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A 'Sharper' Suite of Business Acumen Simulations

A structured learning suite aligned to our Survey to Mastery model—built for layering, reusability, and strategic growth.

Business Acumen Starts Here

Today’s business moves too fast for guesswork. Teams are asked to make decisions that cut across functions, affect cash flow, and shape strategy — yet many lack the financial fluency to see the full impact. Our business acumen simulations give people the skills and confidence to think like business owners, so every choice drives measurable results.

Survey to Mastery logo with a gradient arrow pointing right, representing a learning progression.

The Business Acumen Progression: Survey to Mastery

Every organization sets different limits on time and format. Sometimes you have two days, sometimes you only get four hours. With Survey to Mastery (STM), even a brief exposure builds awareness and vocabulary — a foundation that managers can use immediately.When there’s more time, STM goes further: applying concepts, building operational fluency, and developing strategic insight. Each simulation uses the same shared tools and language, so every exposure — whether short or deep — adds to a consistent learning journey.

Download Financial Tools & Concepts from Survey to Mastery →  

Explore how key business concepts are introduced, reinforced, and expanded across the suite.

Four Simulations, One Framework
Our four core workshops each stand on their own — from a half-day survey to a multi-day strategy simulation. They’re not steps in a sequence, but consistent entry points into the same framework. Every workshop uses the same visuals and language, so learning connects no matter where you start.

Second Exposure: For Return Learners and 'Spaced Learning' Solutions

IO | Second Exposure
4–8 hours
In-person
Audience: Return participants, executive groups, multi-session cohorts

More at stake. More to weigh. This follow-up experience introduces additional business drivers and tools. Participants revisit familiar dynamics under new constraints—shifting market conditions, tighter cash flow, or expanded decision sets—pushing them further toward mastery.

Use Case: Follow-up experience (participants should already be familiar with the simulation in order to benefit fully from a second exposure)
STM Layer: Deepening
Learn more about Second Exposure →

👉 'Spaced learning' helps people retain more, apply faster, and build confidence over time. It’s a proven approach—and Second Exposure is a practical example.

Curious how spaced learning works in action? Read the blog post →

What These Simulations Do
Our simulations are built to develop practical business capabilities that apply across industries and roles. Core business acumen competencies include:
Understanding financial statements, key metrics, and basic accounting principles to make informed business decisions.
Financial Literacy – Understand financial statements and key metrics.
Evaluating business data and considering options to make strategic decisions that impact profitability and long-term success.
Decision-Making – Evaluate trade-offs and profitability.
Teams from different departments working together to achieve shared business goals, improving overall organizational performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration – Work across functions toward shared goals.
Understanding how various business functions—such as sales, production, and finance—contribute to overall company performance.
Operational Knowledge – See how sales, production, and finance connect to shape results.
Adjusting business strategies and processes in response to changing market conditions and new challenges.
Adaptability – Adjust quickly to changing markets and shifting pressures.
Taking responsibility for business outcomes by tracking key performance indicators and measuring the impact of actions.
Accountability – Take ownership of business outcomes and track impact with key metrics.
See the full list of business acumen competencies →

"Loved the board game - much easier to learn a dry subject!"

Jeff S, Corp Acct Mgr - Materials
How These Simulations Work Together
Consistent design. Cohesive experience.
All our workshops are built on the same foundation—shared visuals, common language, and a familiar structure—so every learner walks away able to connect and collaborate with others. Whether it’s a 4-hour introduction or a 2-day deep dive, participants can discuss shared dynamics and challenges using a common financial vocabulary—things like business pressure, cash flow patterns, working capital cycles, and performance metrics such as return on sales or return on assets. They can even reference Visual Finance to connect decisions and outcomes. This consistency supports financial fluency and enables whole-business conversations across the organization.

These simulations are modular by design. That doesn’t mean they stack—it means they flex.
  • Use shorter simulations for survey-level exposure. These sessions build core competencies like Financial Literacy and start to break down the silos.
  • If you are already offering modular soft skills training, you can a shorter business skills workshop to add depth and relevance—financial fluency, operational insight, and strategic thinking in one shared experience.
  • Use longer workshops to gain mastery. These sessions go deeper into tactical decision-making, including planning and analysis tools (e.g. budgeting, forecasting).
  • Revisit and deepen learning with Second Exposure*, it uses new drivers to introduce new challenges and new tools; it reinforces and extends the earlier learning.
All simulations are built on the same platform, ensuring consistency across roles, regions, and teams.

(* Second Exposure also supports 'spaced learning'—a research-backed approach that improves retention and real-world application by revisiting concepts after a time gap. It allows participants to return with fresh context and apply what they’ve already learned at a deeper level. Read more about 'spaced learning'→

Ready to Build Financial Confidence Across Your Organization?

Whether you’re introducing business acumen for the first time or deepening strategic thinking with experienced teams, our modular simulations can meet you where you are—and take you further.Let’s find the right fit.

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What is Business Acumen?

"Business Acumen is the learned ability applied constantly in business to focus on what is important and manage the drivers of business success, which results in improved business performance and measurable outcomes.‍"
Barry Johnson, Chartered Accountant
Income|Outcome Australia
Business acumen as the ability to see the big picture, make better decisions, and drive business success through financial understanding.