The Participant assumes the role of a Government Analyst. The task is to provide reasoned advice on policy regarding state pensions. Detailed information is provided for projected effects of changes in tax and demographics and values of the Organisation to which the Participant belongs. The information is presented in various forms, graphs, tables, Government Papers, advisory documents and newspaper articles. Content is highly complex, but specialist knowledge of financial services or past Government policy is not required. There is no simple right answer, the Participant must provide a reasoned solution.
Competencies: Attention to Detail
The Participant plays the part of an external Consultant asked to conduct a benchmark analysis of competitive standing in the marketplace for Seagrooves, a watch manufacturer. The Participant is presented with a range of numerical and textual data, including financial performance, market share, staff headcount, budget expenditure profiles, market locations and much more. Participants do not need any knowledge of benchmarking procedures in order to do this Exercise.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Flexibility
Openness to Change
Listening
Persuasive Oral Communication
Impact
The Participant assumes the role of a General Manager within a service organisation, who has been asked by the Marketing Director to do an analysis of the level of service provided in comparison with competitors. The Participant is provided with a large amount of numerical data in tabular and graphical form as well as textual information relating to feedback from customers and reports on general industry trends. The Marketing Director has asked for a report highlighting appropriate conclusions and recommendations for action.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Flexibility
Openness to Change
Listening
Persuasive Oral Communication
Impact
The Participant assumes the role of Programme Manager responsible for the Raising Ethnic Minority Achievement Programme (REMAP). REMAP deliver practical initiatives to help school pupils from ethnic minority groups to realise their potential and increase attainment levels. REMAP has been working with Local Authorities to pilot various initiatives to support these goals. The Participant is asked to analyse information relating to these initiatives and make recommendations as to which should be given funding for expansion into more schools. Information is both qualitative and quantitative, and includes REMAP aims and objectives, measured outcomes from the pilot, stakeholder comments, expansion costs and pupil attainment figures.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Flexibility
Impact
Listening
Openness to Change
Persuasive Oral Communication
Stress Tolerance
Written Communication
This is a dual task exercise that has a focus on creativity. Task 1 requires the Participant to generate ideas to meet the needs of the brief. Task 2 provides more detailed information for the Participant to analyse and then recommend which ideas to pursue.
The Participant assumes the role of a Marketing Executive in a UK Nationwide Energy company, EnerGenius. They are responsible for developing ideas for an advertising campaign for a new range of renewable energy products. The Participant is provided with the information regarding their Company, competitor activity, internal stakeholders, consumer preferences and advertising channels. They must analyse this information, suggest creative ideas, arrive at well reasoned recommendations, outline an implementation plan and convey this information clearly to their manager, the Marketing Manager.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Flexibility
Impact
Listening
Openness to Change
Persuasive Oral Communication
Stress Tolerance
Written Communication
Participants assume the role of a Senior Consultant in a large consulting group who, as part of a bid process for a consulting assignment, has to submit their recommendations to the Board of Kashai Inc, a potential client, regarding an organisation-wide Change Programme. The absorption of several new subsidiaries has forced the business to re-evaluate its position in the marketplace, not least to examine creative ways of maximising customer value and generating higher profit margins. The Participant is furnished with all the necessary information which they must analyse in order to provide the Board with comprehensive recommendations.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Flexibility
Openness to Change
Listening
Persuasive Oral Communication
Impact
The Participant assumes the role of Project Manager at Arion Capital, a leading provider of life insurance, pensions and asset management services. The Company, which was formed following a merger, is currently going through considerable change. The Participant’s role is to manage the implementation of a new e-learning system. They must analyse information and make recommendations as to which supplier or suppliers should be chosen to undertake the system implementation. The information provided is both qualitative and quantitative and includes company details, financial and cost data and associated risks and benefits.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Stress Tolerance
Flexibility
Openness to Change
Listening
Persuasive Oral Communication
Impact
An Express version of this exercise is now available.
After successful penetration into the European market three years ago, Resoniq an audio-electrical manufacturer, wishes to follow this with a launch into the wider international market. The Participant plays the role of the Senior Manager and must ascertain which of the strategies available would prove to be the most advantageous and must present their decision in the form of a written report.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Flexibility
Openness to Change
Listening
Persuasive Oral Communication
Impact
The Participant assumes the role of Procurement Manager for Hampshire Public Health Service Trust. The PHS Trust is re-developing one of its hospital sites and aims to achieve best service delivery and ‘value for money’ through partnership with a private organisation. The Participant is required to analyse a range of numerical and textual information, including a risk allocation matrix, to assess submissions from potential partners. The Participant must provide a considered proposal, making recommendations as to which submissions will be short-listed to the next stage. The Participant does not need any knowledge of procurement procedures in order to complete this exercise.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Flexibility
Openness to Change
Listening
Persuasive Oral Communication
Impact
An Express version of this exercise is now available.
Participants assume the role of a Trainee Business Analyst working for a global consultancy, Tanzecure, which specialises in providing financial data and market intelligence to their clients. A client has asked for information on five different products to be analysed in order to decide which product to invest in and launch. Participants are presented with comprehensive information about the market, customers, competitors and the five products in question and must make recommendations having analysed all available information.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Flexibility
Openness to Change
Listening
Persuasive Oral Communication
Impact
