Happy Holidays!
Yes, its been awhile since a post. Much of this is because of the holiday season.
Stay tuned for some interesting posts regarding business simulations, business war games, and business gamification in 2014. The topic map is all mapped out and it should turn out to be an informative season.
Seasons greetings and there will be more posts by end of week.
Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
Business Simulation Games - Game?
Happy Holidays World!
'Business Simulations'. Is this the same as a 'Business Simulation Games'? Simple answer is: Yes. Business Simulations and Business Simulation Games are basically the same thing. In reality, these are both a game (usually) and are based on basic game theory principles. Thus, if you see something that says business simulation game, this doesn't mean its a game in the sense its childish. Quite the opposite. A business simulation game could be one of the most advanced business modeling simulations you'll ever come across.
The military seems to be far more comfortable with using the word 'game' than the business world. The military has many more years utilizing games and simulations for real world purposes. This may be the reason they are perfectly comfortable using the word game when mixed with simulation. The business world is a little more hesitant due to the perception that it is childish. A business simulation game is not childish at all. Business simulation games can challenge the most seasoned business executive without much difficulty.
Thus, if you're ever in a conversation and someone says, "Business Simulation Game", you needn't worry about the validity of the conversation. This is perfectly ok.
Just another tip on business simulation naming conventions which is as confusing as ever.
Hope this helps.
'Business Simulations'. Is this the same as a 'Business Simulation Games'? Simple answer is: Yes. Business Simulations and Business Simulation Games are basically the same thing. In reality, these are both a game (usually) and are based on basic game theory principles. Thus, if you see something that says business simulation game, this doesn't mean its a game in the sense its childish. Quite the opposite. A business simulation game could be one of the most advanced business modeling simulations you'll ever come across.
A Business Simulation Game is the Same as a Business Simulation
The military seems to be far more comfortable with using the word 'game' than the business world. The military has many more years utilizing games and simulations for real world purposes. This may be the reason they are perfectly comfortable using the word game when mixed with simulation. The business world is a little more hesitant due to the perception that it is childish. A business simulation game is not childish at all. Business simulation games can challenge the most seasoned business executive without much difficulty.
Thus, if you're ever in a conversation and someone says, "Business Simulation Game", you needn't worry about the validity of the conversation. This is perfectly ok.
Just another tip on business simulation naming conventions which is as confusing as ever.
Hope this helps.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Business Simulations for Business Strategy? Talk to HR.
Hello World-
There are many uses for a business simulation. There is definitely a trend towards using business simulation games for working on your corporate strategy (AKA: Strategy Gamification). Traditionally, these tools work their way to being managed by HR/T&D. If you're a business manager who oversees corporate strategy in one form or another, it is usually easiest to manage using a business simulation through Human Resources. This is because it usually involves many employees and cross divisional collaboration. This is also because using a business simulation takes up a lot of time and HR traditionally has already been exposed to these tools. Thus, it really becomes a matter of efficiency.
Human Resources not only has the capacity to manage the project, they also have the ability to deliver the solution to your employees company wide. In most cases, business simulations are utilized as a training tool. This is the primary reason why Human Resources and/or Training and Development/Leadership Development is a good fit. In terms of the different types of strategy business simulations, this is really as broad as the number of corporate strategies out there.
No matter the corporate strategy, using a business simulation for strategy development is best in the customized form. This is simply because of the uniqueness of your strategy, company, and people. Trying to utilize an off the shelf solution for strategy work is usually ineffective. Of course, this depends on your goals and objectives.
Another quick post. There will be more posts soon.
There are many uses for a business simulation. There is definitely a trend towards using business simulation games for working on your corporate strategy (AKA: Strategy Gamification). Traditionally, these tools work their way to being managed by HR/T&D. If you're a business manager who oversees corporate strategy in one form or another, it is usually easiest to manage using a business simulation through Human Resources. This is because it usually involves many employees and cross divisional collaboration. This is also because using a business simulation takes up a lot of time and HR traditionally has already been exposed to these tools. Thus, it really becomes a matter of efficiency.
Human Resources not only has the capacity to manage the project, they also have the ability to deliver the solution to your employees company wide. In most cases, business simulations are utilized as a training tool. This is the primary reason why Human Resources and/or Training and Development/Leadership Development is a good fit. In terms of the different types of strategy business simulations, this is really as broad as the number of corporate strategies out there.
No matter the corporate strategy, using a business simulation for strategy development is best in the customized form. This is simply because of the uniqueness of your strategy, company, and people. Trying to utilize an off the shelf solution for strategy work is usually ineffective. Of course, this depends on your goals and objectives.
Another quick post. There will be more posts soon.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Business Simulations- You Bought It, Don't Re-Rent It!
Hello World-
This article specifically applies to custom business simulations. When you are looking to purchase a business simulation, it is important to understand the topic of licensing and/or ownership. It basically comes down to this: If you have paid to create a custom business simulation, you should have unlimited licensing rights. In other words: You should not be re-charged for something you already purchased.
This is like buying a house and then renting it from the buyer. Its simply not a nice thing to do. Its actually quite astounding that people are even asked to rent after buying. It smells like greed. Maybe there's something missing here, but maybe not.
So, if you're looking for a business simulation, make sure if you've paid for development, you don't have to pay to re-use it. That's simply bad business.
Hope this helps!
This article specifically applies to custom business simulations. When you are looking to purchase a business simulation, it is important to understand the topic of licensing and/or ownership. It basically comes down to this: If you have paid to create a custom business simulation, you should have unlimited licensing rights. In other words: You should not be re-charged for something you already purchased.
If you paid for business simulation development, you should not pay to use it!
This is like buying a house and then renting it from the buyer. Its simply not a nice thing to do. Its actually quite astounding that people are even asked to rent after buying. It smells like greed. Maybe there's something missing here, but maybe not.
So, if you're looking for a business simulation, make sure if you've paid for development, you don't have to pay to re-use it. That's simply bad business.
Hope this helps!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Business Acumen Simulations for Strategy Development
Hello World-
Yes, its been two weeks. Sorry about that. Very very busy and everything is getting back on schedule (for now).
Let's talk about:
Yes, this is a mouthful. Business acumen simulations are most often used when a company is trying to execute a strategy, but the people simply don't have the business acumen skills necessary to make it happen. When this is the case, you often have a couple choices. First, you can go with a canned business acumen or financial acumen for non acumen people. Another option is to make the business acumen content applicable to what they do in their jobs. The second option (learning application), is by far more popular these days. If this is the case, utilizing a business acumen simulation is a great option.
Utilizing a business acumen simulation will enable your participants to actually try the learning content in the context of their business (or job). The results are a far more applicable learning experience and faster strategic execution. In a sense, you get a twofer. Not too bad. Keep in mind, these are often a full blown business simulation solution. Thus, they are not to be taken lightly. They are usually quite complex because they need to encapsulate your business. Thus, take the complexity of your business and bottle it. Not too easy of a task. That being said, they are exceptionally well received and very worth the effort.
Short post for now. Still digging out of deadlines, but everything will be back on track soon.
Hope this helps!
Yes, its been two weeks. Sorry about that. Very very busy and everything is getting back on schedule (for now).
Let's talk about:
Business Acumen Simulations for Strategic Development
Yes, this is a mouthful. Business acumen simulations are most often used when a company is trying to execute a strategy, but the people simply don't have the business acumen skills necessary to make it happen. When this is the case, you often have a couple choices. First, you can go with a canned business acumen or financial acumen for non acumen people. Another option is to make the business acumen content applicable to what they do in their jobs. The second option (learning application), is by far more popular these days. If this is the case, utilizing a business acumen simulation is a great option.
Utilizing a business acumen simulation will enable your participants to actually try the learning content in the context of their business (or job). The results are a far more applicable learning experience and faster strategic execution. In a sense, you get a twofer. Not too bad. Keep in mind, these are often a full blown business simulation solution. Thus, they are not to be taken lightly. They are usually quite complex because they need to encapsulate your business. Thus, take the complexity of your business and bottle it. Not too easy of a task. That being said, they are exceptionally well received and very worth the effort.
Short post for now. Still digging out of deadlines, but everything will be back on track soon.
Hope this helps!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Business Strategy Simulations
Hello World-
Definitely on the rise is the need for business strategy simulations. But, this begs the question: What is a business strategy simulation? Good question. Here's a very simple overview.
There are many types of custom business simulations. People utilize leadership development simulations, business process simulations, business acumen simulations, etc… Business strategy simulations usually include a little of everything. This is because it simulates an entire strategy which usually utilizes everything within the company. These simulations are used to educate employees about your business strategy.
Some fancy consulting firms will call these 'strategy alignment and execution solutions'. Yes, they are this (barely), but that is complicating things a little bit. In reality, these are simply business simulations that touch various departments within an organization in an effort to train employees about the corporate strategy. Nope, doesn't quite have the same sizzle or marketability as 'strategy alignment and execution solutions', but its more simple and easier to understand.
In the end, a business strategy simulation works to achieve simulating a company's strategy. Usually the goals are a better strategy understanding. With a greater understanding comes reduced resistance. Its really that simple.
Hope this helps!
Definitely on the rise is the need for business strategy simulations. But, this begs the question: What is a business strategy simulation? Good question. Here's a very simple overview.
Business Strategy Simulation Overview
There are many types of custom business simulations. People utilize leadership development simulations, business process simulations, business acumen simulations, etc… Business strategy simulations usually include a little of everything. This is because it simulates an entire strategy which usually utilizes everything within the company. These simulations are used to educate employees about your business strategy.
Some fancy consulting firms will call these 'strategy alignment and execution solutions'. Yes, they are this (barely), but that is complicating things a little bit. In reality, these are simply business simulations that touch various departments within an organization in an effort to train employees about the corporate strategy. Nope, doesn't quite have the same sizzle or marketability as 'strategy alignment and execution solutions', but its more simple and easier to understand.
In the end, a business strategy simulation works to achieve simulating a company's strategy. Usually the goals are a better strategy understanding. With a greater understanding comes reduced resistance. Its really that simple.
Hope this helps!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Leadership Development Simulations - Getting Started
Hello World!
Leadership development simulations can be very complicated. Keep in mind, you're combining behavior with business with analytics with gaming. Not an easy combination. Not to mention the fact that chances are, you are thinking it has to be computer based (it doesn't). This adds yet another level of complexity. But let's take a moment to break things down into pieces a little bit and take a look at the best way to get started. Here we go…
Start Here- Before you get drawn into the sizzle of the technology, look at your leadership development objectives. Only you and your company know this, but traditionally, it starts with some sort of leadership model (often call leadership competency model). Whatever you do, don't put the business simulation before the content. The content is the most important aspect of leadership development. Put the content first. You might create this content on your own or you might hire an outside firm. This is up to you, but you need to start here: Great leadership development content!
Look At Your Leadership Development Learning Objectives- You are going to be tempted to teach everybody everything. Resist the temptation! Start small and build your program. The best way to do this is to look at the top 3 most important learning objectives. This is your finish line. Clearly define what it is you want your leaders to learn. If content is your foundation, your learning objectives is your finished product. Take a hard and clear look at your learning objectives to ensure they are clearly defined.
Start Small and Build Up- When it comes to leadership development simulations, you are going to get drawn into the sizzle. This is especially true if outside providers are dangling a golden carrot in front of you. Just say no! Calm down, look at your learning objectives, and start with a small and easy to manage leadership development simulation. Honestly, size is detrimental (in most cases). The bigger they are, the a) more expensive they are, b) harder they are to manage, and c) faster you'll lose control and fall apart. There is no need to boil the ocean from the beginning. Just start small and build up.
Ensure Alignment- This aligns with Start Small. Make certain your leadership development simulation is aligning with your learning objectives and nothing more. Leadership Development Simulations can get out of scope very quickly Make certain it is focused on the learning objectives, doesn't boil the ocean, and is manageable by you. If you have alignment, everything else will be fine.
This is just part 1 of a series and more posts will be updated this week. Hope these help.
Leadership development simulations can be very complicated. Keep in mind, you're combining behavior with business with analytics with gaming. Not an easy combination. Not to mention the fact that chances are, you are thinking it has to be computer based (it doesn't). This adds yet another level of complexity. But let's take a moment to break things down into pieces a little bit and take a look at the best way to get started. Here we go…
Guide To Leadership Development Simulations
Start Here- Before you get drawn into the sizzle of the technology, look at your leadership development objectives. Only you and your company know this, but traditionally, it starts with some sort of leadership model (often call leadership competency model). Whatever you do, don't put the business simulation before the content. The content is the most important aspect of leadership development. Put the content first. You might create this content on your own or you might hire an outside firm. This is up to you, but you need to start here: Great leadership development content!
Look At Your Leadership Development Learning Objectives- You are going to be tempted to teach everybody everything. Resist the temptation! Start small and build your program. The best way to do this is to look at the top 3 most important learning objectives. This is your finish line. Clearly define what it is you want your leaders to learn. If content is your foundation, your learning objectives is your finished product. Take a hard and clear look at your learning objectives to ensure they are clearly defined.
Start Small and Build Up- When it comes to leadership development simulations, you are going to get drawn into the sizzle. This is especially true if outside providers are dangling a golden carrot in front of you. Just say no! Calm down, look at your learning objectives, and start with a small and easy to manage leadership development simulation. Honestly, size is detrimental (in most cases). The bigger they are, the a) more expensive they are, b) harder they are to manage, and c) faster you'll lose control and fall apart. There is no need to boil the ocean from the beginning. Just start small and build up.
Ensure Alignment- This aligns with Start Small. Make certain your leadership development simulation is aligning with your learning objectives and nothing more. Leadership Development Simulations can get out of scope very quickly Make certain it is focused on the learning objectives, doesn't boil the ocean, and is manageable by you. If you have alignment, everything else will be fine.
This is just part 1 of a series and more posts will be updated this week. Hope these help.
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