Custom Business Simulation or Canned

Hello World!

A common question, "Should I go with an off the shelf business simulation or a custom business simulation?"

There isn't usually a clear answer, but in general, if you answer yes to the following questions, a custom solution will usually fit better. Here goes:

How to Choose A Business Simulation

Ask yourself the following five questions:
1. Do I need to teach/demonstrate specific parts of our corporate strategy?
2. Is this part of my corporate leadership development, executive development, or strategic training program?
3. Do I need to simulate specific components of our business?
4. Is this for director or above?
5. Is this part of a corporate strategic initiative?

If you answered 'yes' to any of these three questions, you will probably find it more effective to go with a custom business simulation. This isn't a hard analysis, but in general, these questions usually lead you down the right path to deciding between an off the shelf or a custom business simulation.

Hope this helps!

Business Simulation and Gamification Trends

Hello World-

Now that we're heading into a new year, what are some trends in the world of business simulations, serious games, and business gamfication. Great question, lets look at the top 5.

Top 5 Trends in Business Simulations and Business Gamfication

5. Business Simulations and Business Gamification are becoming more main stream- With the computer generation entering management, business simulations and gamification are being used more than ever. This is especially the case for custom built solution (trend 4).
4. Custom is the New Standard- With the cost of development getting lower and lower, most companies are requiring a custom built business simulation or business gamification solution. Today's learners are used to a high level of customization and this is no different in the world of sims and games.
3. Business Simulation Partners not Business Simulation Vendors- Companies are seeking out more of a partner over just a contract. This is especially the case where the sim provider is on site. The last thing a company wants is a sales person in house. The days of trolling inside a company for more sales are very much frowned upon. A strategic partner is critical.
2. Smaller Sims are More Popular- Companies have clearly learned that larger sims is like buying handcuffs without the keys. Thus, companies are looking for tight and easy to control solutions
1. Full Ownership- Business Simulation solutions where companies have to pay and then rent (licensing fee) are out! This model is leftover from the 90s and companies simply won't stand for it any longer. Pay for it once and use when and how the owner wishes is critical.

Hope this helps and Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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:

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!