The Participant is asked to step into the role of a Factory HR Manager of a leading motor components manufacturer. Supported by a small team, the Factory HR Manager is responsible for all HR matters at several sites and this entails managing a wide range of correspondence from various levels within the organisation. The issues raised relate to selection, appraisal, training & development, internal communications, rewards, and disciplinary matters. Participants are not required to display specific knowledge of HR practices or legal principles, beyond what would be expected of any line manager.
Competencies: Problem Analysis
The Participant assumes the role of a Regional Director of a Public Sector Agency responsible for the collation and ongoing analysis of demographic data within the UK. The In-Basket contains issues relating to staff, such as recruitment, staff development and the results of a recent Employee Opinion Survey, as well as some issues with direct reports. It also contains items regarding the use of new technology for data analysis, commercial opportunities for the use of their data and various other strategic initiatives.
Working within an organisation which is committed to building sustainable communities and better lives, the Participant will assume the role of a newly appointed Branch Manager within Haven Housing Association. The issues included in this In- Basket are typical of a first-line management role and include managing services to customers, team motivation, maximising income, and performance management. No prior experience of Housing Associations or related services is assumed.
The Participant takes on the role of a recently recruited graduate who is on the company’s Management Trainee Scheme. The scheme is comprised of a series of 3- month placements working on a series of special projects, aimed at giving the individual a broad understanding of the organisation. The Exercise scenario involves the Participant managing a range of issues related to a new set of projects. Items within the In-Basket include emails, circulars and correspondence and the Participant has to process these items within the allotted time.
The Participant assumes the role of a Personal Assistant to the Senior Partner in the Law firm, Parker Woods LLP. They work closely with the Senior Partner providing administrative support for daily work requirements. The Participant is required to deal with issues relating to diary management, internal and external requests, quality checking documents and performance issues. This exercise is one of our more challenging Level A exercises due to the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant.
The Participant assumes the role of a Trainee Store Manager working for a major international retailer, EuroBargain, which has numerous hypermarkets across Europe. They are presented with a range of qualitative and quantitative information relating to past store performance and current retail trends and their task is to analyse the data in order to plan for the upcoming season. The Participant must make recommendations regarding products, staffing and profit in order to maximise one particular store’s market position.
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 Head of Development at Alpha Plastics, a global manufacturing company. Alpha Plastics is looking to expand into Asia in the coming year and there are two locations to choose between for a new site. The Participant’s role is to analyse the information collected to date and to recommend which site should be chosen and then resource the project. Information provided includes company details, Corporate Social Responsibility policies, industry trends and local area data. The Participant is also required to recommend a team to manage and deliver the project taking into account expertise, individual development needs and budget constraints.
An Express version of this exercise is now available.
*** This is an Online Business Simulation Exercise delivered through our VirtualAC Platform. A paper version of this Exercise is also available. ***
The Participant assumes the role of a Personal Assistant to the Senior Partner in the Law firm, Parker Woods LLP. They work closely with the Senior Partner providing administrative support for daily work requirements. The Participant is required to deal with issues relating to diary management, internal and external requests, quality checking documents and performance issues. This exercise is one of our more challenging Level A exercises due to the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant.
The Participant is asked to assume the role of a Regional Manager for a national retailer. The Participant is required to analyse a range of numerical and textual information, including sales, financial performance and customer feedback. Their task is to provide the Board of Directors with a summary of performance and recommendations for future action.
*** This is an Online Business Simulation Exercise delivered through our VirtualAC Platform. ***
The Participant assumes the role of a Customer Service Agent working for a small low-cost airline. It is the Participant’s first day having taken over from their predecessor who has transferred to another department within the airline. Due to an urgent offsite meeting no other members of the organization are available. The participant is required to deal with internal and external customer issues and complaints such as damaged baggage, complaints against staff, reservation errors, rota checking and policy document checking.
