Computer-based Project Management Simulation - VX-1
Part of the Synergest Series
Today's organizations require a complex skill-set that project members can't learn by simply reading a book or attending a workshop. People learn best by doing, but training on the job can be too risky when project success is on the line. Simulation-based training bridges the gap between theory and practice. This workshop provides a real-life environment where project members can experiment and safely learn from their mistakes. This is the only computer-based project management simulation that allows participants to plan (not just run) a project. The Simulation is dynamically adaptive, through the use of advanced artificial intelligence components.
This workshop is also offered through the Project Management Institute's SeminarsWorld - why not offer it at your organization on-site?
Why a simulation?
Faced with the age-old dilemma, "no one will hire me as a project manager without experience and how can I gain experience if no one will hire me?" two options exist. Of course, you could spend a year or more working on a project team to begin acquiring experience. Or, you can manage a virtual project and gain a year's worth of project management experience in just 3 days time!
In the virtual project presented in this simulation, you serve as Project Manager. You are asked to manage a yearlong medium sized project. You will need to develop a project plan, select and manage a project team, negotiate with the Customer regarding project changes, make budget/schedule/quality trade-off decisions, build relationships with upper management, the Customer, and the team. You are also required to schedule and hold meetings, respond to and initiate e-mails and phone calls, prepare progress reports and gather information.
How is this project management simulation different?
Actually, this simulation is incredible! The software engine running this simulation uses artificial intelligence to duplicate and emulate the behaviors of typical project-related people. There are over 108 possible personalities built into the simulation, with an unlimited number of combinations of traits. Like in real life, you have to manage your virtual boss, the virtual customer, the virtual team, and of course, the virtual project. If you don't take this simulation seriously, it senses that and you get fired.
This VX-1 simulation matches the five definite criteria of a simulation, according to Margaret Gredler's research "Designing and Evaluating Games and Simulations."
The Five Major Characteristics of a Real Simulation:
1. Problem-based units of learning must relate to a specific task or issue.
2. Subject matter, setting, and issues are not textbook problems or questions.
3. Uses carry out functions associated with their roles and settings.
4. Outcomes are not determined by chance or luck; instead users experience the consequences of their actions.
5. Participants take their role seriously.
In fact, participants take their role so seriously, we have to force them to take breaks, and even have to insist they leave at the end of the day...they want to continue running the simulation!
What is the scenario?
You are the project manager of a 10 to 12 month project. This is the only computer-based project management simulation that has you plan, integrate, then run and manage your project. You have to carefully choose your project team, plan quality activities, upwardly manage the boss, and manage customer expectations. This is a true to life as a simulation can be!
View our narrated online presentation about this incredible workshop
(Microsoft Internet Explorer required to view this presentation)Topics Covered in this workshop
- Project start-up, planning, and optimizing the project plan
- Problem-solving techniques
- Quality management planning and evaluation
- Risk management
- Successful and exciting team-building
- Communication skills
- Tracking and reporting
- Scope change management
- Close-out and turn-over activities
Learning Outcomes
- Develop and implement a project plan
- Apply problem-solving techniques
- Analyze what it takes to deliver quality products on time
- Recognize project pit-falls, and how to avoid them
- Balance scope, budget, schedule, resources, and quality goals
- Develop strategies for selecting, developing, and managing project teams
- Document and interpret project variances
- Think effectively under pressure
- Prepare for the unexpected
- Assess project client expectations and satisfaction
- Have fun while planning and managing a project
Who would benefit from attending this workshop
Project managers, team leads, team members, functional managers, project clients, and stakeholders.
Special Workshop Features
• This Windows-based graphical computer simulation (VX Inside™) provides safe opportunities to test project planning, decision-making abilities, and interpersonal skills.
• Participants receive extensive and immediate feedback about their choices from both the simulation software and the project management professional facilitating the workshop.
• This is the only workshop we have presented where we have to ask people to leave at the end of the day. (They want to continue running the simulation!)
• This workshop is part of the Project Management Institute's SeminarsWorld - also available for private on-site workshops at your location!
PMI Knowledge Areas and Processes Discussed
Integration
Scope
Time
Cost
Quality
Human Resources
Communications
Risk Management
Procurement
Workshop Design Philosophy
The delivery of this workshop is very interactive. Participants work on their own project simulation, receiving immediate feedback. The participants are engaged in many discussions throughout the workshop. Fun re-enforcing practice and activities keep the atmosphere lively.
Workshop Duration
3 days - participants plan and then run the simulation project while receiving ongoing in-class coaching from the instructor. Several debriefs and analysis throughout the workshop.
View our online presentation about this incredible workshop
(Microsoft Internet Explorer required to view this presentation)Download an Adobe Acrobat PDF document about this workshop
