This management training program simulation takes game-based experiential learning to a new level. It models real-world business dynamics where changes happen rapidly and without warning. Teams must work together and draw on their diverse skill sets to combat the challenges of disruptive technology, using problem-solving and strategic thinking when revisiting strategy and reworking budgets. Achieving a winning solution means proactively responding to industry change. The wonderful thing about the Finance and Strategy simulation is that it is never the same game twice!

Optional Modules:

Foreign Exchange and Currency Hedging: Manage international risk by protecting against fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Cost-benefit analysis and real-world connections are explored.

Valuation: Examine the multiple valuation methods available for assessing the current and projected worth of companies in the marketplace. The strengths and weaknesses of these models are discussed. We also conduct valuations of in-game companies to solidify the learning.

Introduction & Fundamentals: 2 – 2.5 hours
Team Competition: 10 hours
Ratio Analysis and other KPIs: 1 – 2 hours
Real-world financial analysis: 1 – 2 hours

The Finance & Strategy simulation consists of six strategically complex business cycles. Each team has full decision-making power and is held responsible for its results.

In each cycle, teams develop and implement a strategic business strategy that incorporates real-world dynamics, including production capacity, customers, pricing, and financing. Managing all areas of the business allows participants to gain strategic business acumen and awareness.

• Examining market drivers: supply and demand, niche marketing, quality
• Competitor awareness, setting prices in a competitive market
• Ongoing strategic analysis, updating the strategic plan in response to changes in the industry and in the marketplace
• Budget and cash flow exercises
• Monitoring cash flow
• Maintaining the ‘books’ of the operating company (Income Statement and Balance Sheet)
• Performance measurement and analysis
• Posting, comparing, and discussion of results

Other activities include break-even analysis, SWOT analysis, income statement analysis and cost-benefit analysis.

Our Finance & Strategy simulation uses Visual Finance to teach leaders and executives complex financial concepts and strategic business acumen. Visual Finance is a graphic representation of your corporate financial position and industry analysis. Our simulation game board uses color, placement and volume to represent key financial numbers and relationships. The visual illustration makes it easy for participants to understand their financial standing at a glance.

After the business cycles are complete, we connect the learning from the simulation to the real world with a conversation that ties the simulation experience back to your company’s concerns, measures, and goals. We can also include additional exercises, including planning and analysis, and a discussion of key performance indicators (KPIs) to enrich the real-word learning of employees.