The Participant assumes the role of a Regional Manager for a large book retailer, Malden Books. They are required to review data which has been identified through a number of nationwide audits, analyse the performance of their region and of the organisation in relation to its competitors, and provide recommendations. The Participant is provided with details of the marketplace as a whole, competitor activity, regional performance, staffing information, and surveys from customers and staff. Participants are also asked to consider how their recommendations should be communicated to key stakeholders.
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
Written Communication
The Participant assumes the role of a Retail Jewellery Store Manager who has just been appointed as a Store Development Manager, responsible for identifying and reporting the development requirements of a number of stores. The Participant is asked to investigate the reasons underlying the poor sales performance of one of the stores they now have responsibility for. There are a number of significant factors that need to be reviewed in order for the Participant to be able to submit a considered written proposal to their Managing Director.
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
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.
Participants assume the role of Operations Director of Porion Group, an international Market Research Company. Porion is considering acquiring one of three smaller companies to further continue its growth strategy and global expansion. Participants must analyse quantitative and qualitative data, choose one option and justify their recommendation to the CEO. Participants must also consider any practicalities to ensure the acquisition proceeds smoothly.
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
Interpersonal Sensitivity
Impact
The Participant is asked to assume the role of an Administrative Assistant in the non-fiction section of the Marketing Department of Somersby Books Ltd, a medium-sized publishing company. Having been with the company for about six months and keen to make their mark in the department, the Participant is producing a sales analysis report which they intend to submit to the Marketing Manager in time for the meeting on the forthcoming product catalogue. The Participant is required to analyse a range of data and produce a detailed report which includes their recommendations on which titles to exclude from the catalogue.
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
Interpersonal Sensitivity
Impact
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 recently appointed Marketing Manager for Brand Marketing in Lockhart International. They are responsible for developing and proposing strategies and corresponding marketing plans for their assigned Brand Portfolio. The Participant is asked to analyse a variety of information regarding the Company, product range, marketing legislation, target market, competitors, market research and stakeholders. They must suggest creative ideas, arrive at well reasoned recommendations, create a plan and convey this information clearly.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Flexibility
Impact
Interpersonal Sensitivity
Openness to Change
Written Communication
The Participant assumes the role of Head of Commercial Operations at Redisso, a medium-sized software solutions business. A Non-Executive Director on Redisso’s Board has voiced concerns about declining profit margins and highlighted a need to re-structure the business and realign its growth strategy. The Participant must carry out a detailed review of Redisso’s financial and commercial performance and set out recommendations for how this might be improved in the short, medium and long term.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Impact
Listening
Persuasive Oral Communication
Stress Tolerance
Written Communication
An Express version of this exercise is now available.
The Participant assumes the role of a Research Officer working for the Education and Self-Improvement Group (ESIG), a public body who provide training initiatives for adults and young people. The Participant must analyse four different training courses and make recommendations to the Head of Procurement as to how to reduce costs to meet the specified ESIG target. The Participant is provided with a range of quantitative and qualitative data and is expected to consider all of the information provided to make a reasoned and objective decision to the Head of Procurement.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
Flexibility
Listening
Openness to Change
Persuasive Oral Communication
Written Communication
Express exercises are condensed versions of their original counterparts. They assess fewer competencies and take less time to both complete and mark.
The Participant plays the role of an Area Sales Manager of a recently amalgamated pharmaceutical company, Merecom Pharmaceuticals. Due to the merger the Manager must re-organise their sales region. Written and graphical information is provided, including; product sales, potential competitor information, sales representatives’ performance and logistical considerations. The aim is to supply the Business Unit Director with a written report of how the objectives can be achieved.
Please note that the following competencies are only assessed within an optional briefing included in this exercise:
