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What is METIS™
METIS™ is a revolutionary approach to executive and talent development that combines the best coaching and training strategies with interactive computer simulation. Our approach merges Self Learning (coaching, independent study) and Social Learning (traditional classroom training, team coaching) and SIMbolic Learning™ (simulations) providing the most powerful learning approach available and a combination of human touch and high technology. Optimal learning occurs where all three elements converge.
What does METIS™ stand for?
Multi-sensory
Education
Through
Interactive
Simulations
Why METIS™?
- Customized and scalable learning solutions that fit your scheduling requirements, geography and strategic objectives.
- Learning technologies that engage the participant and align with a new paradigm of learning that is interactive, entertaining and that provides immediate feedback.
- A menu of inter-related learning options that fit time, objectives, demographic and budgeting requirements.
- Convenient and real-time learning that can be used from a laptop anywhere or in a training setting.
- Pre-emptive and risk-free learning through simulated scenarios mimic reality without real-life consequences.
- Accelerated business results from rapid application of new skills and behaviors.
- Measurement and metrics of SIMbolic Learning™ can be defined, assessed, scored and uploaded into any learning management system.
- Time is compressed; you can see 5 years of your decisions and business consequences in a 2-day program without the risk inherent in the "real" world.
- On-going support through executive coaching focused on the individual's aspirations and development needs and the organization’s desire for talent development helps maintain and improve competencies company-wide.
- Optimal learning and a greater ROI occurs when Self Learning, Social Learning and SIMbolic Learning™ are incorporated seamlessly.
What is SIMbolic Learning™?
SIMbolic Learning™ is learning through the use of interactive computer simulations that mimic real-life scenarios providing preemptive "learning-by-doing" in a risk-free environment. The results are accelerated skills application and sustainable learning through practice and immediate feedback.
What areas of learning can be improved using SIMbolic Learning™?
Business Acumen * Leadership * Relational Skills * Sales Skills * Interviewing Skills * Coaching Skills for Managers * Customer Service * Product Knowledge * Work Flow and Project Management * Team-building * Compliance and Regulatory (SOX, Ethics) * Crisis & Disaster Management * and more!
What is a simulation?
- To simulate: the ability to model a system, scenario or skill that allows learning via the use of an interactive application or concept
- Simulation is used to APPLY learned concepts in a pre-emptive mode, in a risk-free and realistic environment
- You learn by doing and receiving immediate feedback
- "If this" then "what" principle
- Freedom to choose your decisions or paths provides consequences to your actions
- Your actions result in outcomes: good or bad
- Immediate feedback from a "virtual coach" is critical to learning
- The simulation moves to resolution keeping the participant actively engaged in the learning process
- Common experience for real and virtual teams for discussion, analysis and immediate feedback
What are some industries that use METIS™ and SIMbolic Learning™?
Banking * Consumer Goods * Pharmaceutical * Energy & Utilities * Sales Organizations * Manufacturing * Healthcare * Telecom * Transportation * Government * Government Agencies * Homeland Security * Crisis and Disaster Management * Legal * Capital Management
How can I use a simulation with training and coaching?
SIMbolic Learning™ can be used to support the integration of learning through more traditional vehicles such as training and coaching. Training is developed in alignment with the organization's strategic objectives. Executive coaching provides on-going support for the individual to develop the competencies desired within an organization. We then develop the simulation in alignment with the learning objectives and curriculum of the training. During the training class we choose appropriate times to run the simulation off a laptop and have interactive discussion as a large group or as small groups about the decisions in the scenarios. The class applies their learning through doing and discussion of decisions and outcomes. Documentation may be linked to the simulation. The simulation may be used long-term to support the on-going coaching of the individual. It allows the individual to practice new behaviors in a risk-free environment before tackling these in real life. After the training, the simulation may be placed online for participants to access as a refresher or it may also be put on CD's to handout with training workbooks to later be used as a refresher, maximizing the investment.
But my workforce is located throughout the globe? How can I involve all of them?
One of the benefits of using simulations as an adjunct to training is that a simulation may be accessed by anyone, anywhere if it is web-based. We are able to provide web-based simulations that can be accessed and used by individuals and groups regardless of location.
Can I measure the success of the learning through simulations?
Yes. Metrics to measure how well the individual is performing against the competencies standards may be built into the simulation at the beginning. The individual may view how well he/she is doing even as they are engaged in the simulation by viewing the competency meter. This needs to be included at the inception of the simulation. It has been a challenge in the past to measure learning through training and coaching. Simulations provide the ability to create metrics within the program that addresses this challenge.
What does a simulation look like?
Our simulations are realistic, populated by actors in 3D modeling environments. The "virtual coach" here will give audio feedback as well as text below. Your decision routes are placed in the white area to the left of the coach. Buttons on the right may represent phone calls, email or documentation that supports the simulation. Principles behind SIMbolic Learning™: "If this" then "what" principle * Freedom to choose your decisions or paths provides consequences to your actions * Immediate feedback from a "virtual coach" is critical to learning * The simulation moves to resolution keeping the participant actively engaged in the learning process.
How are simulations created?
This chart gives an example of the flow of how a simulation is created. This illustrates a simplified simulation model.
What if I don’t need a customized simulation but something more generic and less expensive?
Our partnership with Simulations International allows us to access the largest simulation database in the world. Simulations International is the leader in simulations with a team of experts that will consult on the best option to achieve our desired outcome. Access to the Simulations International database accelerates your simulation project, reduces costs and time to deployment and produces business results quickly.
What are some options for customization?
Options for customization that you might consider are:
- Include your senior executive or CEO within the simulation, perhaps opening the simulation with an introduction on the company’s strategic objectives behind the learning
- Simulations may be produced in multiple languages, addressing the needs of a global workforce
- Metrics to determine skills transfer and competency integration may be built into the simulation, giving you a better understanding of your return on investment
- We encourage you to use your own "culture" in terminology, language, services or products to make the most realistic scenario for learning integration and practice
- Business acumen simulations are tailored for your leadership team and constructed to address the future you want to create for your organization
- As experts in simulations, Simulations International collaborates with Sophia Associates, Inc. and clients to provide expert advice saving you time, energy, and costly mistakes.
Tell me more about the partnership between Sophia Associates, Inc. and Simulations International?
Over dinner overlooking the AnnapolisHarbor in Maryland the idea for an optimal learning program that combined executive coaching, expert training and "learning by doing" simulations was born! Lori Kavle and Alicia Rodriguez conceived the idea through a discussion on how future leaders need to be developed now, each woman bringing her expertise with learning and technology to the discussion. Both women own successful women-owned businesses (Sophia Associates is an 8a/SDB) and view collaboration as a teaming that benefits clients of both firms. With the facilitation of a mutual friend who introduced the two women, METIS™ and SIMbolic Learning™ was created!
How will I know if METIS™ and SIMbolic Learning™ is right for my company?
Seeing is believing. Allow us to provide a no-obligation consultation and a complimentary demonstration of a simulation to your leadership team. We can answer all your questions, provide our recommendations to your challenges and partner with you to create a powerful, integrated learning program that is scalable, cost-effective, customized to your strategic objectives and budget, and that provides high intrinsic motivation that works especially well with Generation X & Y learners.
To schedule a consultation, click here. |
