Bespoke Simulations This page is explores the issues and time associated with developing a new bespoke simulation for you.

Finally, what if there is no suitable simulation and you need to have one designed for you. And so this page explains our Design Capability, major Development Issues and Metrics

Design Capability
Almost certainly we have the design capability to produce a simulation that is better and costs less than our competition.

Design Experience
Training Experience
Development Methodology
Shell Programs
Pre-Existing Models
Tutor Support

Design Experience

Over the last thirty-five years I have probably developed more computer simulations for management development and business training and business training. Over that time I have developed some sixty different simulations addressing a comprehensive range of training needs and issues. Simulations for all levels of management from specialists and trainees to senior management. Across a wide range of industries - manufacturing, service, retail, high technology, pharmaceutical, not-for-profit, FMCG etc. And a comprehensive range of training needs - strategy, business appreciation, financial awareness, marketing, sales, operations etc.

 

Training Experience

Besides developing new simulations I have extensive experience using simulations to deliver learning. Over the last thirty-five years I have run simulations on management development programmes around the world well over two thousand times. This practical experience includes teaching at one of the world's major management schools (Ashridge Management College) and is embedded in my designs.

 

Development Methodology

Backing our design and training experience is award winning research into simulation design and use. Awards that include a Churchill Fellowship (1995), a British National Training Award (2003) and a best academic paper award by the Association of Business Simulation and Experiential Learning (1994).

 

Shell Programs

We develop our simulations using predefined software shells. An innovative approach that won a British Innovation Award in 2002 and that not only reduces development time by some eighty percent but also ensures that leading-edge features and facilities are incorporated in our simulations. The shell approach means that we only need to develop and calibrate the simulation model and incorporate into the appropriate shell. Further, this design approach simplifies updating and modifying simulations and means that we can use several utility programs to speed development and ensure quality.

 

Pre-existing models

In addition to the predefined software shells we have a library of models that can be used during the creation of a new simulation. Not only does this save time but as these models have been used in other simulations they are tried and tested.

 

Tutor Support

In order to ensure that learning is delivered effectively,  effectively and consistently we build into our simulations a tutor support system. This helps with administration, facilitation and the management of the learning process and is derived from my training experience.

 

Development Issues
This section summarises the practical issues associated with our designs and provides links to more detailed explanations.

Design Approach
Design Methodology
Systems Dynamics
Versions Structure
Manner of Use
Decision-Making Process

Design Approach

There are two approaches to developing a new simulation. One starts from an analysis of needs and involves creating a simplified and stylised replica of the real world where the purpose is learning. The second starts from the development of a model that attempts to totally replicate the world realistically (and where, typically, the learning purpose is only discovered after designing the simulation). We believe that the first approach is the only one that delivers learning effectively, efficiently and consistently.

 

Design Methodology

Then developing a new simulation we employ a methodology that we call the Rock Pool Method! This combines at a macro level a structured and rigorous systems analysis approach and at a micro level an Agile Programming approach. Thus it combines and integrates structure with creativity.

 

Systems Dynamics

Designing a simulation is more than developing a good model. The design must take into account how learning progresses over time and this has led us to a design approach that incorporates Systems Dynamics principles.

 

Versions Structure

All our simulations are driven from a series of databases that allow the simulation to be configured in to several versions. Not only does this allow you to tailor the simulation to different groups and different learning needs but also as your learning needs change the simulation can be reconfigured to meet these.

 

Manner of Use

Simulations can be used in a variety of ways and the way that you are going to use the simulation will affect what must be designed in and its complexity.

 

Decision-Making Process

There are two ways in which a simulation can be used. One (Direct Use) involves each team entering it's own decisions into a microcomputer and the other (Tutor Mediated) involves the trainer taking decisions from teams and entering and processing them - then the trainer returns printed results to the teams. Additionally, there are two further processes - the computer enhanced roleplay. And (for very complex simulations) one that combines direct use by learners and decision-entry by the trainer - these are simulations where each team is provided with a decision support system.

Development Metrics
The development cost for a new simulation is difficult to forecast as it depends on the complexity of the simulation, the number of decisions made and reports produced. But as all of these correlate with simulation duration we are able to provide indicative development times.

The table below provides an indication of the amount of time that I take to develop simulations. Benchmarked against major competitors, these times represent an 80% to 90% saving in time (and cost).