We have started working with the Acumen Fund, based in New York, who provide developmental training and opportunities in a variety of countries. Let me point you to their blog for a chatty overview of their activities… and to give … Read More
The value of the ‘big picture’ The purpose of business acumen training is to improve people’s decision-making skills and thereby improve the long-term health of a company. This requires an understanding of how all the components of the business work … Read More
During business literacy trainings we use Income/Outcome® business simulations to familiarize employees with fundamental concepts in finance, like: What is profit? What is a fixed cost? What is depreciation? You might look at the above list and think “profit is … Read More
Sometimes conversations with clients turn to how much detail a business simulation for senior executives should have. Here are my two cents. When planning a business simulation for managers it is tempting to try to model the real world as … Read More
The July issue of Chief Learning Officer magazine features an in depth piece, “Beyond the Sage on the Stage,” about engaging managers and senior executives through “active and immersive learning.” The authors, James H. Gilmore and Cheryl D. Stokes, write: “As … Read More
Maybe a one-size-fits-all simulation will meet your specific training needs. But if you are looking for multiple simulations for multiple audiences, make sure the simulations share a common ‘look and feel’ (among other things discussed in this series of articles). … Read More
This is one of my posts in a series telling about ways a business acumen simulation can go wrong. Near the top of the list is training that involves individuals being isolated — and here’s why. A team-based simulation is … Read More
In this Gotchas Series I’m writing about the top 12 ways a business acumen simulation can go wrong. Near the top of the list is excessive navel gazing — here’s why. Encourage buy-in and critical thinking You want to create … Read More
As I mentioned in my last post in this Gotchas Series, there are at least 12 ways a business acumen simulation can go wrong. At the top of the list is closed decision making — and here’s why. Especially if … Read More
In my last post in this Gotchas Series I wrote that you might be surprised at how ineffective business simulations can be. Now I’m going to show you what I mean. There are at least 12 ways a business acumen … Read More