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Tools and methods

We're not interested in fads and phases - we are only interested in doing things well.

We'll start by understanding what the job is, then we'll select the tools and approaches to get it done.

Follow the links below to explore a cross-section of the methods we use to help people learn:

Business simulation

Using business simulations in training programmes

At Interaction, we’re constantly looking for new ways to give people experiences they can learn from. Outdoor-based tasks have been at the heart of our programmes for many years, but we’ve added business simulations to our range of approaches with great success.

Unlike many business simulations that have been used to develop business skills and commercial awareness training, ours are typically not computer based. They also focus on developing behavioural skills or leadership rather than business skills. We give participants a brief and ask them to work through a project or task. We often use actors to play the role of stakeholders in a situation, or we may even invite students or members of the public to take part – this is especially effective for leadership development. Using actors or students raises the stakes and also provides real life opportunities to practise skills, such as influencing or team leadership.

Why is it so effective?

We’ve had some great feedback and some excellent results where we’ve used business simulations. Here are some of the things we’ve found:

  • Participants say they’ve really learnt from doing something that feels as close to work as it can on a programme.
  • The facilitators tend to play the role of coach for the teams as the simulation progresses.
  • This means that people can learn and review what they learn, as they go along with the simulation.
  • Participants can take time out at any time in the simulation and ask for advice or help from the facilitator or each other.
  • Involving actors or members of the public really brings home the reality of the situation to the participants.
  • The experience enables people to give each other valuable feedback about their behaviour and helps them learn from each other.

You can see our case studies for examples or view these search results.

We are happy to give you more information on business simulation projects that we have run. Please email Jill Pennington or call her on 0117 315 5243.