Why Simulations are a Game-Changer to Build OpEx Capability

Introduction to Simulations in Learning

• Experts with extensive involvement in simulations for learning purposes will attest for the need to shift the focus from traditional training approaches towards building capability and the often-overlooked importance of measuring effectiveness.
• There's a major distinction between training and capability building.  The latter fosters competence and confidence.

Challenges in Conventional Training Methods

• There's an overreliance on PowerPoint-based training methods for conveying complex skills and there are significant limitations in such approaches.
• There's a need for multi-faceted learning that transcends traditional slide-based learning models.
• Organizations and training providers commonly lack effective measurement criteria for assessing the success and impact of training methodologies.
• We should focus on shifting towards evaluating the effectiveness of training models as a primary consideration in their design.

Characteristics of Operational Environments

• The operational environment in which learners actually apply project work is messy.  It's full of complexities and challenges, difficult problems, and the complexity of interactions and teamwork.
• PowerPoint-centric learning, and even interactive e-learning lessons, are inadequate in preparing individuals for such intricate and demanding settings.

Benefits of Simulations

• Simulations can emulate the real-life dynamics and their pivotal role in higher-order skill development.
• Simulations bridge the gap between foundational knowledge and the application of skills in real-world projects.

• Simulations can be enhanced into gamified experiences, generating high engagement and motivation derived from incorporating rules and scoring.

How Effective Simulations are Structured

• Simulations can be categorized based on their open-endedness and complexity, explore various simulation types such as lean simulations, factory simulations, and others.

• Ideally simulations would be integrated into coaching models, aligning them closely with project work for a comprehensive learning experience.
• There are challenges with open-ended simulations, including the potential for participants to veer off-track in extended, less-structured simulations.
• There should be a balance between closed-ended training methods (lessons, quizzes, assessments) and open-ended simulations closely resembling project work.

MoreSteam example: 

Challenges and Limitations of Simulation- Based Blended Learning

• There are scalability limitations of a Simulation-Based Blended Learning approach.  For example, in one site/division you may not have enough people at the same place in their learning journey to be able to have a Simulation exercise on a particular exercise.
• The amount of work that it takes to design and create the structure of this type of system is considerable.  Therefore, an organization trying to develop their own program would be extremely challenging.  

Course Forward:

• Learn more about Blended-Learning here:  https://www.beltcourse.com/blog/blended-learning-flipped-classroom 
• If you liked the idea of doing Simulations in Mural, learn here why our Simulations are a Game-Changer with a Blended-Learning approach!

• And if you'd like to go forward with a Simulation-based Blended Learning approach, why not make it easy on yourself?

  • You don’t need to design a whole structure of lessons and Simulation exercises
  • You don't need to buy Lego sets, you don’t need to schedule or plan the events, you don’t have to tie up your CI resources to teach for 8 hours in one day.
  • We do it all for you, and we do it all virtually or in a hybrid setting!

• Example Belt Course Simulation-based Blended Learning pathways

Take advantage of our promotion taking place now for our A3 Problem-Solver course shown above!  Learn more about it here:  https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7142627086560624640/

Sources:

Belt Course

MoreSteam

Best YouTube videos on the benefits of Simulations for OpEx Skills Development.