FAIL (the browser should render some flash content, not this).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is MicroWorld learning a guaranteed success?
MicroWorld management simulations have capabilities that are far greater than that of any other training methods due to the extremely high involvement of participants during the simulation and thanks to real life proximity.

Hands-on experience provides a better and faster training because the gained experience anchors in managers' minds and emotions, dry financial data come to life, and experiential learning moves managers out of their comfort zone stimulating fresh ideas.

The intensity of competition drives participants to perform better and consequently achieve an extremely high transfer rate to their jobs. MicroWorld learning goes beyond traditional lectures or case studies; it tries to emulate experience through "learning by doing". MicroWorld is the "flight simulator" for business managers. MicroWorld participants effectively learn how to:
  • organize a management team
  • set corporate and departmental goals
  • develop a strategy and supporting tactics
  • analyze the markets and competition
  • develop cross-functional integration
  • design new products and evaluate the results
  • manage marketing and sales budgets
  • allocate human resources
  • schedule production
  • control inventories
  • read financial statements and ratios
  • work in teams and develop leadership skills
How realistic is MicroWorld business simulation?
The MicroWorld simulation storyline is based on real-world business dynamics, and the outcomes of decisions are based on analysis and research of real market dynamics and companies. Participants effectively learn to apply the newly acquired knowledge in a simulated business world.

As participants are confronted with business decisions and situations that are commonly encountered in real life, the important business principles become a part of their natural thinking. In addition, the simulation is supported by learning material with examples from different industries. It is a deeply strategic and tactical exercise just as in real life, where participants will improve their business acumen by:
  • defining a strategy
  • setting goals
  • making continuous decisions
  • establishing a link between strategy and finance
  • understanding cause and effect relationships between functional areas
  • improving market orientation towards satisfying customer demands
  • conducting continuous competitive analysis
  • developing leadership and team work (in case that the program is run with teams)
MicroWorld's simulation program was designed and tested by business managers and consultants with strong backgrounds in running different types of industries.
What is MicroWorld's training philosophy?
Learning-by-Doing
MicroWorld simulation places the user in a realistic business environment, where participants are asked to run a business successfully. In addition, learning is supported by practical tutorials.

Discovery Approach
Particpants begin the simulation without a great deal of prior knowledge on the simulation itself. They actually "write" the storyline and "discover" what they know or don't know.

Realistic scenarios
MricroWorld provides users with realistic contexts in which to test and develop their understanding, knowledge and competence. This is the best way to insure that they have experience in the type of situations they will face in their real jobs. Actions, decisions, and results must be grounded in real-life experience.

Feedback and support
Participants are immediately placed in the simulated environment, where they determine whether they can solve the problems and achieve the goals that the simulation presents. It is critical that they receive constant, consistent, high-impact feedback on their progress and the results of their actions. If they need more information or help, there are multiple opportunities to access supporting resources (text based contents, online service line).
What will be the participants benefits?
Enhanced financial and business acumen
In MicroWorld, participants live the numbers and see how decisions in marketing, production, finance, R&D, quality management and human resources impact financial results. Financial managers see the clear link to operational decisions and non-financial managers see the financial impact of each business decision.

Better team dynamics
If the simulation is run as a dynamic team, they will have to get organized as a team, define their roles and method for decision making. They will define a strategy and establish compelling goals. The team will receive market information for competitive analysis and annual reports for individual company analysis. It will clearly show the impact of each decision and make the team accountable for the results. MicroWorld simulations provide a challenging environment to test trust building, active listening and constructive conflict resolution as part of team building and team decision making skills.

Improved management performance
Nowadays, corporations need all around business leaders with a broader corporate perspective, not simply experts in their fields. MicroWorld's management program let specialists experience the complete range of business decisions and live the consequences. The integrated MicroWorld program with focus on general management, marketing, operations, human resources and finance helps specialists build better-rounded business executives.
How does an on-site management training program look like?
This sample program demonstrates MicroWorld supporting a two/three days course, suitable for business managers. A basic familiarity with business and financial concepts is assumed for participants in this program.
 
DAY 1-2
08.30-09.00 Introduction
09.00-09.45 The Strategy Pyramide
09.45-10.00 Break
10.00-10.45 Introduction to MicroWorld
10.45-11.45 Team work: 1st year MicroWorld decisions
11.45-12.45 Debriefing session - Product positioning
12.45-14.00 Lunch
14.00-15.00 Team work: 2nd year MicroWorld decisions
15.00-16.00 Debriefing session - Market segmentation
16.00-16.15 Break
16.15-17.15 Team work: 3rd year MicroWorld decisions
17.15-17.30 Debriefing session
17.30-18.30 Team work: 4th year MicroWorld decisions
 
DAY 2-3
08.30-09.30 Debriefing session - Allocation of Resources
09.30-10.15 Team work: 5th year MicroWorld decisions
10.15-10.30 Break
10.30-11.15 Debriefing session - Market Analysis
11.15-12.00 Team work: 6th year MircroWorld decisions
12.00-13.15 Lunch
13.15-14.00 Debriefing session - Competitive strategies
14.00-14.45 Team work: 7th year MicroWorld decisions
14.45-15.00 Break
15.00-15.45 Team work: 8th year MicroWorld decisions
15.45-17.00 Team presentation and wrap-up
17.00 End of program
At the end of each virtual business year, the facilitator performs debriefing sessions which include a comparative analysis of each company's strategy, performance and areas for improvement.

The onsite simulation seminar will enhance managers' people skills by
  • improving communication skills in a direct team environment through the decision making process and team presentations.
  • increasing cross functional collaboration by putting participants in charge of unfamiliar company functions.
  • enhancing dispute resolution skills by forcing participants to negotiate, resolve conflicts and take responsibility for management and performance in a team environment.
  • honing judgment skills to interpret imperfect information and establish target oriented goals.
  • empowering them to become agents of change in their organization.
How does an online executive training program look like?
Week 0
Introductory information for all participants, including program details, deadlines for decisions and pre-course tutorials.
 

Week 1
1st decision round
  • Analysis of current situation
  • Teams to get organized and  make an analysis
  • Submission of a budget for year 1
  • Presentation of strategy
 

Week 2
2nd decision round
  • Product positioning
  • Teams to discuss and define a company strategy
  • Submission of strategic planning form and budget
 
Week 3
3rd decision round
  • Strategic market segmentation
  • Teams to review strategy
  • Teams to develop and present a segment map
  • Submission of budget for year 3
  • Presentation of strategy and tactics
 

Week 4 - 8
4th - 8th decision round
  • Allocation of resources 
  • Portfolio management
  • Marketing mix
  • Market analysis
  • Competitive strategies
  • Submission of budgets and other assignments

 
The inclusion of engaging theory sessions in combination with dynamic decision cycles ensures that participants can immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge thus assuring a lasting knowledge impact.

 
© Copyright 2012 - MicroWorld Learning. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | FAQ