Performance Management Simulation Simulation

In the simulation, participants will:

• Analyze comprehensive company performance dashboards and market reports.

• Set and prioritize strategic objectives for the upcoming period.

• Allocate finite financial and human resources across competing departments and projects.

• Define, track, and interpret KPIs to gauge the health of the business.

• Make tactical decisions to address operational inefficiencies, market opportunities, or internal crises.

• Present performance results and strategic rationale to a simulated "Board of Directors".

• Collaborate in teams to align different functional perspectives on company strategy.

• Pivot strategies based on feedback and changing market conditions.

• Design a coherent performance management framework aligned with business strategy.

• Critique and select meaningful KPIs that drive desired behaviors and outcomes.

• Interpret complex performance data to diagnose business health and root causes of issues.

• Make informed resource allocation decisions that balance short-term pressures with long-term strategic goals.

• Effectively communicate performance stories and strategic recommendations to stakeholders.

• Foster organizational alignment by linking departmental goals to overarching company objectives.

• Develop agility in adjusting performance targets and initiatives in response to external shocks.

• Build confidence in executive-level decision-making under conditions of uncertainty and incomplete information.

1. Strategic Briefing Teams receive their company's mission, strategic position, and market data.

** 2. Analysis and Planning** Participants review past performance dashboards, conduct SWOT analysis, and set strategic priorities for the next period.

3. Decision Input Teams allocate budgets, launch initiatives, set target KPIs, and make operational adjustments via the simulation platform.

4. Collaborative Negotiation Team members debate priorities, representing different functional viewpoints to reach a consensus plan.

5. Execution and Review The simulator processes decisions, generating new financial statements, KPI scores, and market feedback.

6. Reporting and Reflection Teams analyze their results, prepare management reports, and present their performance narrative. Instructors lead debriefs to connect outcomes to core concepts before the next round begins.

• Who is the Performance Management Simulation designed for? It is ideal for business students, aspiring managers, and current professionals in roles such as business analysis, operations, finance, and general management who need to understand how to manage and improve organizational performance.

• Do participants need prior finance or data analysis experience? No prior specialized experience is required. The simulation includes foundational instructional content, intuitive dashboards, and guides suitable for all levels, from undergraduates to executives.

• How long does the simulation typically run? The core experience is designed for 2-4 hours but is highly modular. It can be condensed into a shorter workshop or extended across multiple sessions for deeper exploration.

• Is this an individual or team-based activity? It supports both formats. The team-based version is highly recommended as it replicates the cross-functional collaboration essential for real-world performance management.

• What business metrics and KPIs are used? Participants work with a range of common metrics, including profitability ratios (ROI, ROE), customer metrics (NPS, churn), operational metrics (productivity, quality), and employee engagement scores.

• Can the simulation scenario be customized for our industry? Yes. While a general business scenario is provided, key parameters, market dynamics, and relevant KPIs can be tailored to focus on specific sectors like retail, technology, or manufacturing.

• How is participant or team performance assessed within the simulation? Performance is measured holistically. The simulator scores teams based on the achievement of strategic objectives, improvement in KPI scores, financial health and profitability, and the coherence and persuasiveness of their performance reports.

• What roles does this simulation prepare participants for? It builds foundational skills for performance analysts, business unit managers, strategy consultants, operational leaders, and anyone on a path to general management or executive leadership.

• Achievement of set targets, profitability, and sustainable growth.

• Quality of performance diagnosis and data interpretation.

• Coherence and justification of resource allocation and strategic choices.

• Clarity and persuasiveness of written reports and executive presentations.

• Ability to work effectively in a team to synthesize different perspectives.