Challenge Simulation Series
Go beyond the basics by building knowledge and skills that can make the difference between ordinary and extraordinary performance.
Sophisticated
The Challenge Simulation 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 Simulation 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
Developed for the American Management Association by Robert A. Cooke, Ph.D. and Janet L. Szumal, Ph.D., of Human Synergistics, the Challenge Series comprises seven different exercises. Each of the exercise booklets includes a set of cards that participants can use to facilitate the development of their solutions. 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 workplace — 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 the Challenge Simulation That’s Right for You
| Simulation | The Situation | The Challenge | Time | Shop Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organizational Change Challenge™ Learn the steps of an effective organizational change process Product Info Sheet Sample Participant Booklet | 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. | Sequence 17 activities in the order they should be implemented to most effectively accomplish organizational change. | 1.5 to 3 hours | SHOP NOW |
| Critical Thinking Challenge™ Stimulate creativity and innovative problem solving by applying critical thinking strategies and techniques Product Info Sheet Sample Participant Booklet | You work for a growing manufacturer of high-quality plastic parts and are a member of one of its continuous improvement teams. | Come up with creative and workable solutions to five problems—all of which are difficult to solve by means of traditional problem-solving approaches. | 20 to 35 minutes per problem (1.75 to 3 hours total) | SHOP NOW |
| Ethical Decision Challenge™ Promote recognition of ethical dilemmas and the skills for dealing with them Product Info Sheet Sample Participant Booklet | You are a member of your hospital’s Institutional Review Board, which is responsible for evaluating research proposals involving human subjects. | Rank 10 research practices involving human subjects in order of their relative permissibility or acceptability. | 1.75 to 3 hours | SHOP NOW |
| Constructive Negotiations Challenge™ Learn what it takes to achieve “win-win” agreements Product Info Sheet Sample Participant Booklet | 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. | Sequence 17 negotiation activities in the order they should be implemented to effectively develop integrative contracts and agreements. | 1.75 to 3 hours | SHOP NOW |
| Strategic Planning Challenge™ Discover how to plan beyond the boundaries of your department or unit Product Info Sheet Sample Participant Booklet | 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. | 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. | 1.75 to 3 hours | SHOP NOW |
| Performance Management Challenge™ Learn a process for maximizing motivation and performance Product Info Sheet Sample Participant Booklet | 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. | Sequence 20 performance management activities in the order they should be implemented to evaluate and improve the performance of appraisees most effectively. | 1.75 to 3 hours | SHOP NOW |
| Project Management Challenge™ Organize project management activities in a practical and efficient way to complete projects on time and within budget Product Info Sheet Sample Participant Booklet | 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. | Sequence 24 typical project management activities in the order they should be carried out to maximize the effectiveness of the project management process. | 1.75 to 3 hours | SHOP NOW |
If you would like to know more about the Challenge Simulation Series, or any of our wide range of team building simulations and assessments, please get in touch and we will be happy to assist you.