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The Challenge Series
Go beyond the basics by building knowledge and skills that can make the difference between ordinary and extraordinary performance. |
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Sophisticated
The Challenge Series is a collection of dynamic team exercises that
focus on improving knowledge and skills in complex areas such as critical
thinking, ethical decision making, and strategic planning. Although the topics
addressed by the simulations are appropriate for a wide variety of audiences,
they are particularly relevant to those who are in — or who aspire to move
into — higher-level positions.
Practical
In addition to teaching techniques and processes for dealing with complex
situations, The Challenge Series can be used to equip participants
with the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in teams. And since
teams (rather than individuals) handle most of the more demanding and complex
problems faced by organizations, the circumstances presented by these
simulations are highly relevant and realistic.
More Than Just a Training Tool
The Challenge Series simulations can be used to meet a variety of
training objectives in the classroom or at off-site meetings. They are also
extremely effective for use right in the work place—to kick off or
reinvigorate groups that are tackling the same types of issues addressed by the
simulations. In addition, the Facilitator’s Manual for each Challenge
Series exercise provides suggestions for extending the challenge presented by
the simulation and applying it to participants’ organizations.
Choose Your Challenge
Robert A. Cooke, Ph.D. and Janet L. Szumal, Ph.D., of Human Synergistics for the
American Management Association, developed seven different Challenge exercises.
Each of the exercise booklets includes a set of cards that participants can use
to facilitate the development of their solutions.
Choose the Challenge Series Simulation That’s Right for You
Review the table below to find the HSI Challenge Simulation that best meets your
team development needs.
Simulation
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The Situation
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The Challenge
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Time
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Organizational Change Challenge™
Learn the steps of an effective organizational change process
Sample Participant
Booklet 
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Concerns about the stagnating growth of a home health care supplies and
equipment manufacturer require that you and the other top managers outline a
change process for revitalizing the company.
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Sequence 17 activities in the order they should be implemented to most
effectively accomplish organizational change.
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1.5 to 3 hours
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Critical Thinking Challenge™
Stimulate creativity and innovative problem solving by applying critical
thinking strategies and techniques
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You work for a growing manufacturer of high-quality plastic parts and are a
member of one of its continuous improvement teams.
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Come up with creative and workable solutions to five problems—all of which
are difficult to solve by means of traditional problem-solving approaches.
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20 to 35 minutes per problem (1.75 to 3 hours total)
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Ethical Decision Challenge ™
Promote recognition of ethical dilemmas and the skills for dealing with them
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You are a member of your hospital’s Institutional Review Board, which is
responsible for evaluating research proposals involving human subjects.
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Rank 10 research practices involving human subjects in order of their relative
permissibility or acceptability.
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1.75 to 3 hours
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Constructive Negotiations Challenge™
Learn what it takes to achieve “win-win” agreements
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You are a manager at a large computer software company and serve on a committee
responsible for negotiating agreements and contracts with prospective partner
organizations.
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Sequence 17 negotiation activities in the order they should be implemented to
effectively develop integrative contracts and agreements.
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1.75 to 3 hours
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Strategic Planning Challenge™
Discover how to plan beyond the boundaries of your department or unit
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You are the manager of a strategic business unit and serve on a committee
responsible for developing strategic plans consistent with the mission and
philosophy of the larger organization.
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Sequence 18 critical strategic planning activities in the order they should be
implemented to most effectively achieve a set of integrated plans at the
corporate and business unit levels.
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1.75 to 3 hours
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Performance Management Challenge™
Learn a process for maximizing motivation and performance
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You have been appointed to serve on a committee responsible for developing new
performance management guidelines and procedures that will be used throughout a
large financial services company.
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Sequence 20 performance management activities in the order they should be
implemented to evaluate and improve the performance of appraisees most
effectively.
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1.75 to 3.75 hours
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Project Management Challenge™
Organize project management activities in a practical and efficient way to
complete projects on time and within budget
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You are a project manager and have recently been appointed to serve on a
committee responsible for outlining a standard process for managing projects
within your organization.
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Sequence 24 typical project management activities in the order they should be
carried out to maximize the effectiveness of the project management process.
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1.75 to 3.75 hours
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Request More Information
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 Observer's Guide
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