Business simulations are a motivating and effective learning tool. By competing with their competitors within changing market scenarios and in situations requiring a large scope of decision-making, participants practice how to successfully handle new challenges. Through these (virtual) experiences, our simulations offer a high degree of transferable knowledge and skills.

During the simulation, participants assume the managerial role of a virtual unit (overall management of a company or of certain function within a company). They are required to make strategic and operational decisions, lead teams and compete with other units in a simulated environment. They are provided evaluation reports of each round, where they can see the impact of their decisions on the success of their business. Through this, they develop an understanding of the internal and external factors that influence the economic success of a company. In the foreground is holistically networked thinking and acting. Business Simulations help deepen theoretical knowledge by practical application and experiences.

Learn more about the method of business simulations in our video “What are business simulations”.

• Classroom: takes place as a classic classroom instructor led setting. The simulation is conducted usually as a multi-day block seminar type. Theory sessions, accompanying group assignments, decisions of the individual period as well as evaluations by the facilitator alternate in the seminar (coaching or other exercises can be added). This is particularly well suited to achieve learning with and through others and to apply new concepts.
• Blended: With blended learning methodology, the simulation typically takes on the function of a dynamic case study and forms the red thread through a longer-spanned course or learning path (like a semester, in case of universities). Blended designs are the best way to convey specialist content and apply methods directly while not taking too much time out of everyone´s day to day.
• Online: In the online concept, the entire learning experience takes place in a distance (virtual) format, without a presence share. Webinars, knowledge sessions and the business simulations are seamlessly interlinked. The simulation aims to motivate participants through interactivity and playful learning. The strength of the concept lies in the high flexibility of the application and the good scalability of the number of participants, who can play a simulation by themselves or together anywhere and anytime.

In order for your course, learning or training initiative to be a success, it is important to choose the right simulation. Below we have listed the most important factors to consider as of our experience:

1. How many people will attend the seminar/training?
2. What previous knowledge do the participants have? Do they need to be brushed on a topic, taught, or refreshed?
3. Which learning outcomes do you want to focus on?
4. What learning goals should be achieved? Which soft and hard skills should be addressed?
5. How do you measure success?
6. In what way should the simulation be delivered (classroom, online or blended learning)?

Each group needs at least one PC or laptop. However, since each participant receives access to the group account anyway, everyone can use their own device (laptop, PC or tablet). Using the TOPSIM – Cloud allows participants to make decisions from different locations.

Typically, a team in the business simulation consists of 3-5 participants. Depending on the previous knowledge of the participants and the learning objective of the event, however, this number may vary.

In single-player mode, participants play alone or in a team against computer-controlled competitors. Here, the learning speed is determined by the individual(s). Both online and blended learning formats are possible. The advantages of the single-player mode are the temporal adaptation to the individual learning speed, the possibility of repetition of the simulation, the low support effort and the large number of possible participants. The disadvantages include the requirement of a high level of self-motivation of the participants and the lack of personal supervision by the seminar leader.

In multi-player mode teams compete against other teams. The time frame is determined by the seminar leader/instructor. Classroom, online and blended learning formats are ideal for this. This mode offers the following advantages: high motivation through the competition, exciting group dynamics, learning content can be adjusted to the periods and a targeted evaluation of the results by the instructor is possible. Disadvantages of this mode are the high preparation and support effort and the necessary provision of premises for carrying out the simulation.

We are second to none in the variety of simulations we propose: TOPSIM – business simulations are available across industries, topics and levels of complexity. We offer them online (in the TOPSIM – Cloud) or offline.  In addition to our standard options, we can also create custom simulations to meet even the most specific requirements and create highly bespoke individual learning and organizational development experiences.

If you have not run a TOPSIM business simulation before, we recommend that you take part in one of our train the trainer seminars. These trainings are led by experienced seminar instructors, who explain the simulations as well as the typical questions in detail. You will get to know fields of application and possible uses of our simulations and learn more about the seminar design and its conception. In addition, we will explain the methodology and didactics of our simulations and discuss specific simulation content (business and industry related).

These trainings are organized by TOPSIM GmbH at regular intervals. For the use of our business simulations as well as to benefit from the support offered by TOPSIM GmbH, participation in a train the trainer course is a prerequisite.

If you have any questions, please contact us by e-mail ([email protected]) or by phone (+49 707179420). The response time for a mail request are usually 24 hours and on a call you can get a response immediately. Prerequisite for the use of the support is the participation in a train the trainer seminar.

If you are planning a seminar on the weekend or outside business hours (8:00-17:00 CET), please notify the support two weeks in advance to make sure one of our TOPSIM experts is available for you.

If you have technical problems, please contact us by e-mail ([email protected]) or by phone (+49 707179420). Prerequisite for the use of the support is the participation in a seminar leader training.

We do not offer support for participants in a TOPSIM seminar! If you are a participant, always contact your instructor for any problem.

For quick support, it is helpful to have the SeminarID (number displayed on the button to log in to the Tutor Interface) or the name of the licensee. With this information, we can go directly to the appropriate interface and answer your questions as quickly as possible.