Cognitus training
Systems Thinking and Business Modelling with iThink
A 3-day essential skills workshop with iThink®
This workshop is a practical introduction to ideas and simulation tools that will help you to build - and to test - business development strategies and plans that you can be confident will work.
Systems thinking - a visual language. You will learn to apply the visual ‘language’ of resources and feedback (system maps) to describe organisational structure and performance.
Simulation modelling. You will learn how to transform system maps directly into working simulation models using iThink – a simple yet extremely powerful simulation toolset.
Transparent financial tools. You will learn how to transform simulations into powerful financial tools that transcend spreadsheets – adding simplicity and transparency to all levels of financial analysis.
Engaging the right people in strategy. You will learn to apply a consistent strategy development process that engages your managers, makes the best of their knowledge and ensures that your team are all “on the same page”.
Communicating strategy. You will learn to build management interfaces to use simulations to communicate strategy across your organisation.
Testimonials
“Strategy simulation with iThink® has tremendous value in energy resource planning. The high level approach enables senior management to see all the issues, to learn quickly and to make better informed investment and operational decisions” Field Manager – BP Exploration
“What strategy simulation with iThink® gives us is a high level picture of the full lifecycle of our key assets. This allows us to analyse many investment scenarios, providing awareness of the long-term consequences" Asset Manager – Scottish Power
“By simulating our R&D portfolio with iThink® we were, for the first time, able to see, understand and communicate the interdependent outcomes of long-term R&D investment opportunities” Strategy Director – Major European Pharma Company
Who will benefit?
Strategy, planning and business development practitioners; executives and finance staff with strategic or operational change responsibilities; management consultants; investment analysts, etc.
The workshop provides a basic introduction to:
- Systems Thinking (ST): a universal language to describe structure and behaviour
- System dynamics (SD): a complete framework for strategy simulation
- Resource-based strategy: describing business structures and performance implications
- The iThink strategy simulation toolbox
- Creating resource-based strategies: practical cases and templates
- Strategy valuation: scenario development, simulation and communication
- The SD management engagement process
- The way ahead: iThink simulation and SD development pathways.
No previous experience with iThink® or business modelling is required, although you may benefit by some pre-reading on the resources page at www.iseesystems.com.