on the complexity of the model it will be proportional to issues raised by the model (A+B) and, if the model is inappropriately complex, A will be large compared with B. And, an over complex model will mean that learners' time will be wasted

To maximise effectiveness the overlap (B) to the development need (B+C) must be large. In other words, the issues raised by the simulation must address a substantial part of the management development needs. Also, if the overlap between B & C is low but A is large, learners will question the relevance of the learning.

But this is only part of the story, if the issues raised by the simulation (B) are only a small part of all the issues raised by the simulation (A+B) then it will be inefficient. In other words, in the interests of "realism" the simulation may include issues that are superfluous (A). And, so, participants will waste time handling these and, at the extreme, if these superfluous issues are too great, they may overwhelm the issues that need addressing. We have demonstrated our ability time and time again to develop simulations that encapsulate and focus on the issues facing the learners.

As our design focus is on effectiveness and efficiency the overlap (B) is critical and must be large relative to either A or C.

Finally, by ensuring that A is small relative to B, we minimise development time and develop simulations in as little as a fifth of the time required by our competitors!

How do we achieve this:

1. Our design focus is on management development needs
2. We have a wide range of simulations
3. And each simulation may come in different versions

1. Management Development Needs

All of our simulations are designed to meet specific management development needs. We do not design simulations where the focus is merely replicating the real world. Rather, we look in detail at development needs in terms of business knowledge exploration, business issues, management skills practice, the context and enhancement of learning, motivation and change and assessment.

2. Wide Range

Instead of providing a single or a few simulations, our range of some three dozen simulations address a very wide range of management development needs - from specialists and junior managers to senior management; from two hours duration to two days plus and exploring a wide range of business areas and issues.

3. Multiple Versions

Besides providing a wide range, many of these are available in several versions to ensure we focus even closer on development and client needs.

Most recent update: 05/09/08
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