Project Management Simulation - computer-based  

Today's organizations require a complex skill-set that project members can't learn by simply reading a book or attending a seminar. People learn best by doing, but training on the job can be too risky when project success is on the line. Simulation-based training bridges the gap between theory and practice. This seminar provides a real-life environment where project members can experiment and safely learn from their mistakes. This is the only computer-based project management simulation that allows participants to plan (not just run) a project. The Simulation is dynamically adaptive, through the use of advanced artificial intelligence components.

This seminar is the same as the one offered through the Project Management Institute's SeminarsWorld - why not offer it at your organization on-site?

Why a simulation?

Faced with the age-old dilemma, "no one will hire me as a project manager without experience and how can I gain experience if no one will hire me?" two options exist. Of course, you could spend a year or more working on a project team to begin acquiring experience. Or, you can manage a virtual project and gain a year's worth of project management experience in just 3 days time!

In the virtual project presented in this simulation, you serve as Project Manager. You are asked to manage a yearlong medium sized project. You will need to develop a project plan, select and manage a project team, negotiate with the Customer regarding project changes, make budget/schedule/quality trade-off decisions, build relationships with upper management, the Customer, and the team. You are also required to schedule and hold meetings, respond to and initiate e-mails and phone calls, prepare progress reports and gather information.

How is this project management simulation different?

Actually, this simulation is incredible! The software engine running this simulation uses artificial intelligence to duplicate and emulate the behaviors of typical project-related people. There are over 108 possible personalities built into the simulation, with an unlimited number of combinations of traits. Like in real life, you have to manage your virtual boss, the virtual customer, the virtual team, and of course, the virtual project. If you don't take this simulation seriously, it senses that and you get fired.

This VX-1 simulation matches the five definite criteria of a simulation, according to Margaret Gredler's research "Designing and Evaluating Games and Simulations."

What is the scenario?

You are the project manager of a 10 to 12 month project. This is the only computer-based project management simulation that has you plan, integrate, then run and manage your project. You have to carefully choose your project team, plan quality activities, upwardly manage the boss, manage customer expectations, stay on schedule while maintaining the budget. This is a true to life as a simulation can be!

View our narrated online presentation about this incredible seminar
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Who would benefit from attending this seminar

Project managers, team leads, team members, functional managers, project clients, and stakeholders. Participants should have a good understanding of project management fundamentals and best practices.

Special Seminar Features

• This Windows-based graphical computer simulation (VX Inside™) provides safe opportunities to test project planning, decision-making abilities, and interpersonal skills.
• Participants receive extensive and immediate feedback about their choices from both the simulation software and the project management professional facilitating the seminar.
• This is one of the only seminars we have presented where we have to ask people to leave at the end of the day. (They want to continue running the simulation!)

Seminar Design Philosophy

The delivery of this seminar is very interactive. Participants work on their own project simulation, receiving immediate feedback. The participants are engaged in many discussions throughout the seminar. Fun re-enforcing practice and activities keep the atmosphere lively. This seminar is good for taking participants to the next level of expertise in project planning and management.

Seminar Duration

3 days - participants plan and then run the simulation project while receiving ongoing in-class coaching from the instructor. Several debriefs and thorough analysis throughout the seminar.

We now offer an online version of this simulation, accessible to anyone who can access the Internet. Contact us for more information about how an individual can benefit from using this simulation.

View our online presentation about this incredible seminar
(Microsoft Internet Explorer required to view this presentation)

Download an Adobe Acrobat PDF document about this seminar

Don't forget that over on the Synergest website there are free educational online games you can play to Have Fun While Learning™.