These exercises assess the candidate's analysis and presentation skills. Candidates analyse the content of the exercise booklet that contains a business case, and present the finding to the assessors. The presentation is followed by questions from the assessors.
Upon request, we record the simulation, and work up the recording in two versions:
- We hand over the full material to the participant, if that serves his/her development.
- We hand over a shortened version (3-5 minutes) to the client, that presents the most typical momentum. This is a useful annex to the written report, as it offers a quick and illustrative picture of the simulation, the candidate, and his/her style.
"Vorlinden" Analysis exercise
As the newly appointed strategy and performance director for Vorlinden PLC, an insurance company offering general insurance products (i.e. non-life). Vorlinden is at a crossroads and the participant has been recruited to develop a strategy to take the business forward. He/she is provided with information including: the annual financial statement; policy sales/ renewal data; European insurance spend data; board member views; staff turnover figures; staff and customer survey; a proposal for combining call centre operations and details of two possible acquisitions.
"Papillon Drinks" Analysis exercise
The participant takes on the role of a sales and marketing consultant who has been asked to give advice to
"Goodwell Systems" Analysis exercise
Working for an IT consultancy, the participant is asked to devise a resourcing plan to ensure that the needs of each of the two new big contracts are met. Options include using contractors or training internal staff using quick, but expensive, training or longer-term study on the job with skilled personnel. The options has varied cost, timescale and sustainability implications.
"Glebel Analysis" Analysis exercise
The participant takes the role of the newly appointed Managing Director of a Division of Glebel Foods, a fast moving consumer goods company. Two of the product Divisions (Biscuits and Snackfoods), are performing well, but the third is not achieving its potential. The participant has been appointed to improve results and take steps to grow the business in that Division. He/she is asked to review a range of papers including: income statement and forecast; sales results; customer survey results; a proposal to relocate a factory; and a leadership audit.
"Banco Damasco" Analysis exercise
The participant takes on the role of a senior manager in an European banking group, that recently acquired a retail bank in Brazil. He/she has been seconded to a branch the bank has chosen to become a ‘concept branch’ due to its location. The board of the banking group has asked for a review of the branch, to ensure that the initiative is a success. Information provided includes a branch P&L, product/customer information, employee issues, an internal fraud allegation, bad credit issues, local demographic data and industry trends.
"Diamond Savings" Analysis-presentation exercise
Participant assume the role of Product Manager within the marketing function of Eastern Bank Plc.
"Nord Gas" Analysis-presentation exercise
In this analysis-presentation exercise, participants have to play a team of external consultants who give strategic advice to a factory, Nord Gas.