Business Simulation

Well, what IS a simulation?

How might it apply to learning about business/LPHT?

What are WE going to do?

Well, simulations are used to, well, simulate… i.e. to enable us to visualise some event in some form or other such that we can learn from it.  For example, I am currently reading Anthony Beevor’s book on DDay, in which the author describes the various simulations the soldiers undertook on the South coast of England of an amphibious landing on beaches near Slapton Sands.  The locations and topographies were chosen to replicate and represent as closely as possible what the troops would find on the beaches of Normandy.  Why?  Obviously to reduce the unknown, to rehearse particular difficulties and various strategies for overcoming them.   The same was apparently true for the occupying forces – one of the reasons for the success of DDay was that the occupying forces’ High Command / leadership had been called away (inland) for an invasion simulation strategy exercise.

So, with all the knowledge and skills that you have developed thus far throughout all your various taught units and on your placements, I will be ‘parachuting’ you into ‘unknown territory’ where you will face business problems and decisions that have to be taken in the context of a company that I have designed for you: ColmarCo.  You will become key players in ColmarCo’s management team.

We have three days together.  I have prepared a number of scenarios for you. I will be helping you to some degree, but for the mostpart I will not be in ‘lecture’ mode – I will be prompting you (if necessary) at various points in the scenario:-

1. understanding the problem
2. application of tools of analysis and evaluation
3. development of potential solutions
4. evaluation and selection of solution(s)
5. advocacy and presentation of solutions

Here is the unit description from your handbook:-