Training case study using project simulator

At VIRAK, we understand the need to reinforce learning by integrating theory with practical relevant experience and emotions. By combining these aspects of our training solutions we ensure that learning is anchored and immediately useable in private and business environments.

It is largely due to the changing requirements of our clients which have encouraged us to provide innovative training solutions tailored to their specific environment and circumstances.

One such example is a large multi-national company whose headquarters are in Geneva. This company wanted us to come up with a training solution which was 100% aligned with their strategies, reflected their industry, integrated their project methodology and matched the availability of their staff, and of course their budget!

We set ourselves a goal to produce a training solution which integrated at least 70% practical exercises using appropriate technology. We approached the challenge using the following steps –
1) Our consultant worked with the client’s PMO to fully integrate their project methodology and templates – sometimes passing on lessons learned from our own industrial and commercial experience.
2) We integrated key messages which reflected the organisation’s key strategic goals in such areas as new product development, productivity improvement and compliance concerns.
3) We developed a specific case study which reflected a typical project which participants could encounter in their day-to-day work.
4) We structured and developed a 3-day training course aimed at both new project managers and project team members.
5) The training integrated project management theory and best practices using practical exercises always using the client-specific case study
a. Creating a project charter
b. Identifying and analysing stakeholders
c. Collecting stakeholder requirements
d. Defining the project scope and creating the WBS
e. Integrating qualityv f. Planning a realistic project schedule
g. Analysing project risks and taking appropriate action

6) As the client’s projects more than usually involved multi-cultural virtual teams, particular focus was given to the human aspects and challenges of project management
a. Treating the team as key stakeholders
b. Understanding roles and characteristics of team members
c. Building a multi-cultural, virtual team
d. Involving the team
e. Balancing the role of the project manager and his/her relationship with the team
f. Understanding and benefitting from cultural differences

7) A unique element of our training approach was to use a project simulator (Simultrain) to simulate the execution of the project – once again tailored to the client’s case study. Using this PC-based simulation we created a fun environment which also introduced an element of competition to make the experience and learnings memorable.

We have now delivered many courses for this client in many different countries and of course more recently using a virtual approach. And the feedback from the many hundreds of participants?

Fantastic course! - Hugely practical - Great fun - Perfect balance of theory and practical

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