2. Design for process1 Process Dynamics Process Dynamics Process Dynamics Process Dynamics Process Dynamics Process Dynamics Process Dynamics Process Dynamics Design for Purpose

3. Computer Business Simulations: Design for Process Jeremy J. S. B. Hall, www.simulations.co.uk jeremyhall@simulations.co.uk Learning

4. Design for process3 It is also necessary to consider the dynamics of the learning process. I will describe and explore a systems dynamics based learning process model. I will discuss some practical usage problems and issues. And describe ways to overcome these during the design and use of business simulations. Designing a business simulation is far more than just assembling a series of algorithms into a model.

5. Design for process4 Information about Me Long time designer of simulations for management development and business training. Extensive experience running simulations on training courses Originally an electrical engineer!

6. Design for process5 Experiential Cycle ACTIVE EXPERIMENT ACTIVE EXPERIMENT REFLECTIVE OBSERVATION REFLECTIVE OBSERVATION CONCRETE EXPERIENCE CONCRETE EXPERIENCE CONCEPT FORMULATION CONCEPT FORMULATION MAKE DECISIONS MAKE DECISIONS ANALYSE RESULTS ANALYSE RESULTS SIMULATE REPLAN BUT

7. Design for process6 The Feedback Process LEARNERSMODEL DecisionsObjectives Results The Simulation MANAGEMENT BUSINESS DecisionsObjectives Results Industrial Dynamics Difference Output Input COMPARATORSERVOMECHANISM Servomechanism All progress dynamically over time

8. Design for process7 Goal Seeking Servomechanisms attempt to seek to match a position, temperature, speed etc. Equally, Industrial Dynamics seek the best inventory level, etc. And, Business Simulations seek to meet learning goals The Cognitive Dynamic and business success

9. Design for process8 Stability But, in an attempt to meet the goal in the shortest time, the servomechanism may be unstable. The Affective Dynamic Similarly, Industrial Dynamics can be unstable. And, for the Business Simulation, emotions are also involved.

10. Design for process9 Loop gain Affecting the speed that a servomechanism reaches its goal and its stability are factors like loop gain and frequency response. Likewise for the business simulations, learning effectiveness, speed and engagement are influenced by workload. The Workload Dynamic

11. Design for process10 The Cognitive Dynamic Time Current Learning Goal Confusion Understanding

12. Design for process11 The Affection Dynamic Time Engagement Disengaged Start

13. Design for process12 The Workload Dynamic Time Workload

14. Design for process13 Cognitive Problems Too Simple Too Complex Current Learning Goal Time Confusion Understanding

15. Design for process14 Affection Problems Disillusioned Manic Time Engagement Disengaged Start

16. Design for process15 Too Much Work Too Little Work Workload Problems Time Workload

17. Design for process16 Interacting Dynamics Lack of learning is disaffecting Lack of engagement prevents learning Too much or too little work is disaffecting Lack of engagement reduces work Too much work prevents reflection Manic engagement prevents reflection

18. Design for process17 Managing Cognition Over Time Simplify Add Issues, Opportunities & Threats Progressively increase difficulty and challenge

19. Design for process18 In the early stages the simulation can be designed to provide qualitative feedback emphasising strengths. Later, the qualitative feedback moves to emphasising weaknesses. Also, as the simulation progresses, the amount of help and advice reduces. Managing Affection Push Up Push Down From coaching and cuddling to challenging and critiquing!

20. Design for process19 Managing Affection Feedback Style Besides financial & business results Graphs, Charts, Pictures, Animations, & Sounds. But, beware too much bling and trivialising

21. Design for process20 Managing Workload Time Workload Too Much Work Too Little Work Simplify Add Complexity Add Decisions & Results

22. Design for process21 Managed Response Proactive Tutor based feedback So far the natural responses built into the simulation have managed the dynamics. However, where the simulation is run by a trainer we a further way to manage responses. Proactive Feedback LEARNERSMODEL Decisions Results Objectives TUTOR Support Information

23. Design for process22 Jeremy J. S. B. Hall www.simulations.co.uk jeremyhall@simulations.co.uk www.simulations.co.uk from knowledge through simulated experience to wisdom