10 Elements of Highly Effective Business Simulations

Through 25 years of experience building and implementing highly customized simulations for leading companies, BTS has identified the 10 critical elements of an effective business simulation.

1. Highly realistic with points of realism targeted to drive experiential learning
2. Dynamically competitive with decisions and results impacted by peers’ decisions in an intense, yet entertaining, environment
3. Illustrative, not prescriptive or deterministic, with a focus on new ways of thinking
4. Catalyzes discussion of critical issues with learning coming from discussion within teams and among individuals
5. Business-relevant feedback provides a mechanism for relating the simulation experience directly back to the company’s business and key strategic priorities
6. Delivered with excellence High levels of quality and inclusion of the design elements—group discussion, humor, coaching, and competition—that make the experience highly interactive, intriguing, emotional, fun and satisfying
7. User driven Progress through the business simulation experience is controlled by participants and accommodates a variety of learning and work styles
8. Designed for a specific target audience, level and business need
9. Outcome-focused, so that changes in mindset lead to concrete actions
10. Enable and build community Interpersonal networks are created and extended through chat rooms, threaded discussions and issue-focused e-mail groups; participants support their peers and share  both enthusiasm and commitment.

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Download the article: Simulations: Why Are they Effective?