Lean Learning This page explores one of our key design principles - leanness.

Lean principles have revolutionised manufacturing processes and management over recent years and are revolutionising architectural and software design. With experience in manufacturing and engineering it is natural that we believe in applying lean principles to our simulations.

Operating Lean
Our simulations are designed based on very extensive experience using simulations for management development and business training and this has been built into them as follows:

Short Durations

Training time is valuable and so we design our simulations to run in the shortest time possible. We do this by ensuring that the simulation addresses specific learning needs and business issues. (Thus our designs go beyond just developing a good model of the real-world. They are based on a clear definition of development needs, the target audience and manner of use).

 

Wide Range

And ensure that we have a wide range of simulations and versions so that we are likely to have a simulation that meets and matches your needs. And, since the development of these were sponsored this is reflected in our prices.

 

Ease of Use

Our silations incorporate decades of practical training experience and a leading edge Tutor Support System. Incopporating decades of training experience means that the trainer and learners invest minimal time learning how to use the software. And the Tutor Support System means that the trainer is forwarned of learning problems and opportunities,  can answer questions effectively and quickly \and reduces the amount of time spent  by the trainer learning about the simulation.

 

Lean Documentation.

Besides providing focused simulations we attempt to ensure that when they are used no time is wasted. Our documentation is lean. It provides the essential information but no more. But, built in to the simulation software are extensive Tutor and Participant Support systems to provide additional information when and as needed

 

Efficient Use of Time

By having a wide range and incorporating just the factors need for learning we ensure that you get a simulation that makes efficient use of learners time. Additionally by having the learning process facilitated and managed by a trainer, we believe that learners do not waste time and all learning opportunities are addressed.

 

Standard Hardware & Operating Systems

All our simulations are designed to be used on standard Windows based hardware. Although our shortest simulations require a microcomputer and printer for each team, our longer, interactive simulations are designed to be run on a single microcomputer and printer and this means that they can be run in any training environment (including a hotel).

Operating leanness leads to effective and efficient learning - our ability to meet your learning needs within tight budgets.

Design Lean
Our designs and design processes are lean and this means that we can deliver a new or customised simulation in a fraction of the time of our competitors.

Standard Software

Eighty-five to Ninety-five percent of a simulation program is common. It is only the five to fifteen percent of the simulation model that differs between simulations. For a new simulation, the standard software already exists and does not have to be developed from scratch.

 

Customisable Versions

Besides being able to develop new simulations in remarkably short times, all our simulations are easily customised. So, if a simulation closely but not exactly meets your needs we generally can customise it in a matter of hours or days.

 

Design Process

Besides the existence of standard software and the ability to customise, we have a design process that ensures quality and speed. This is partly due to our experience developing simulation models (both for corporate and financial planning and for learning). And partly because of our design methodology and software aids.

Design leanness leads to agility - our ability to meet your design deadlines faster and better than our competitors.

Lean but not mean!
Although leanness is important it must not be at the expense of learning. Thus all our simulations are thoroughly tested on actual training programs and incorporate leading edge features to ensure learning.

In comparison to some of our competitors, we liken our lean approach to comparing the 1950s chrome encrusted gas guzzlers (some competitors' simulations) to the Volkswagen (our simulations). (That is not to say the American cars of the 1950s are not beautiful to look at but who can afford to run one!)

Lean Learning Research
We have are currently  mapping lean manufacturing principles with learning in an attempt to determine how we can improve the efficiency of learning while still maintaining and improving the effectiveness of e-learning.

© 2003 Jeremy J. S. B. Hall

Most recent update: 30/10/08
Hall Marketing, Studio 11, Colman's Wharf, 45 Morris Road, London E14 6PA, ENGLAND
Phone +44 (0)20 7537 2982 E-mail jeremyhall@simulations.co.uk