Business Simulation Blog

Multi Day, 1 Day, or Segmented Business Training Simulation?

2010-07-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hello SimDev Community-

To build on our last post, we've decided to address the question of, "What's better: Muliti-day, 1 day, or segmented business training simulations or leadership development simulations?"

That's easy to answer: It depends ;)

In reality, this is actually hard for us to answer. It really does depend. But to communicate our thoughts, we'll address the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Multi-day Custom Business Training Simulation- These are good if you want participants to really learn your entire business. We mean REALLY learn it. These usually require many many decision within the simulation and are very detailed. The goal here is to mimic the business within your training and development program. These are traditionally very expensive and exceptionally thorough. Our opinion: Good in some places, but not where trends seem to be moving when it comes to training and development and business training simulations.

1-Day Custom Business Training Simulation- These are very effective. These do a great job of balancing reinforcing your business training content and learning how the business functions. These are a very exciting and compressed day within your training program. This is a fantastic way to apply all the training content from previous days within the program. Our opinion: This is one of the more popular solutions and they work very well (cost effective too).

Segmented Business Training Simulation- These are also very effective. Running little versions of a larger training simulation at the end of each one of your leadership development days is incredibly exciting, applicable, and effective. This trend has grown in the last 2 or so years. Basically, you'll take a portion of the simulation that focuses on the content of that day and run it at the end. People get very fired up and its a great way to end the day. Our opinion: This is very effective and exciting.

We hope this helps you better understand various business training simulations and leadership development simulations. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Business Training Simulations- Where to learn what?

2010-07-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

Hello SimDev Community-

We have recently been receiving calls from people interested in working with a business training simulation or leadership development training simulation for the first time. It seems people are generally more aware of them, but uncertain where to start. A common question is, "Where can I learn more?" Unfortunately, I can't recommend any books or online resources. The books are a bit "out there" and there aren't any online learning how to's that we know of. But we have a top 5 things to know about a business simulations for training and development.

5. Be prepared with content 1st! Keep in mind, the simulation is NOT the training program. It is a reinforcement tool.
4. Pick the right type of simulation provider. Ask yourself if you want canned, customized, facilitation, or no facilitation. Many business simulation providers will want to supply their own facilitators. This is understandable, but not required. Also, do you need customized or canned? Customized is more expensive, but usually more effective.
3. Virtual or in person? This doesn't need a lot of explaining. We've found companies tried to do virtual and it just didn't work very well (not very engaging). Thus, the trend seems to be moving back towards in person. But there are different types of sims depending on location needs.
2. Have a clear idea of what you want out of the training program. Similar to what we mentioned in 5, you need to have a clear goal of what you want out of the training. The business simulation will reinforce this, but not teach it.
1. Have fun! Business simulations are an amazingly engaging tool. Have fun with the simulation and the program that surrounds it. Relax, the simulation won't bite and if the provider is good, they'll do their best to take care of the rest.

Hope this helps.

Missing Images in Business Simulation Blog

2010-07-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Hello- Today we launched our entirely new web platform. Nothing looks different, but its and entirely new web architecture. The only problem is: The blog images are missing. We're working on it and hope to have it fixed by Thursday afternoon.

Thanks
.

Leadership Development Training and Business Simulations

2010-06-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Leadership Development Training and Business Simulations

We specialize in combining Leadership Development training utilizing business training simulations. Lately, the demand for this has suddenly exploded. In the past 6 months, we have almost focused completely on Leadership Development Simulations. The question is, "Why now?"

Talking with various training and development managers, the clear answer seems to be, "To engage and demonstrate the importance in an effort to gain acceptance and increase adoption."

Some of the comments we've heard are:
"In the past, we've utilized various exercises and engagements, but they are all still within the theory realm and don't apply to the business fundamentals."
"We haven't been able to demonstrate the importance to the business. It's always just been on a trust us basis."
"Everyone knows leadership is important, but it's impact on the business hasn't been considered. It's now become essential we demonstrate this."

We all know that leadership is critical and unique internal competencies are fundamental to effective strategic development and execution. But trying to connect these to business results are exceptionally difficult. Thus, we're often asked, "How do you do this." Unfortunately, the answer is even harder to articulate. In a sense, this is the baseline formula:

Business performance = (+/-1 */ / leadership effectiveness)

The missing ingredient that can't be explained is each business's uniqueness. This is one of those intangible capabilities where we are able to take business, cultural, market, execution uniqueness and apply it to leadership training. This is the indescribably piece of the equation that we are somehow able to translate. Basically, its a combination of education, business, training, and technology that comes naturally to us.

But, if you have the basic understanding the leadership effectiveness influences business training and growth, creating a business leadership simulation is only a few additional steps when combined with a bit of creativity and tenacity.

Not sure this article helps, but it gives insights into the thinking that goes into developing a business leadership simulation training program. Thoughts?
.
.

Business Training Simulation- Go'in Green!

2010-06-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

In our continued effort to deliver a more green training and development business training simulation, Simulation Development Group is proud to announce that we have cut our computing power requirements in half (sort of) with little to no loss in productivity. How can we create custom training simulations with half the power? Creativity and a good idea from one of our developers. Turn off the processors! What? How can this be done and still be able to use the computer? Well this is quite simple, but takes a little explanation.

First, it's important to understand that we use very powerful computers to create our business training simulations. We use Apple's Mac Pro line of computers.

Yup, we're a Mac shop. Why? Because its far less maintenance and less maintenance means lower costs to our training simulation customers. Yes, of course our business simulations can run on any platform. We just prefer to write them on the Mac.

Anyway, since we write our business simulations on a Mac Pro, there are actually 4-8 processors in each computer (yup, these are very high end computers). This generates a lot of heat and consumes a lot of electricity. Both are bad for the environment. So, why not just turn them off? Well, because it's actually not that easy. After-all, there are no processor switches on the side of the machine.

To drop the energy consumption in half and still be able to create a custom business simulation,

we had to create an application that turns off cores, but still routes data through the right memory buss(es) and caches. We did this.

This means we can continue to create our custom leadership training simulation, business games, business acumen simulations, and business training simulations without any loss in productivity. When it comes time for the training simulation to compile, we simply turn on the additional processors on the fly. Just like a light switch.

So the next time you're thinking about a leadership training simulation, business acumen simulation, corporate development simulation, business training simulation, or any business simulation, know that we are continuing to find creative and innovative ways to reduce our footprint and still delivery the best darn business training simulation available on this big beautiful blue marble we call home.

Have a green day!
.

Upgrading The Business Training Simulation Engine!

2010-05-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

Buckle up business simulation race fans! Are you ready to run your training, organization, leadership, or executive development programs on pure alcohol. Well, rev up and start your engines. SimDevGroup is over haul'in it's core training simulation calculation engine with some super charged components. These training simulation components include:

- Advanced behavioral prediction capabilities. Wow! What ever that means, it sounds fast! It is, sort of. This will enable the training simulation to actually predict what participants are going to do next. This means that during your leadership development or executive development, the training simulation will actually be able to react to participant behavior. Think of it like trying to outsmart your leaders in your leadership development training programs. Kewl!

- Advanced supercharged statistical analysis and behavioral modeling. Wow! That also sounds fast. It is. This means that the training or leadership simulations will be able to calculate decisions quicker (and in smaller file size). If floppies were still around, we'd still fit on those (only the core but still pretty neato).

- Dynamic predictive file loading and unloading. Wow! That sounds like it's really smooth through the gears! It is. For anyone that wants to run their leadership development or business training simulations virtually, no problem! This is more efficient cloud computing at it's best.

- Finally, up to date graphic simulation CODECS- Bye Bye are the days of 1990s file formats. We are going into the next generation and beyond. Wow! That's sounds like it's good look'in too! It is. This means we can reduce file size and increase quality. This is again great for virtual programs. This means when you're doing your leadership development, leadership education, executive development, training, or anything that requires a business training simulation, it will run smoother and be better looking. Win Win Win!

In summary- our business simulations, business training simulation (s), leadership development simulations, or executive development simulations are shiny, new, and ready to rumble. Let's go take 'er around the blog. Start your engines! (burn out sound).

Have a fast holiday weekend!
.

Virtual vs. In Person Business Training Simulation

2010-05-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hello SimDev Community-

In talking with one of our customers, the repeated debate of Virtual vs. In Person training came up. Specifically with relevance to using a business training simulation. We have a pretty strong opinion on this topic. If two of the goals are:

1. Leadership Development
2. Learn the entire business

Then in person business training is far more effective. In our experience, we've seen amazing results that come out of general discussions that are not achievable from virtual solutions. In person business training allow participants the ability to talk through scenarios and challenges. They are also given the opportunity to work as a team on a leadership simulation. Finally, in person gives the facilitators the opportunity to observe applicability of leadership competencies.

By no means are we saying that virtual is out all together. There is certainly a place for this. We're just saying that if it's leadership or know the entire business, in person is preferred. But in general business training that includes leadership development is very effective in person.

Have a great day!
.

Business Leadership Simulation

2010-05-11T08:31:00.002-07:00

Hello SimDevGroup Community-

Today we're going to talk about utilizing a business training simulation for leadership training. The question is: How can a training simulation be used to help teach leadership and leadership competencies. Here's the summary:

A business training simulation can help reinforce internal leadership competencies by reinforcing the positive impact of demonstrating YOUR internal leadership competencies has on business outcomes. Business outcomes? What exactly does that mean? Basically: Profitability. Or... Whatever business metric that is currently driving shareholder value.

You may be asking, "But how does a business training simulation exactly work with leadership competencies?" There's a combined solution of heavy facilitator involvement (you?), and building the importance of effective leadership into the business training simulation. We work with you to ensure that participant's demonstrate effective leadership and that that behavior is reflecting within the simulation.

So if you're working to try to better integrate the effectiveness of leadership competencies within your training program, feel free to give us a call. It doesn't have to be business training related. We have seen many interesting ways to accomplish this task and are happy to talk through some ideas.

Have a great day!
.

Training Simulations: Freedom at last!

2010-05-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hello SimDev Community-

We are very excited to announce SimDevGroup now offer's our custom business training simulation in full unlimited license versions! "Wow! But what does that mean exactly?"

This means the following:

All custom business training simulations will:
- Give you the freedom to run as much as you like without additional costs
- Give you the freedom to run them yourselves (you don't have to pay us to facilitate)
- Give you the freedom to run when, where, and how you wish.
- Drastically reduce the costs of using a custom training simulation

You are free to sim the world over!

If you run your programs more than 5 times a year, then the savings are huge! Leadership and executive development will never be the same.

This means you're executive development and leadership development programs can use a custom business simulation without extra costs (woa, say that again!) It's true. Once you own the business training simulation, you are license fee free! Yipee!

Give us a call or drop us an email for more questions.

Have a nice weekend.
.

Business Training Simulation on Facebook!

2010-05-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hello World- From Facebook that is.

We've finally launched a facebook fan site. Go to facebook and do a search for Simulation Development Group. You should be able to find us. If not, let us know. This fan site will be dedicated to new information regarding advancement and activities related to business simulation activity including business training and training simulations.

Just today, there was an article in the WSJ about executive training and utilization of business training simulations. It was a quick read, but just goes on to prove they're advantageous usage within large companies. Training is changing and using a custom business training simulation will make a huge difference.

Check us out on facebook and start following us there as well!
.

Site Updated- Finally

2010-04-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hello SimDev Community!

Finally, we've updated the web site. Amazing looking, isn't it? Actually no. We made significant changes, but nothing you can really see: yet. We Did a few things that should make accessing business simulation related news and information easier.

- Changed the architecture of the site so it's more easily expandable
- Changed the core navigation links so it's geared towards Business Simulations and Training & Development
- It's more green! No, not the color. But when people want to print pages, it uses more than 39% less toner. We eliminated the header images from being printed which drastically reduces the amount of Toner. Yea!
- Under each section (such as Business Simulation and Training & Development), there are now easier to access sub topics (such as Business Games, Training Simulations, Leadership Development Simulations).

That's really about it. We are hitting a few speed bumps which we'll hopefully iron out soon. Most of them you probably can't see.

Happy browsing!

.

Where In The World Is SimDevGroup?

2010-04-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hello SimDev Community-

Wow! It's been over a month since we've sent out a business training simulation related update. This is shameful and we're sorry. "But why?", you ask. It's the classic 'we've been busier than we'd like'. The good news is that we've been busy with much needed and highly focused business simulation related R&D. As a team, we stopped traveling and locked ourselves in a room for over a month trying to solve a particular training simulation problem that has frustrated us and our customers for a long time. We can't announce it yet since its still in testing, but this was time very well spent. Stay Tuned! We'll be helping you out when it comes to custom business training simulations soon.

The other reason we've been out of touch is that we are once again, preparing for a web site update. We know, we know: We just did this. But this is part 2 of 3. You will hardly notice any changes. All the changes are at an architectural level. Some of the improvements to the web site are:

- Faster page loading
- More modern Java
- Printing style sheets
- A foundation for expansion
- No Blog Mungie-ness

The key takeaway here is the expansion component. We plan on offering more and more learning tools for our community and we'll be able to post business simulation related tips, tools, tricks, and resources that will help our followers. We hope to launch this site in the next 30 days. This should align with our ability to announce results that came from our business simulation related R&D.

Stay tuned, great things to come this Spring!
.
.

5 Tips for Facilitating a Business Simulation

2010-02-25T12:29:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone-

Our last post talked about the fact that the trend is clearly moving towards you facilitating a business simulation more. This is great! We thought we'd help with 5 tips for facilitating a business simulation program. Here goes:

5. Get Involved!- Be involved in the development of the business simulation. You'll know the program better.

4. Keep a Secret- Remember: the participants don't know what's inside the business simulation. Keep it this way.

3. Quiet Time- When you are looking at the results of the business simulation, do it in a quiet place without distraction.

2. Tell a Story- When providing the 'what happened' in the simulation, look for a story or theme. Its more interesting and educational.

1. Be Prepared!- A business simulation is complex. Make sure you really take the time, concentration, and focus when preparing for a results presentation. Its critical!

Have fun! Feel free to contact us if we can help.
.

Business Simulation Facilitation: Less Us, More You!

2010-02-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

Times are certainly changing when it comes to facilitating a business simulation. In the past year, our customers are facilitating more and more business simulation programs. We couldn't be more excited. This is especially the case now that we can help you facilitate without the travel- This is great for everyone. In the past, facilitating a business simulation in real time was exceptionally challenging. With the trend moving more towards rapid delivery (aka: more manageable), and utilization of cloud computing, More and more customers are facilitating themselves.

We couldn't be more excited. We strongly believe that having you in front of leaders is critical. Its impressive to show a business simulation in action. Especially when it has an impact on business strategy. We say: Keep it up! Get in front of business leaders and show off utilizing a business simulation for training and development. We'll make sure you look great!
.

Google Likes SimDevGroup

2010-02-14T11:43:00.000-08:00

Dunno why we're talking about this, but its kinda fun. A customer told us yesterday that when you do a Google search for custom business simulations, SimDevGroup is number 1 and 2 in the organic search category. We must be doing something right :). This will probably change over time (usually does on Google), but its fun for now.
.

Business Simulation- Cloud Computing Article

2010-02-08T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone-

In a past post, we talked about a cloud computing based business simulation we're rolling out. We've received a few questions about cloud computing. Today, the Wall Street Journal talks about cloud computing and its a pretty good article. Very basic, but interesting.

Click here:
Cloud Computing- What is it exactly

Happy reading!
- SimDevGroup
.

Business Simulation Facilitation: You’re The Rock Star!

2010-02-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

Hello SimDev Community-

We want to take a moment to remind you that when it comes to business simulation facilitation, you are the star! For some reason, when prospective customers call, they are surprised that we encourage your team to facilitate the simulation program. As a reminder:

It’s important for you and your team to stay in front of the leaders of your organization.

When it comes to business simulation facilitation, we make sure you’re the rock star! Don’t forget to take your bows at the end of the program :^)

Have a great weekend,
- SimDevGroup

PS- Sorry, we couldn't resist posting this image. ;^)
.

Business Simulations, Tailored Simulations, and Custom Business Simulations

2010-02-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

We’ve touched on this before, but the question seems to be asked with more frequency lately, “What’s the difference between a business simulation, tailored simulation, and a custom business simulation?” This is a good question and tough to answer.

It’s important to note that everyone seems to have different definitions of simulation and this gets confusing when compared to business games (serious games). We can only tell you how we define business simulation in context to our services.

Business Simulation-
This is software solution that bears strong resemblance to part of or an entire business. It is important to understand that this can be any business. A business simulation is often canned. It might be similar to all or part of your business, but it is not a model of your actual business. A business simulation is useful when you’re trying to teach general business skills (acumen). If you’re trying to create strategic shift, these aren’t usually very useful.

Tailored Simulation-
This is the same as a business simulation, but may have some basic changes that might more closely resemble your business. An example of some changes are product name changes, company name, or general high level changes. In many cases this is a business simulation with some straight forward changes. In general, this is still considered pretty canned.

Custom Business Simulation-
This is a business simulation that bears very close resemblance to your actual business (or part of). Most importantly items such as core values (competencies), strategy, products, and methods are incorporated within a custom simulation. A custom simulation may have a similar core calculation engine to a business simulation, but everything else is different. All the results that come from a custom business simulation are developed around your learning goals. These simulations are most useful when strategy shift or process change needs to take place rapidly.

Now, the next logical question is, “Which one should I use?” This is a good question and very much depends on your needs. If you are looking to teach generic skills or provide and experiential general overview, go with a canned business simulation. If you’re looking to create rapid change or introduce your leaders to the overall business, a custom solution is the best fit. Here’s a pictorial overview:

We hope this helps.
- SimDev Team
.

Cloud Computing Simulations = Reduced Travel Costs

2009-12-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

Hello SimDev Community-

For those customers that have been working with us for a long time, you know that we are obsessed with finding ways to drive down costs. For those that may not have worked with Simulation Development Group, we are dirt cheap. Cheap to a fault at times. We can create a custom business simulation for surprising low costs (often for less than canned business training solutions). The fault comes in that we'll sometimes put this as the highest priority and our customers need to adjust this sometimes (yes, we know, there are worse problems).

"Where is this going?" you're probably asking. Its going here:

We have good news: We've figured out a way using cloud computing to create significant savings without impacting quality. WooHoo!

A custom business simulation for training or business acumen almost always requires a facilitator to be effective. A sim on its own is pretty ineffective. Sometimes we fly out to facilitate, sometimes you may want to facilitate, but we still need to be there for support. Either way, there are still travel costs incurred.

So we asked ourselves, "Is there a way for us to be there without us being there?" The answer is yes... Cloud Computing! Cool. To simplify the idea:

- You facilitate, we support you, but from our offices instead of yours. Why pay for travel when technology can let this happen remotely?

This isn't something we want to explain how (our competitors watch us closely enough as it is) within this posting. If you have questions, give us a call.

Our research shows that this creates costs savings of anywhere from $2000+ on average per delivery. This won't help if you want us to facilitate, but hey, if you want the glory, we'll give it to you.

All the best,
- SimDev Team
.

Wow! Micro Sims Are Massive!

2009-12-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

Hello SimDev World and Happy Holidays,

About a year ago, we started talking to existing and new customers about the idea of small rapid delivery custom business simulations. We did a blog posting on it in February. At that time, we called them quick sims. We are happy to report that this was clearly the best solution we could have offered our customers in 2009. This isn't just because budgets were tight. It was actually more because very focused simulations seem to have a better effect on learning than on the larger multi-day programs. We also have to say: We Love Them Too! Why? Because they are more exciting, very high energy, and people leave feeling invigorated and excited about what they've learned and how they'll apply it. In other words, it was our most popular solution by almost 2:1 in 2009. We're happy you like it.

Now, here are a few common questions we get with regard to Rapid Sims:
Q. What exactly is a rapid delivery custom business simulation or game?
A. These are simulations that combine your training content with running all or a portion of your business. The goal is to create very rapid "rounds" (maybe 1 or 2) running your business that includes having to utilize your training content.
Q. How long do the sims take to execute?
A. This can vary from 1 hour to much longer. It really depends on how complex you wish to make the simulation exercise.
Q. How complicated is it to get started and run the simulation?
A. Its really not that tough. Because the sim solution is small and applicable to your training content, the simulation fits nicely into the program. Most of the facilitation is done by us (you're welcome to if you wish). This relieves you of additional worries and complexities.

Overall, we just wanted to say that we're happy that you're happy with the rapid delivery simulation solution and there will be much more innovative solutions to come in 2010.

- SimDev Team
.

Corporate Leadership Competencies' Effect on the Business

2009-11-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

Most larger companies have company specific core leadership competencies. In our experience, these are formed from the basis of:

- People
- Action
- Thought
- Personal

There are many company specific branches of these, but the four above are usually the foundation. In our discussions with Sr. Leaders, they tend to firmly believe in the demonstration of the corporate compentencies, but are very challenged with how to demonstrate their importance. The past few weeks we've heard this concern more often then usual. Probably because of the slow turnaround from the economic downturn and the more proactive position Sr. Leaders can take (instead of reactive).

We talked about how to measure and demonstrate corporate core leadership competencies in a previous SimDev Group blog posting. If you're interested in how to put core competencies into action and measure it's effect on the business, read this.

The reason we bring this up again is to simply have you ask the following questions:
1. How does my corporate competencies fit into my L&D strategy?
2. How does my company's current strategy fit into my L&D strategy?
3. Is the corp strategy tightly integrated into my LD content?
4. How are my company's core competencies demonstrated within my learning content?
5. What am I communicating to Sr. Mngt regarding how I'm utilizing the corp strategy and competencies considering this is what usually drives a company?

The reason we're having you ask these questions is that we are often asked these questions too often on behalf of the L&D divisions (we defer to them). These are core questions that everyone should have very clear strategies and answers to.

Go ahead and ask yourself these questions and see what the answers are. Feel free to drop us an email if we can help you think through this. We're very accustomed to the questions :).

- SimDevTeam
.

New Look, New Solution

2009-10-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

The Site-
A new web look and solution all in one! As you can probably already tell, SimDevGroup has a new web site. This site is actually smaller than the previous site. Its more focused, cleaner, and easier to navigate. The amount of text has been reduced by over 50% and is more focused on custom simulations. Let us know what you think. We hope you like it.

The Solution-
This is only partially new. We’ve previously talked about saving 55% on a custom simulation. Ends up this is incredibly popular within the training and development community (we’re glad this helps!). Thus we’ve decided to officially talk about this within our web site.

The solution is quick to develop, quick to deliver, custom simulations that fit within an existing program (or content). Traditionally, custom sims are “the program”. This takes a very different approach. These mini sims are designed to be very easy to integrate within an existing program.

These sims have the following attributes:
- Customized to your existing content or program
- Rapid delivery rounds (around 1hr each)
- Highly aligned with your goals and corporate strategy
- Supercharges existing program content and goals

And is valuable because:
- Applies and ties your content to your business
- Enables managers to walk a mile in the CEO’s shoes
- Low cost and accessible

See More Here.

Thoughts? Do rapid delivery highly relevant, low cost custom sims help you? We hope so!
.

Images Are Missing (temporarily)

2009-09-28T04:28:00.000-07:00

Hello World- As you've probably already noticed, we have a new look as of this weekend (yea!). Only problem is this has caused a bit of turbulence with our blog images. We hope to have this fixed by end of today, early tomorrow. Stay tuned.

- SimDev Team
.

Learning Simulations for the Rest of Us!

2009-09-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

Business Learning Simulations and Games for the Rest Of Us

There has been a trend over the last decade or so to make custom simulations more and more complex. This may be due in part to the fact that development tools have become more and more sophisticated. The problem with this is that it seems to have defied the natural progression of technology: Cheaper and cheaper while being more effective. Why is this? Thinking about this, it may be good to go back to MBA strategy 101 and look at the business simulation market from Porter's point of view:

In general, strategically speaking, the business simulation and games industry hasn't felt many of these powers. The rivalry has been pretty low, substitutes haven't been so great. If anything, the simulation industry has positively substituted itself. Buyer power hasn't been strong because creating a custom business simulation is a sort of black art (its far more difficult than in looks). Finally the barriers to entry are pretty high. Why are they high? Because creating a custom business game or simulation requires a broad and specialized set of skills such as economics, finance, marketing, computer programing, and of course, learning. That's a tall order and really hard to balance effectively. But, one thing is starting change (from our view): Customers don't want massive programs. They don't want the simulation to be the program. The don't want heavy weight, massive programs that require a huge time investment (and money of course). This is going to cause a problem in the business simulation and business games industry. The trend is going towards light weight, low cost, integrated simulations.

Is Bigger Really Better?

A custom business simulation or game needs to integrate into an already existing program as a light weight tool for learning. The Sim's job shouldn't be to train the people. That's the program's facilitator and content's job. The job of the simulation should be a very rapid learning reinforcement tool. Learn, apply, and do it again. That's it.

Light Weight, Low Cost (Woo Hoo!)
Simulation Develop Group started in late 2008 to develop a method of creating very customized yet light weight simulations. We enjoy creating delivering these types of custom business simulations just as much as the multi-day programs. What exactly does light weight mean? This means that it can be delivered entirely within 1 day or in pieces throughout your program. It can also be easily adjusted to match exactly to your existing content (example: Leader Development Competencies). The point is that the Simulation Development Group's solution isn't to be the entire program, but to be the reinforcement tool.

How about simulations for the rest of us? Custom simulations don't need to be big, they just need to be effective.

Thoughts?
- SimDev Team
.

Current Economics, Leadership Development, What Now?

2009-08-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

We have a new fed chief (again), new home sales have risen a surprising 4.9%, national home prices are up (what?), responsible consumer credit card behavior (double, what?), 6Mo Dow up ~33%, 6Mo S&P up ~36%, 6Mo Nasdaq up ~45%. Are we talking about current economic snapshots? Yup, you better believe it. Does it feel this way? Is it sustainable? How are companies reacting? What does this mean for professional/leadership development.

Granted, we have economists employed here, but we don't have all the answers to the questions above. Then again, neither do the government, hedge fund, or private equity economists. What we can talk about is what we're hearing from senior managers within companies we work with. To sum it up:

"We are cautiously optimistic, and it feels great!"

We have also had our phones ringing far more steadily with companies that are now ready to get their strategies in line, leadership in place, and fire on all cylinders. It feels like the sun is beginning to warm the skin of many who have been in the trenches weathering this storm. Its a welcome break.

As you know, we work many public companies and their senior teams. SimDev would like to take a moment to say, "Job well done." An executives job is rarely recognized. Times have been exceptionally hard for executives the last few months. Hard decisions were made, experience was put to the test, and risk was taken. From our standpoint, it looks like the time, sweat, and late nights are beginning to pay off.

What this means for leadership development is that its a good time to take account of how aligned the troops are within your organization. Does everyone know exactly the why and how behind the new strategy. Does everyone actually know the strategy. If the answer is no to any of these, its time for you to get the organization development needs in place and be ahead of the wave instead of just riding it out. This will put your organization at a competitive advantage and better positioned for optimistic change that the economy looks to be on the cusp of enjoying.

"Cheers to a new 2nd half"
- The SimDev Team
.