1. Designing the Training Challenge1

2. 2 ABSEL 2012 Jeremy J. S. B. Hall jeremyhall@simulations.co.uk www.simulations.co.uk

3. Designing the Training Challenge3 Presentation Purpose Explore the issues and “reasoning” throughout the design of a new business simulation. Setting the scene –learners, tutor and sponsor –design issues –the scenario Design Issues –the simulator – decisions, models & results –ambiguity management –design for experience –quality assurance The Training Challenge simulation in context

4. Designing the Training Challenge4 Simulation Viewpoints Learners (Training Consultants) –Improve their ability to manage their business –Improve their business success Tutor –Relevant learning (running a training business) –Stimulate thought and discussion –Active learner engagement Sponsor (supplier to Training Consultants) –Build a relationship with the learners –Encourage use of simulation

5. Designing the Training Challenge5 Design Issues Replicate a training consultancy business Half a Business Acumen workshop Short Duration (half a day) Stochastic Ambiguity Novelty and Complexity

6. Designing the Training Challenge6 The Scenario Eight Quarterly Decisions (two years) Four Client Groups (market sectors) Offering Consultancy and Courses Resource Management – Time –Fee Earning –Selling and Prospecting –Business Development –Administration

7. Designing the Training Challenge7 Decision Design Issues Cognitive Load – phased introduction & granularity Decision Structures & Checking Ambiguity – linking cause and effect Decision GroupIntroduction Work EffortThroughout Restrict WorkQuarter 3 onward Capital InvestmentQuarter 4 onward Change FeesQuarter 5 only Marketing InitiativesQuarter 6 onward

8. Designing the Training Challenge8 Model Design Issues Financial/Accounting Models straight forward Demand Generation – stochastic & ambiguous Work Effort Models – structurally complex Client Relationship – complex & ambiguous Learning Quality - complex Client Loss & Acquisition - stochastic Size, ambiguity reduction & complexity.

9. Designing the Training Challenge9 Result Design Issues Classes of Report –Quarterly Results (3 pages) –Ending Review –Reconciliation & Design Validation –Design Calibration Issues –Cognitive Load –Ambiguity –Structure –Challenge & Engagement

10. Designing the Training Challenge10 Ambiguity Management Ambiguous Decision Results ImpactedBlack Box ResultsComments

11. Designing the Training Challenge11 Documentation Starting Point (unprofitable but liquid) First Year (familiarisation) Second Year (challenge & chickens home to roost 1 ) Ending Position (ready to go forward) Cognitive Load & Duration 1 Chaucer, Geoffrey (1390) The Parson’s Tale Experience Design Issues

12. Designing the Training Challenge12 What proportion of time was quality assurance? –design time correlates with model size –model size correlates with report numbers –can categorize report purpose (learning or design) Quality Assurance Effort Decisions Results Learning TestingCalibration Design 36%64%

13. Designing the Training Challenge13 Post Workshop The simulation in context Workshop Simulation Workshop Simulation Fully LinkedUnlinked

14. Designing the Training Challenge14 Further Information Full Paper: www.simulations.co.uk/download/Designing%20the%20Traini ng%20Challenge.pdf Workshop Details: www.simulations.co.uk/Trainer%20Acumen%20Workshop.htm Simulation Details: www.simulations.co.uk/Training%20Challenge.htm Contact: jeremyhall@simulations.co.ukjeremyhall@simulations.co.uk Website: www.simulations.co.ukwww.simulations.co.uk