How To Build a Business Simulation

Hello World-

How does one build a business simulation? This is a very common question. Its also a very tough one to answer. The main reason it is so hard to explain how to build a business simulation or serious game is because it is so totally dependent on what one is trying to simulation. To make matters even more complicated is the fact that each corporate strategy is so drastically different. In a sense, its almost like asking, "How do I make a tree?" There are so many different types with so many dependents that its almost impossible to answer. But here are some tips to getting started:

Tips on How To Build a Business Simulation or Serious Game

1. Start at the finish line. Clearly define your top three goals or desired takeaways from the simulation. This is where you start. Write them down.
2. Write down the top 5 influencers that effect the outcomes you defined in step 1.
3. Write down 10 decisions that effect the influencers. In the end, you'll end up with 50 decisions (5 influencers x 10 decisions).
4. Create a decision outcomes map. Each decision is going to have different outcomes. For example, if someone chooses to cross a bridge, they will be on the other side. But if someone chooses not to, they will remain where they are. In a sense, the decision of, "To cross a bridge or not" will end up in two potential outcomes. Map these out. This is the outcome 'engine' of a business simulation or serious game.
5. Build a mechanism to put this in place. This is where it gets complicated. For simplicity, lets keep it paper based. Create a system of decisions that turn into outcomes. This is really the core of a business simulation and/or serious game. Its really the core of any simulation. Decisions effect influencers which effect outcomes. This is what a business simulation is boiled down to.

Start small and create something. You'll see that its easier than you think.