Business Simulations -- Meeting the Training Needs of Today's Companies


By Art Gib

From the One Minute Manager concept, Total Quality Management, and Six Sigma Certification programs, business have spent large sums of money in an attempt to train their management and working staff to perform within the guidelines of these models. Believing that this training would unite management and all levels of employees to work together toward company goals has been the motivating factor behind institution of these programs.

From previous thoughts and models, the business world has evolved to supporting new interactive training programs, known as business simulations. The main difference in the models of the past and business simulation programs is that unlike the classroom lectures and motivational speakers, business simulations create situations, which imitate actual workplace events. The old style training programs were based on the concept of awareness tactics, lectures, and interactive skits, but usually were not job related for all members of the training team, and lessons were soon forgotten after the classes ended. Employees returned to their jobs, only to revert to old habits and routines.

Business simulation training; is designed and modeled after real life business situations, at a highly interactive level. These modules are usually computer based and modified to simulate events of the company's real life business. Outcomes depend on the decisions made, just like in real business situations. The answers and paths taken, build upon each other to create real life experiences. In some models, all levels of employees are drawn into problem solving or because of the decisions made, the scenario may escalate to the management level.

A key position in this level of training; is the facilitator. This person must be highly skilled in the area of group dynamics, and is in charge of keeping the session moving forward, and fostering an environment to enhance learning. They also lead the group in self-evaluation of how the situations were handled, and if improvements could have been made to change the outcome.

Employees retain what they learn in these sessions, because they are relative to the jobs they do every day. They can relate to the events and remember encountering a similar situation. When a difficult or new situation arises in the real workplace, the employees may have already experienced the process and can adjust decision making to reach the desired outcome.

As companies scamper to replace retiring baby boomers, especially those in key leadership positions, business simulation training is taking the lead in long range management plans. It is the hope of these companies that business simulation training will prepare younger and inexperienced managers to become top of the line leaders of the future.



 
About the author

Art Gib is a freelance writer writing about Executive Perspectives a leading provider of business simulations and numerous other services for businesses. from http://www.ContentHere.com


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